This Week in Geek (2/3/2025–2/9/2025)

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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, February 3, to Sunday, February 9.

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

Art Shanty Projects

What: Arts, Community, Family
When: Saturdays and Sundays, now through February 9; at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Lake Harriet/Bdé Umáŋ

Venture onto the ice for this annual adventure and experience an eclectic mix of art installations, live performances, games, activities, and more. Check out the website for a full list and description of this year’s shanties, as well as the performance schedule. The festival is free to attend, but if you’d like to support this community tradition, there are donation and membership options available.

Minnesota Ice Festival

What: Arts, Family
When: Now through Sunday, February 16; various times
Where: Viking Lakes (Eagan)

Head over to Viking Lakes this winter for some frozen outdoor fun. The Minnesota Ice Festival features an 18,000-square-foot ice maze, scavenger hunts, skating rink, theme nights, fire pits, and more. Tickets are $25, with reduced rates for kids under 15.

Ice Castles

What: Arts, Family
When: Now through Monday, February 17; various times
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Embrace winter and explore the frozen wonderland of the Ice Castles. This annual attraction created by “professional ice artisans” features ice tunnels, slides, sculptures, a polar pub, and more. Ice Castles is open various hours Thursdays through Mondays. General admission tickets are $12–24, with reduced rates for children.

Board Game Night

What: Gaming
When: Monday, February 3, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Cider Co

Tower Games presents a free night of board games, card games, and company at Minneapolis Cider Company on the first Monday of the month. “Bring a friend, a game, or even just yourself!”

Games + Grains

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Insight Brewing

Join 2D Con for a night of games and drinks at Insight Brewing. There will be both tabletop and video games available to play on the first and third Wednesday of every month.

Kyle Lukoff, A World Worth Saving, with RECLAIM

What: Books
When: Wednesday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Red Balloon Bookshop

Newberry Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff is celebrating the release of his latest novel, A World Worth Saving, an “ultimately uplifting adventure that intertwines elements of Jewish mythology with an unflinching examination of the impacts of transphobia.” The novel follows a trans teen navigating life after coming out during COVID lockdowns, discovering that the conservative meetings his parents make him attend are run by demons that feed on misery, and figuring out if he can save a world that rejects him and his friends. Lukoff will be joined in conversation by Vee Signorelli, and RECLAIM will also be sharing information on how to support queer and trans youth. This event is free to attend and books will be available for purchase.

Comedy Night at the Mudd Room

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, February 5, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Mudd Room

Enjoy a night of laughs every week at the Mudd Room’s local comedy showcase. This week features Elis Cole. This event is 21+ and cover charge is $10, which gets added to your bill. There are no seat reservations or advanced ticketing, so be sure to get there early to grab a prime spot and some tasty bites.

Coffee Chat: Women’s Fashion Through the Ages

What: Educational
When: Thursday, February 6, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Historic Fort Snelling

Coffee Chat is an informal discussion series hosted by the Minnesota Historical Society that explores different aspects of Fort Snelling’s history while enjoying a nice cup of coffee. This event looks at women’s clothing of the 1820s through the 1940s and the major historical and cultural events that influenced these fashions. Coffee Chats are included with regular site admission of $0–12; see website for more information.

Minneapolis Institute of Ice Opening

What: Arts
When: Thursday, February 6, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Celebrate the opening of Minneapolis Institute of Ice, an exhibit of ice sculptures inspired by pieces in the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collections. The opening event will feature a live DJ, ice bar, and complimentary mulled cider and hot chocolate. This frozen exhibit will be on display during regular museum hours until it melts. General admission to Minneapolis Institute of Ice—as well as the museum itself—is free. So, if you need to warm up from the outdoor chill, head inside to check out some of the magnificent art in the museum’s collection.

Walker Art Center’s Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, February 6, 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 “Printmaking & Stamps.”

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science: The Monster at the End of This Show

What: Comedy & Theater, Educational
When: Thursday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bryant Lake Bowl

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science, a recurring comedic-lecture series with a focus on monsters, returns this month to explore a variety of nice monsters with special guest Duck Washington. Tickets are $12 in advance or $14 at the door. (Read: “Matt Kessen Wants to Make You Laugh about Monsters .)

Scream It Off Screen

What: Movies
When: Friday, February 7, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater

Scream It Off Screen is a short-film contest with an audience interaction element! Come together with other film nerds in one of the Twin Cities greatest revival theaters. Audiences will cry out “Gong!” or “Let it play!” in order to determine which films will be shown in full. Tickets are $13 in advance or $19 at the door. (Read: “With Scream It Off Screen at the Parkway Theater, Everyone’s a Critic”)

Let’s Get a State Fossil, Minnesota!

What: Science & Tech
When: Saturday, February 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Minnesota is just one of only four states that doesn’t have a state fossil, but the Minnesota State Fossil Initiative aims to change that. Head over to the Bell Museum to learn about the initiative, the leading fossil choice, and explore fossils from the Ice Age. Special guests include the paleontology team from the Science Museum of Minnesota. This event is included with regular museum admission; see website for price details.

Women & Girls in STEM

What: Science & Tech, Educational, Community
When: Saturday, February 8, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota

This season, the Science Museum of Minnesota is celebrating diversity and creativity in STEM through the Science is All of Us event series that highlights the careers and contributions of STEM professionals who identify as women, Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Each event is included with regular museum admission and will feature demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances, and presentations. This installment celebrates women and girls in STEM with community partners Society of Women Engineers, Saint Catherine University, Girl Scouts, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, and more.

WALLRIDE Takes Over Hackamore Brewing Company

What: Gaming, Food & Drinks
When: Saturday, February 8, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Hackamore Brewing Company (Chanhassen)

Get ready for a day of gaming, beer, and throwback ‘90s/‘00s vibes when WALLRIDE takes over the Hackamore taproom. This free event will celebrate the launch of a new WALLRIDE game as well as a beer collab between the game studio and brewery. Play the new the game and other WALLRIDE classics from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., then stick around after for live music from Drink 182 playing throwback anthems.

Diversity and the Outdoors

What: Books, Science & Tech
When: Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota History Center & Virtual via Zoom

Join author, advocate, and photographer Dudley Edmonson for an inspiring talk exploring “the intersection of race, representation and environmental stewardship.” Edmonson will draw from his book, People the Planet Needs Now: Voices for Justice, Science, and a Future of Promise, to share stories from Black and Brown scientists and activists including groundbreaking work, new perspectives on pressing challenges, and how representation and inclusion can spark solutions. This event is free and will include a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for purchase.

Luminary Loppet

What: Sports & Fitness, Community
When: Saturday, February 8, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Lake of the Isles

Experience a magical walk around the Lake of the Isles while supporting the Loppet Foundation‘s year-round programs connecting people with the outdoors. The walk will feature over 1,200 luminaries lighting the way, as well as ice sculptures, hot cocoa, s’mores, and a party area with food trucks, beer, and music. Tickets are $15–40.

Lunar New Year Celebration

What: Music
When: Saturday, February 8, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at this Lunar New Year concert. The program will feature music that honors family traditions, unity, and health. It will be conducted by Norman Huynh and performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, Ying li on piano, and Gao Hong on pipa. Head to the foyer during intermission for an interactive dragon dance performed by the Alliance of Minnesota Chinese Organizations and CAAM Chinese Dance Theater. Tickets are $41–116, and this show is eligible for free Child Hall Pass tickets for youth aged 18 and under.

Family Day: Inspiration Everywhere

What: Arts
When: Sunday, February 9, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Family Day is a free monthly event at the Minneapolis Institute of Art that gives the young and the young at heart an opportunity to check out performances, hands-on activities, tours, and more. This weekend’s theme is “Inspiration Everywhere” in celebration of Black History Month.

Rent Sing-Along Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, February 9, at 11:00 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Crave

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week pays tribute to the hit Broadway musical Rent. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $20.28 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, February 9, 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!

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Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, February 3, 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, February 4, 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.

Winter Wednesday with a Scholar

What: Educational
When: Wednesday, February 5, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join the Ramsey County Library and a guest scholar for an educational dive into their specialty on Wednesdays throughout the winter season. This week, James Traub will discuss “Running Uphill: A Minnesota Theater Memoir with Sally Childs.”

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, February 5, 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 and Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, February 5, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

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

The Origins of American Football

What: Educational
When: Thursday, February 6, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Before the Super Bowl kicks off on Sunday, learn about the origin and evolution of football throughout the years. This webinar will dive into the game’s early roots, how the current rules and gameplay were introduced, the major evolution of equipment, some influential figures who shaped it into a cultural phenomenon, and answer the age old question of why “foot” is even in the name at all. Tickets are $12

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Ancient Egypt’s A-List: Power, Empire, and Propaganda

What: Educational
When: Saturday, February 8, at 9:00 a.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 all-day seminar, learn about the history and impact of the most influential rulers of ancient Egypt, including Khufu, Senwosret III, Tutankhamun, and Cleopatra. General-admission tickets are $95. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Diversity and the Outdoors

What: Books
When: Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota History Center & Virtual via Zoom

Join author, advocate, and photographer Dudley Edmonson for an inspiring talk exploring “the intersection of race, representation and environmental stewardship.” Edmonson will draw from his book, People the Planet Needs Now: Voices for Justice, Science, and a Future of Promise, to share stories from Black and Brown scientists and activists including groundbreaking work, new perspectives on pressing challenges, and how representation and inclusion has sparked solutions. This event is free and will include a Q&A session and book signing. Books will be available for purchase.

Izzy Into Me with Con O’Neill (A Valentine’s Day Event)

What: Theater & Comedy, Music
When: Sunday, February 9, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join Con O’Neill (a.k.a. Izzy Hands from Our Flag Means Death) for an afternoon of songs, poems, smut, and Valentine’s Day wisdom. And in true pirate fashion, this event will be filled with “f*ckery, so be forewarned. Not for the faint of heart or for people who always wear pants.” Tickets are $25, with a portion of proceeds benefitting World Central Kitchen to support their work providing food to those impacted by the recent California wildfires.

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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!