This Week in Geek (11/11/2024–11/17/2024)

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In-Person Events
Virtual Events

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, November 11, to Sunday, November 17.

Although inclusion in This Week in Geek is not an official endorsement of any event or organizer, we do our best to feature events that appear safe, responsible, and consistent with our mission and values. If you feel that one of the events below is incompatible with Twin Cities Geek as an organization, we encourage you to contact us at info@twincitiesgeek.com with your concerns.

In-Person Events

A Christmas Carol

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, December 29; various times
Where: Guthrie Theater

The classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol is back at the Guthrie Theater with their fun adaptation that debuted in 2021. This production stays true to the familiar story of Scrooge and his visits with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future, while bringing a fresh perspective and injecting humor from the Dickens original (read our full 2021 review here). This year the Guthrie is also celebrating 50 years of this holiday stage tradition including special festivities during their spirit week of November 12 through November 17. Tickets are $29–139.

Sonic and Friends Meet & Greet

What: Family, Movies
When: Tuesday, November 12, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Mall of America

In anticipation of the upcoming film release for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, characters Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow will be stopping by the Mall of America for a free meet and greet. But equip those power sneakers and get there fast, because they’ll only be there for three hours.

Talk of the Stacks: Minnesota Cookie Traditions

What: Books, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Central Library & Virtual via Zoom

Celebrate Minnesota cookie traditions and 20 years of the Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest at this free author event. Longtime Strib food editor Lee Svitak Dean and food writer Rick Nelson have teamed up to author The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book: 100 Best Recipes from the Star Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest, which compiles the best recipes along with baking tips, essays, and bakers’ stories. The event will conclude with an author signing, and books will be available for purchase.

Petri Dish Conversation—Relocating to Mars: How Will We Transform Extraterrestrial Environments

What: Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Urban Growler

Petri Dish is a series of conversations about biology’s effects on our lives and futures with University of Minnesota experts hosted by UMN’s College of Biological Sciences. This free event explores what Earthly organisms would be needed when colonizing other planets, what biodiversity might look like in that context, and the implications of introducing our life forms to these new environments. Tickets are $5 or free for UMN students.

Nerd Nite: November Edition

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Black Hart of St. Paul

The organizers of Nerd Nite invite you out for a night of “nice drink, good company, and some cold. hard. facts.” Those cold, hard facts come in the form of “nerdy TED talks” where community members dive into a topic they are passionate about. November’s event has presentations on Northern Ireland, Lego-based logic, and Irish Whiskey.

Walker Art Center’s Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, November 14, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center

Get creative at the Walker Art Center’s weekly Art Club during the museum’s free Thursday nights. Explore different mediums and ideas through themed activities designed to be accessible for all ages and levels of experience. Materials are free while supplies last. This week’s theme is “Color,” which is inspired by the vibrant exhibition Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon.

Lore Podcast Live

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pantages Theatre

The podcast Lore will be bringing their award-winning storytelling of frightening real-life history to the Pantages Theatre stage. Tickets are $48.

Steve-O: The Super Dummy Tour

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: State Theatre

Actor, comedian, and stunt-performer Steve-O is bringing his latest show to the State Theatre. The Super Dummy Tour is a “very naughty multimedia experience” that mixes comedic stories of past exploits and footage of them with new stunt recordings that raise the bar on extremity and push past the boundaries of what would be allowed to air on YouTube or Jackass. Tickets are $27.75-55.75.

I Saw the TV Glow Screening

What: Movies
When: Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center

Enjoy a free screening of I Saw the TV Glow, a psychological horror film from A24 where a mysterious, late-night TV show that features a hidden supernatural world leads a teenager to question his identity and view of reality. This free event is presented by TriLingua Cinema. There will be free popcorn, as well as additional drinks and treats available for purchase from Roots Cafe.

The Boba Fettish Ball

What: Nightlife
When: Friday, November 15, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Ground Zero Nightclub

Star Wars and flow-dancing geeks will have more than their fill with this night of dance, costumes, and celebration. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character to join the fashion parade on stage. This will be a flow-friendly dance floor, so make sure to bring your flow props if you have them. In addition to the dancing, there will be aerial acrobatics, fire magic, live art, local vendors, and more. Tickets for this 21 and over event are $15.

Music for the Royal Courts with Edward Parmentier

What: Music
When: Saturday, November 16, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Mount Olive Lutheran Church

Iconic harpsichordist Edward Parmentier will be doing a rare solo performance of early classical music that was enjoyed by the royal courts. The concert will feature compositions by François Couperin, William Byrd, and more. Tickets are $30 for general admission or $10 for students.

Feral Void: A Neopian Night of EDM

What: Nightlife, Gaming
When: Saturday, November 16, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Trichome Lounge

Celebrate 25 years of Neopets with a night of dancing and gaming with Feral Void and 2D Con!  Featured performers include Nephilium, Alli D, Serenity, Love Letters from Amsterdam, Saxon, and Theology. There will also be a costume contest – so be sure to dress in your favorite Neopian-inspired looks or cosplay. This event is 21 and over, and tickets are $15.

2D Con is also hosting an official Neopets Birthday Bash on Sunday, November 17. While the RSVP list is currently full, you can join the waitlist for a chance to get in on more Neopets fun.

Real Housewives Drag Brunch with Gizelle Bryant

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Where: Quincy Hall

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week, celebrates the iconic Real Housewives franchise with special guest Gizelle Bryant (Real Housewives of Potomac) and performers Luna Muse, Onya, and Mercedes Iman Diamond (Rupaul’s Drag Race). Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $20-50, and attendees must purchase the brunch buffet during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, November 17, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Source Comics and Games

Shieldmaiden Sundays are a dedicated space for female-identifying (including trans women/femme) and nonbinary nerds and geeks at Source Comics and Games. This is a recurring weekly event providing a space for women to play games, chat about comics, cosplay, or just enjoy the company of other geeks. Be sure to check out the Source calendar for additional events!

Choose Your Starter! Pokémon Paint & Sip

What: Arts
When: Sunday, November 17, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Inbound BrewCo

Head to Inbound BrewCo for an afternoon of nerdy painting! Choose to paint your favorite original starter Pokémon: Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Pikachu. This event is open to all ages and skill levels, no painting or art experience necessary. Tickets are $30.

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Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, November 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Get your trivia on from the comfort of home with Geeks Who Drink’s free online trivia night. Prove your mettle, and maybe learn a little something!

Free Virtual Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Tuesday, November 12, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Get your yoga mat and water ready for a free yoga class streamed from the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5. See the event page on the Union Depot website for more info, as well as additional in-person yoga events.

Talk of the Stacks: Minnesota Cookie Traditions

What: Books, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Central Library & Virtual via Zoom

Celebrate Minnesota cookies traditions and 20 years of the Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest at this free author event. Longtime Strib food editor Lee Svitak Dean and food writer Rick Nelson have teamed up to author The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book: 100 Best Recipes from the Star Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest, which compiles the best recipes along with baking tips, essays, and bakers’ stories.

Zoom Discussion of A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

What: Books
When: Tuesday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

The North Country Gaylaxians book club (a local group that reads and discusses science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other speculative fiction with LGBTQ+ or similar content by LGBTQ+ authors) will be hosting a discussion of the book A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. The upcoming read for December will be Bang Bang Bodhisatvva by Aubrey Wood.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, November 13, at 7:45 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Start your morning with yoga at the zoo! Each week, the instructor teaches a yoga routine live from exhibits around the zoo. These classes are appropriate for both beginners and experienced yogis. Classes are $15 each for nonmembers, with reduced rates available for zoo members or when registering for multiple classes at the same time. Sessions are recorded and available to view during the week for those who are unable to tune in live.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

The Twin Cities Geek art club meets every Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Twin Cities Geeks Discord. Hop on voice or video and chat while you create art, then share your finished pieces on the #art-club channel! This event is open to all. You can join by visiting twincitiesgeek.com/discord.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Vimeo

Enjoy a free screening of an obscure film with Miss Emmy Martian and other cinephiles on the Dumb Industries website every Wednesday night.

Ice Cream! The History of America’s Favorite Dessert

What: Educational
When: Thursday, November 14, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Learn about the history of ice cream, including its evolution, how it went from being a high society treat to a staple dessert enjoyed by all, and modern flavor trends. This webinar will be led by educator and food enthusiast Erik Hodgetts and will wrap up with a Q&A. Tickets are $12.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–High School Classics Revisited: Ethan Frome

What: Educational
When: Thursday, November 14, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

The Smithsonian Institution, home to famed museums and world-class research centers, is bringing educational programs and art courses online for all to enjoy. At this event, take a deep literary dive into Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, including explorations of the prose and narrative techniques, as well as analyses of social depictions of gender, class, and desire. General-admission tickets are $25, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

The Women of Supernatural

What: Movies
When: Saturday, November 16, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Actresses from the hit show Supernatural will be coming together for a panel discussion and to answer fan questions. Panelists include Ruth Connell, Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster, Alaina Huffman, and more. Tickets are $50. There are also meet and greet sessions after the panel with an add-on price of $110.

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So, which of these events will you be attending? What events would you like to see featured in the future? Let us know in the comments section below or contact us via email. And don’t forget to add your events to the Twin Cities Geek Community Calendar!