This Week in Geek (6/16/2025–6/22/2025)

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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, June 16 to Sunday, June 22.

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

Shakespeare in Our Parks: All’s Well That Ends Well

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, July 13
Where: Various venues

The Classical Actors Ensemble is back for its 11th summer of Shakespeare in Our Parks. This year the group is performing All’s Well That Ends Well, a comedy of fate, unrequited love, and self-discovery. These events are free and are performed at different parks throughout the state. Check out the website for the full list of performances, including locations and times.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Union Depot

Get your yoga mat and water ready for a free yoga class at the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5 in the Depot’s Waiting Room or in the North Plaza when the weather is nice. Monday’s class focuses on a total-body sculpt workout, while Wednesday’s class is less-intense general yoga for all levels. See the event page on the Union Depot website for more information.

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks: Cool Runnings

What: Movies, Community
When: Monday, June 16, at 9:05 p.m.
Where: Sumner Field Park

Enjoy a night of community and movie magic under the stars! Movies start at dusk and are free and open to the public. Screening this week is Cool Runnings, the iconic ’90s Disney comedy about a novice Jamaican bobsled team that set their sights on Olympic glory. Check out the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Movies in the Parks screenings.

Briana Lawrence: In Search of the Pinmaker

What: Books, Family
When: Tuesday, June 17, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Red Balloon Bookshop

Celebrate the release of author (and former Twin Cities Geek contributor) Briana Lawrence’s latest middle-grade book, In Search of the Pinmaker. This is the sequel to In Search of Superpowers: A Fantasy World Pin Adventure and follows the friends on an epic quest to find the elusive pinmaker. This is a free event and will conclude with a book signing. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Juneteenth Joy

What: Food & Drink, Educational
When: Tuesday, June 17, at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Minnesota History Center

Join culinary historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris for a discussion “on the importance of food in Black history, culture, and storytelling.” Dr. Harris is a professor emerita at Queens College/CUNY, host of the monthly radio program My Welcome Table, and author of numerous books (including High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America, which was adapted into a Netflix series). After the talk there will be food samples of signature dishes from local chefs available. Tickets are $25.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Noble Robot & Virtual via YouTube

This playtest event run by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developers Association highlights games that are currently in development. Participants (either online or in person) can play the games, demo their projects, or simply watch along to see what the community has cooking. Check out the full details of how to join on the event page.

Backyard Concert Series: Rap, Classical, Metal, Experimental, Pop, Oh My

What: Music
When: Wednesday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Nautilus Music-Theater

Each concert in this series includes a unique blend of genres created by local independent musicians. This second session includes the music of Larry Wish, To Be Named, Thing, and Carnage the Executioner. Despite the series name, none of the concerts are actually in a backyard. Admission on a sliding scale from $0 to $50 per concert. Series passes also available.

Old Gods of Appalachia: Unhallowed Grounds

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, August 21, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Fitzgerald Theater

The fiction podcast Old Gods of Appalachia is heading out on tour with its show Unhallowed Grounds. Catch the eldritch horrors live in a performance akin to an old-time radio play featuring the show’s creators, Steve Shell and Cam Collins, a rotating cast of actors, and live music. Tickets start at $39.70 (including fees).

Pundamonium: The Minneapolis Pun Slam

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, June 18, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Club Underground at the Spring Street Tavern

Pundamonium is a pun slam—a competition of wordplay with 10 contestants, each given two minutes to make puns based on prompts they are given ahead of time. A few lucky audience members act as judges for the night, with their top four pun slingers going head to head in a final pun-off. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Meet at Mia: Juneteenth

What: Arts
When: Thursday, June 19, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Head over to the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s lawn on Thursdays throughout the summer for a free night of art, live performances, food trucks, and more. This week celebrates Juneteenth with Black creatives, including LAAMAR, Kashimana, Gifted Handz, and Fanaka Nation. The current exhibition Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys can also be viewed for free with a museum membership, which anyone can sign up for at no cost.

Lowertown Sounds: The New Standards and Friends

What: Music, Community
When: Thursday, June 19, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Mears Park

Lowertown Sounds is bringing local music, food trucks, and Minnesota-made brews to Mears Park for free all summer long! This week features performances by the New Standards and Tina Schlieske. Check out the event listing for the food-truck lineup and upcoming performances.

Jay and Silent Bob’s Aural Sects Tour

What: Movies
When: Thursday, June 19, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Theater

Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will be filling ears with stories about making movies, living life, and being dads during their Aural Sects Tour. The duo is best known for playing Jay and Silent Bob in eight View Askewniverse movies over the past 30 years, including the Clerks series, the characters’ spin-off films, and Mallrats—which was filmed right here in Minnesota at the Eden Prairie Center Mall. Tickets start at $52.28 (including fees).

Twin Cities Jazz Fest

What: Music
When: Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21
Where: Mears Park

Twin Cities Jazz Fest is returning for its 26th year of music and fun. This is a chance for jazz geeks and music fans to see great music outdoors. This is a free event—see the website for performers and schedule information.

Hobby Clash

What: Convention
When: Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22
Where: St. Paul RiverCentre

Geeks who love collecting are in for a treat at Hobby Clash. This expo-style convention will have vendors selling a variety items, including collectible cards (both sports and trading card games), comic books, memorabilia, Funko Pops and action figures, rare coins, vinyl records, and more. There will also be special guests, panels, an artist alley, a Pokémon TCG tournament, and celebrity photo ops. Celebrity guests include Michaela Jill Murphy (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Alec Utgoff (Stranger Things,/ Gladiator II), Christine Galey (The Mandalorian), and many more. Weekend passes start at $60 and day passes are $5-20.

Minnesota Street Rod Association’s Back to the ’50s Weekend

What: Community, Family, Music
When: Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds

This is a great weekend for car geeks and fans of old-school vibes to check out thousands of classic cars, enjoy music, and take part in all kinds of activities. Adult tickets are $15, and there’s shuttle service to the event from a number of locations. Check the event listing for more details and free metro transit passes.

St. Paul Deaf Con

What: Convention, Gaming, Community
When: Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22
Where: Charles Thompson Hall

St. Paul Deaf Con is a gaming convention for users of American Sign Language. The weekend-long event is hosted by the Charles Thompson Hall Deaf Club and will include a mix of role-playing games, card games, and board games. Tickets are $40. Note that this convention is held exclusively in ASL and is intended for fluent signers. Check out the website for additional information.

Midsommar Celebration

What: Community, Family
When: Saturday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute

Welcome the return of warm weather and mark the longest day of the year at the American Swedish Institute’s Midsommar Celebration. This annual festival will feature maypole dancing, handcrafting, live music, and pop-up activities. Head wreath kits and food from Fika Café will be available for purchase. Advance tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for members, and $8 for youth; kids five and under get in for free. Tickets also include admission to the Turnblad Mansion and the new exhibition Salad Hilowle: Inscriptions.

Heroic Goods and Games Closing Sale

What: Gaming
When: Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Heroic Goods and Games

This Minneapolis gaming store, which announced in March that it would be closing, will be offering 50% off everything on the shelves this weekend (“this is THE shopping weekend at HGG that will be remembered”). Watch the store’s Facebook or Instagram feed for a preview of what will be on offer.

Going Out, Coming In Walking Tour

What: Educational, Community
When: Saturday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Mill City Museum

Join the Mill City Museum for a guided walking tour of locations included in the Going Out, Coming In: LGBTQ+ Spaces in Downtown Minneapolis exhibition. The two-mile tour will feature “stories of queer resistance, love, and identity formation amid the evolution of the neighborhood through the 20th century” and will conclude with a special presentation at the Eagle bar. Tickets are $25 and attendees must be 21 or over.

Fantasy and Sci-fi Book Fair

What: Books, Trivia
When: Saturday, June 21, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Inbound BrewCo.

Find your next sci-fi or fantasy read and enjoy an afternoon of themed activities at this book fair. Shops Avant Garden and Cream & Amber will be onsite selling a curated selection of books. There will also be author readings, book trivia, and themed crafts from Mermaid Cove, Tako Collective, and Ezra Snail.

Music in the Parks: Overdressed Duo

What: Music, Community, Family
When: Saturday, June 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell

Enjoy the free Music in the Parks series as it continues through summer. This Saturday features the Overdressed Duo and their popular variety show, which mixes opera, musical theater, and more. Check out the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Music in the Parks performances.

MN Toy Posse June Swap

What: Arts, Community, Family
When: Sunday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Bloomington Knights of Columbus

Seek out vintage and new toys and other plunder to bring back to your home! This event at the Bloomington Knights of Columbus will be a great opportunity to track down rare stuff you might not otherwise find and get in contact with other toy geeks. There will be over 70 tables goodness.

Muppets Rooftop Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, June 22, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Union Rooftop

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week is bringing the laughs with a hilarious tribute to the Muppets. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $20.28, and attendees must purchase an entree during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, June 22 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!

Bash for Mental Health

What: Community, Gaming, Music, Trivia
When: Sunday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Forgotten Star Brewing

Bash for Mental Health is a summer afternoon of community fun that aims to change the conversation around mental health while raising funds for mental health services in the Twin Cities. The event includes arcade games, food, drinks, and all-around good vibes. Tickets are $25, with proceeds benefiting Guild, a nonprofit that provides mobile services to people experiencing mental health crises and homelessness.

F1rst Wrestling Presents: Wrestlepalooza

What: Sports & Fitness, Music
When: Sunday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

Pro wrestling is back at First Avenue with Wrestlepalooza! Expect plenty of action in the ring, a burlesque performance by Sweet Pea, and live music from the Denim Boys and Cheap Bouquet. Advanced tickets are $49.50 (including fees).

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Virtual Events

GPS Creative Night

What: Arts
When: Monday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Google Meet

Let your creativity shine with drawing, painting, crafting, or whatever your heart desires at Creative Night, a weekly event put on by the Geek Partnership Society. This is a free event and a great opportunity to work on projects in great company.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, June 16, 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!

Pet Palaces: A Showcase of Extraordinary Architecture for Animals

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

People have been pampering their animal companions for centuries. This webinar will look at some of the architectural marvels designed for pets and what they reveal about human-animal bonds. Highlights include a Frank Lloyd Wright design for a cat, birdhouses carved into stone buildings in Istanbul, Japanese koi ponds, and more. Tickets are $12, which includes playback for one week.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, June 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Noble Robot and Virtual via YouTube

This playtest event run by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developers Association highlights games that are currently in development. Participants (either online or in person) can play the games, demo their projects, or simply watch along to see what the community has cooking. Check out the full details of how to join on the event page.

The Origins of Earth’s Oceans

What: Science & Tech, Educational
When: Wednesday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

Planetary scientist Kathy Mandt will be discussing the origins of Earth’s ocean waters, how our previous beliefs are being challenged by the results of the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission, and the scientific journey toward understanding our watery world. This event is free.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, June 18, 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. Join the server by visiting twincitiesgeek.com/discord.

Weird and Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, June 18, 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 Discord every Wednesday night.

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge Live

What: Science & Tech
When: Friday, June 20, at 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook

Catch the exact moment that summer starts during a livestream of the summer solstice at Stonehenge. When the solstice sun rises on this ancient monument, sunlight is channeled into its center, marking the start of the new season. This event is hosted by English Heritage, who also feature additional information about the solstice at Stonehenge and its historical significance on their website.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Heart and Soul: The Story of Doo-Wop with Kenny Vance

What: Educational
When: Sunday, June 22, at 5:30 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, hear about the young doo-wop artists of the 1950s and 1960s and their lasting impact on music from one of the artists themselves. Kenny Vance is a singer-songwriter and the cofounder of Jay and the Americans. He’ll be sharing firsthand stories alongside clips and footage from the documentary Heart and Soul: A Love Story, which he produced. 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.

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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!