This Week in Geek (10/6/2025–10/12/2025)

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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, October 6, to Sunday, October 12.

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

Chap Snatchers! A True-ish Crime Story

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through October 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Bryant Lake Bowl

“In 1978, two men kidnapped the corpse of Charlie Chaplin and held it for ransom. This *might* be how it happened.” From a forgotten headline, this play blends a forgotten caper with pop-culture savvy and slapstick comedy in an ode to laughter itself. Created by Josh Carson (A Very Die Hard Christmas), Neal Skoy (Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus), and Joshua English Scrimshaw (Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society). Tickets are $20.

Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival

What: Family, Food & Drink
When: Weekends, Now through November 2, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming)

Enjoy a weekend of autumnal family fun at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, Minnesota. There will be 30+ activities and attractions, including picking pumpkins, launching them from a cannon, swimming through a corn pit, and more. There will also be sweet and savory snacks and drinks. Tickets are $14–25. The festival runs weekends through November 2.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

What: Family, Community
When: Now through Sunday, November 2
Where: Minnesota Zoo

This is a chance to explore a trail of artistically carved glowing pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo. This year’s theme is “What Goes Bump in the Night,” and features new artists’ creations. Tickets range from $19 to $30, and zoo members receive a discount.

The Dead End Hayride

What: Nightlife
When: Now through Sunday, November 2
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming)

Experience the terror of the night on this haunted hayride/walk featuring deranged horror scenes and dazzling pyrotechnics. Explore as much of the 160 acres as you dare! Recommended for ages 13+. Tickets start at $20. Food and beverages also available for purchase.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 8, 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 East 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.

Author Talk: C.M. Alongi

What: Books
When: Monday, October 6, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Hennepin County Library, Maple Grove

Science-fiction and fantasy author C.M. Alongi will be stopping by the Maple Grove Library to read excerpts from her work and discuss writing. Her books include The Witch Who Trades With Death, Citadel, and To Kill a Necromancer.

Rain Taxi 30th Anniversary Exhibit Opening Night Reception

What: Community, Books
When: Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Open Book

Celebrate 30 years of Rain Taxi, a local organization that champions the literary community through events, programs, and a quarterly magazine. The anniversary exhibit brings together a collection of magazine covers, chapbooks, posters, author letters, artwork, and ephemera from throughout its 30-year history. The free opening night reception will feature drinks, toasts, and special guests. The free exhibit will be on display through November 3.

13th Annual Cine Latino

What: Movies
When: Wednesday October 8, through Sunday, October 12
Where: The Main Cinema

Cine Latino is a film festival that celebrates US Latino, Latin American, and Iberian cinema through premiere screenings, special guest events, and fiestas. This year’s opening night party will feature an exclusive screening of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. Individual screening tickets are $17–30 and festival passes are $150, with discounts available for students and MSP Film Society members.

BuckSlam September Poetry Slam

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Indeed Brewing

BuckSlam is a monthly poetry slam where up to 12 performers use their words to battle it out over two rounds. There is a $1 cover and sign ups open up the day of the slam. The night’s top poet will walk away with the proverbial crown, $1, and a gift card to Indeed Brewing. “So grab a buck, grab a buddy, grab a beverage, and come experience some original poetry.”

Inertia: Re-Making The Crow  + James O’Barr’s The Crow

What: Movies, Comics
When: Wednesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema

In the 90’s, two teenagers set out to create a video homage to James O’Barr’s gritty graphic novel, The Crow. The VHS fan film was shot over four years and was later celebrated by fans. But the students caught more than film scenes. They also captured their artistic evolution. Inertia: Re-Making The Crow is a coming-of age documentary about those years that reveals their passion, resourcefulness, and creativity through behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. This double-header screening will feature both the documentary and the student fan film remastered from the original VHS source tapes. After the screening will be a Q&A with David Ullman and Matt Jackson, who directed both films. Tickets are $13.

Nerd Nite: October Edition

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, October 8, 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. This month’s spooky topics include scary movies, “(Dead) Bodies of Lakes Superior,” and modern werewolves. Admission to this event is free.

Lizzie: The Rock Musical

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, October 9, through Sunday, November 2
Where: Open Eye Theatre

The award-winning Lizzie: The Rock Musical “is a suspenseful, queer, and rebellious new musical laced with political depth and a mischievous sense of humor.” The story explores the events leading up to the sensationalized trial of her parents axe murder, with Lizzie as the prime suspect. Tickets are $15–35.

Walker Art Center Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, October 9, 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 all levels of experience. Materials are free while supplies last. Start a new project, or bring one that’s already in progress.  This week, craft cosplay with the folks from ConFluence, a BIPOC-run convention “celebrating art, fandoms, sci-fi, futurisms, and fantasy” coming up on October 18–19.

Minnedemo 41

What: Science & Tech, Community
When: Thursday, October 9, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Ordway

Minnedemo is an annual showcase focused on Minnesota-made technology hosted by the nonprofit MinneStar. Presenters get seven minutes to demo their actual tech without using any slides. The event opens and closes with networking happy hours. Tickets are free and include a complimentary drink and appetizers.

Dragon Party with Special Guest Scott Reintgen

What: Books, Family
When: Thursday, October 9, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wild Rumpus Books

It’s a space dragon party at Wild Rumpus Books! Celebrate the book release of The Rise of Neptune, the latest in the Dragonships series, with author Scott Reintgen. Expect activities and fun surprises, as well as an author signing. Tickets are $8.04, which includes a $5 voucher for a book purchase; see the event listing for details.

Bit Brigade Performs Super Mario World + F-Zero Live

What: Music, Gaming
When: Thursday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Icehouse

Bit Brigade brings its unique brand of live video-game music and speedrunning to Icehouse this Thursday. From menu screen to final boss, Bit Brigade dynamically plays a game’s entire soundtrack at the same time a band member speedruns the game on the big screen for all to see. Tickets for this 21+ show, featuring the Nintendo classics Super Mario World and F-Zero, are $20 in advance or $27 at the door.

ArneCon

What: Convention, Gaming
When: Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis

Celebrate the legacy of Dave Arneson, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, and his game group the Blackmoor Bunch with a weekend full of gaming alongside the folks who were there during the invention of role-playing games. Special guests include Sandy Peterson, Ken St. Andre, Alexander Macris, David R. Megarry, Justin Alexander, and more. Tickets are $50 for the whole weekend, and individual day passes are available for $20–30.

Fall 2025 St. Paul Art Crawl

What: Arts
When: Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12
Where: Various, see below

The St. Paul Art Crawl is a bi-annual, city-wide event where artists open their studios and invite the public in to view the wide variety of artwork being created in the city. The Fall 2025 event features artworks across more than 30 locations. The Art Crawl is free, but attendees are encouraged to support artists and the community by buying the art they love. Check out the website for a list of participating locations and an interactive map.

Glam Jam: A Vintage Fashion Extravaganza

What: Community
When: Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: The Hennepin

Support Hennepin Arts and its historic theaters, including the Orpheum and Pantages, with a weekend of fashion inspired by Prince. Friday’s fashion show celebrates the high-glam of the 1980s and channels the energy, artistry, and courage of the Minnesota legend. The night will also include a cocktail reception, special guests, private-shopping experience, and a silent auction featuring vintage fashion and historic theater artifacts. Tickets start at $75, which includes early access to Saturday’s vintage market. The vintage market is free to attend regular hours, or $15 for early bird access.

St. Paul Scary Movies Series: Scream

What: Movies, Community
When: Friday, October 10, at dusk (approximately 7:00 p.m.)
Where: Hidden Falls Regional Park

Enjoy a free night of community and movie magic under the stars! Screening this week is Scream, the first film in Wes Craven’s slasher franchise with the iconic Ghostface villain. Note that this film is rated R and the event is for those aged 18 and over. The film starts at dusk, but arrive early to grab a spot and some treats from the Sweet Dairy food truck. The event is weather dependent, so be sure to check the event page for any updates.

Ben Schwartz & Friends

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, October 10, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Northrop

Actor and comedian Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Parks & Recreation) will be heading to the Northrop and bringing along some friends for a night of improv. Tickets are $15–55.

AscenDance Presents WEEB LIKE IT HOT: Pokémon Edition

What: Night Life
When: Friday, October 10, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Uptown VFW

Calling all Pokémon trainers and anime nerds! This themed hard-dance night will feature DJs including Jimni Cricket, Theology, Squiggles, Spree, Serenity, and Neuphorix. There will also be a cosplay contest, vendors, gaming, and a photo booth. This event is 21+ and tickets are $15–20.

Minnesota Comic Book Association FallCon

What: Convention, Comics
When: Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand

The Minnesota Comic Book Association’s two-day fall convention returns to the State Fairgrounds this week. Check out oodles of comic artists, publishers, vendors, and local comics stores, as well as panels, activities, charity auction, and cosplay contest. And be sure to stop by the Twin Cities Geek booth to meet your fellow geeks! Admission is $15, which includes both days, or free for kids nine and under.

Viking Fest

What: Community, Family, Educational
When: Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Dakota County Fairgrounds (Farmington)

Celebrate Viking heritage and Norse mythology over two weekends in October. Visitors can be immersed in all aspects of Viking life, from cooking. to entertainment, to warfare. Don’t miss out on history and traditions brought to life in the present day. Admission is $28.52 for adults and teens; $18.14 for children 5–12 years old.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 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, round up your Scooby-gang for a tribute to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $22.48, and attendees must purchase the entrée during the event.

Books, Brews, & Boos

What: Books
When: Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Under Pressure Brewing

Find your spooky season reads at this book fair highlighting horror. There will be more than 20 authors and vendors, as well as pop-up shopping from Comma, a Bookstore. The event is co-hosted by Adventure Awaits Events and Horror Explorers Book Club. Tickets are $10.

Diwali: Festival of Lights

What: Community, Family
When: Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market

Celebrate Diwali, India’s most important festival of the year that marks the victory of light over darkness, with the Hindu Society of Minnesota. This free and family-friendly event will feature live music, dancing, and performances.

Pavek After Dark: House on Haunted Hill

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, October 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Pavek Museum

Pavek After Dark returns with another audio-drama performance from local hall of fame broadcasters to raise funds for the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication. This year’s show is an adaptation of the Vincent Price classic House on Haunted Hill with a Minnesota twist. There will also be a silent auction and appetizers catered by France44. Tickets are $120–200.

WrestleVérité

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, October 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Hopkins Center for the Arts

Catch a ring full of wrestling action this Saturday. There will be Texas bull rope and WrestleVérité championship matches, special guests, and surprises. Featured wrestlers include Salem Lasher, Matthias, Jason Rage, Bobby V, Petey Brown, Nick Pride, High Voltage Kat, and more. Tickets are $20–30 and the first 50 people to arrive will get a free cowbell.

Evil Dead in Concert

What: Movies, Music
When: Saturday, October 11, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Fitzgerald Theater

Sam Raimi’s legendary horror classic Evil Dead is resurrecting at the Fitzgerald with a live performance of the score. The screening will feature a newly restored format of the film, as well as original composer Joe LoDuca’s Evil Dead: A Nightmare Revisited score that expands on the original musical themes of the film. Tickets start at $58.

STEM Book Fest

What: Books, Science & Tech
When: Sunday, October 12, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bakken Museum

The Thinking Spot, Minnesota Tech Network, and Bakken Museum are coming together to host a one-day book festival all about STEM: science, technology, engineering, and math. There will be panel discussions, hands-on activities, vendors, and author meet-and-greets, as well as full access to the Bakken Museum. General admission is free; tickets for individual panels are $10.25.

Goth & Halloween Market

What: Community
When: Sunday, October 12, at 12:00 p.m. and Monday, October 13, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe

Find vendors selling spooky wares at this free goth and Halloween-themed market. The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe will also have food, drinks, and puzzle-room experiences available for purchase. See the Facebook event listing for more details and a preview of some of the vendors.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 12, 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!

HORA: Romanian Dark Legends—Monsters, Vampires, and the Undead

What: Educational
When: Sunday, October 12, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Landmark Center

Every Sunday in October, join the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans for presentations about Romanian folklore and myth. Learn how Romanian tales have influenced modern horror and vampire lore in sessions that blend historical context, storytelling, and cultural insights. Free.

Next Chapter Booksellers Manga Club

What: Comics
When: Sunday, October 12, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Next Chapter Booksellers

Discuss a new manga title every month at Next Chapter Booksellers. This free manga-book club also provides tasty Japanese snacks and discounts on manga purchases in the store. Check out the event page for more information. For October, the read of choice is Shiver: Junji Ito Selected Stories.

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Virtual Events

entoL!VE–Syrph-ing the Continents: Hoverflies, Our Unsung Agricultural Heroes

What: Educational
When: Monday, October 6, at 7:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual Event

Learn about insects and the science of invertebrates with the free entoL!VE webinar series. This week’s event looks at Syrphidae family of flies, how they benefit the ecosystem, and new insights into their migratory behaviors that spread these benefits over vast areas.

How to Dine Like a Victorian, Part 1: Tea

What: Educational, Food & Drinks
When: Monday, October 6, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event

Learn how to take afternoon tea like a true Victorian. This webinar will dive into the history and customs of afternoon tea, as well as the foods, fashion, and how it evolved into the American style tea party. Tickets are $17.13; passes for the entire three-event Victorian dining series are $44.74.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, October 6, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

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

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, October 8, 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 & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, October 8, 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.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Exploring Ancient Egypt: Culture, Commerce, and Daily Life

What: Educational
When: Thursday, October 9, at 11:00 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 event, learn about the adornments worn in ancient Egypt including jewelry, clothing, makeup, and perfumes. Scholar Shelby Justl explores this topic by drawing on current excavations in Wah-sut, her research, and experiments in recreating a perfume from an ancient recipe. General-admission tickets are $30, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming-series webpage for the many other upcoming events this week.

Writer’s Roulette

What: Meetup
When: Thursday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Stretch those creative-writing muscles at Writer’s Roulette! Each event starts with a writing prompt and 20 minutes to write whatever comes to mind in any genre or style. Then participants are given the option to share their work. “Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practice, or just a creative jolt, Writer’s Roulette is your chance to see where the words take you.” Tickets are $7.

Does Ancient History Have a Future

What: Educational
When: Friday, October 10, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event

Ancient Greco-Roman history has influenced education, politics, power, and identity for decades, but is it still relevant? This panel debate and open dialogue will explore if the “classics” should still play a role today, examining questions around what counts as ancient history, who determines its importance, and if it can become more globally inclusive. The panel features professors with published books on the topic including Walter Scheidel (What is Ancient History?), Barry Strauss (Turning Points in Ancient History), and Angie Hobbs (Why Plato Matters Now). Tickets are free and the event will be recorded, so if you can’t join live you can watch later.

Community Game Night: Overwatch 2

What: Gaming
When: Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

Log in for an online gaming session with the 2D Con community! This Friday night’s game will be Overwatch 2. Check out the events section in the 2D Con Discord for more upcoming community nights.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Friday, October 10, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

The popular Transmission dance night is hosting a virtual-music video stream every Friday. DJ Jake Rudh will be bringing New Wave, Alternative, and more ’80s-centric greats directly to your home. So, dance, dance, dance to the radio (or, in this case, Twitch stream).

My Big Fat Writing Workshop with Nia Vardalos

What: Educational
When: Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Award-winning writer and actor Nia Vardalos will be hosting a writing workshop. She’ll be sharing practical writing tips, lessons from past missteps, her writing breakthroughs, and plenty of encouragement. Nia’s writing projects include the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the play Tiny Beautiful Things, and her memoir Instant Mom. Tickets start at $30 and a portion of sales benefit You Gotta Believe, a nonprofit that helps youth in foster care find permanent families.

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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!