This Week in Geek (5/18/2026–5/24/2026)

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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, May 18, to Sunday, May 24.

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

The Hobbit

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, May 31
Where: Theatre in the Round

“Join a band of storytellers in the not-so-distant-future, as they tell the story of Bilbo Baggins in this inventive adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s classic tale.” Tickets are $20–$29, and there is a pay-what-you-can performance on Monday, May 18.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, May 18, and Wednesday, May 20, 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.

WTF! Watch Terrible Films Club

What: Movies
When: Monday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: 56 Brewing

If you’re a film buff who likes cheesy movies that are so-bad-they’re-kind-of-good, then this free club is for you. Every third Monday, catch a screening of a curated movie in 56 Brewing’s barrel room, while enjoying local brews and food-truck bites. Check out the WTF Club’s Instagram for a preview of the upcoming movie, or just show up the night of to be surprised.

Persisting: A Reading and Conversation with Courtney Kocak, Mary Lucia, & Angela Pelster

What: Books
When: Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Troubadour Wine Bar

Three celebrated memoirists will be discussing their books and how they persisted through the experiences within them, building strength and resilience. The featured authors are Courtney Kocak (Girl Gone Wild), Mary Lucia (What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To), and Angela Pelster (The Evolution of Fire). They will be joined in conversation by Lynette Reini-Grandell, author of Wild Things: A Trans-Glam-Punk-Rock Love Story. This event is free.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, May 20, 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.

Trash Film Debauchery

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema

Long-running local cult-cinema group Trash Film Debauchery returns to the Trylon for a screening of The Warped Forest, a 2011 film “where a giant shop-girl can barely fit in her store, there’s a weird green pod in every bedroom, and terrifying wood nymphs provide a heartbroken woman with the anatomically correct fruit everyone seems to covet.” Tickets are $5.

Pundamonium: The Minneapolis Pun Slam

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, May 20, 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.

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair

What: Community, Family, Food & Drink, Music
When: Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Get an early taste of the State Fair at the annual summer kickoff! This four-day event will feature fair-favorite foods, live music, Giant Slide rides, a puzzle hunt, shopping, arcade games, crop art, skateboard lessons from 3rd Lair, and more. There will also be chances to win State Fair admission tickets, on-site parking passes, and Grandstand concert tickets. Check out the website for information, including the entertainment lineup and schedule. Tickets are $14 in advance, or $17 at the gate if not sold out.

Big Trucks Open House at Public Works

What: Family, Community
When: Thursday, May 21, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility (Edina)

Get an up close view of the big trucks that help cities run during National Public Works Week. Kids can participate in hands-on activities and have the opportunity to climb inside the vehicles. There will also be info booths, photo ops, and additional equipment and tools on display. This event is free to attend and includes free hot dogs, snacks, and refreshments.

America’s 250th Lecture Series: Supreme Court from 1789–1986

What: Educational
When: Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Lawshe Memorial Museum

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Dakota County Historical Society is presenting a series of lectures exploring different aspects of our national government. This installment looks at the Supreme Court during the years of 1789–1986, including the court’s role as written in the Constitution, how it’s evolved, and famous cases. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for DCHS members; ticket packages for multiple events in the series are also available.

Walker Art Club: Mini Embroidery Landscapes

What: Arts
When: Thursday, May 21, at 6:00 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, learn basic embroidery stitches and create a landscape scenery.

Candlelight Concert: The Best of Bridgerton on Strings

What: Music
When: Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Westminster Presbyterian Sanctuary

Experience an atmospheric concert featuring the music from the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, reimagined for a string ensemble. Bridgerton-inspired looks are encouraged. Tickets start at $35.50. (Read: “Candlelight Concerts Offer a Unique Way to Experience Your Favorite Music”)

Westmoot 2026

What: Convention
When: Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24
Where: Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown & Virtual

Celebrate all things Tolkien at Westmoot! This weekend-long conference hosted by The Tolkien Society features special guests, performances, workshops, displays, lectures, a masquerade, and more. Tickets to the in-person event are $150–375. There is also an online event option that includes broadcast access to the main-room programming only with tickets at $50–85.

Cryptopsy, Necrot, Spirit Adrift, and Blood Monolith: The Decibel Magazine Tour 2026

What: Music
When: Friday, May 22, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Fine Line

Death metal innovators Cryptopsy will be performing at the Fine Line as part of the 2026 Decibel Magazine Tour. Also taking the stage are Necrot, Spirit Adrift, and Blood Monolith. This event is 18+ and tickets are $35.59. Enter our giveaway by noon on Wednesday for your chance to win two free tickets!

Minneapolis Oddities & Curiosities Expo

What: Arts, Community
When: Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

Is your geekdom focused on the strange and novel? Do you need a sideshow in your life? Do you need more odd art for yourself or a loved one? Then this bazaar of the bizarre is the event for you. This event will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and will feature dozens of artists and their wares, including jewelry made of bones and other macabre selections, as well as sideshow performances and taxidermy classes for the adventurous. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door; kids 12 and under get in for free.

Twin Cities Board Game Marathon

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: 2D Con HQ

Join the 2D Con community for an all-day gaming marathon. Bring your favorite games along to share or try something new from 2D Con’s gaming library. Tickets are $5.

825A-Con

What: Convention
When: Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: 825 Arts

Join the 825 Arts community for a one-day convention celebrating anime, pop culture, and fandom. The free event will feature art, live music performances, a mini market, cosplay contest, K-pop random dance, instant ramen bar, and more.

FLOP! A Small Press Comix Show

What: Comics, Convention
When: Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Odd Mart & Dreamstate Cafe

FLOP features more than 75 independent comic creators and small-press publishers for a two-day event at Odd Mart’s small shop on Lyndale Avenue, billed as the “greatest comix show on earth.” This year also introduces discussion panels hosted by Sally Madden from the Thicklines Podcast at Odd Mart’s neighbor, Dreamstate Cafe.

Shrek Rave

What: Nightlife, Movies
When: Saturday, May 23, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

A Shrek-themed dance party and rave hosted at First Avenue. Per the organizers, “IT’S DUMB JUST COME HAVE FUN. WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD. idk hahaha.” Tickets are $23.72.

Emo Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Where: Crave

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week celebrates emo music from iconic bands like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Panic! at the Disco, and more. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, May 24, 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

825 Arts Minecraft Club

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Monday, May 18, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Minecraft and Discord

St. Paul’s 825 Arts hosts a virtual gathering space “by kids for kids” in Minecraft with a club meetup every Monday where teens and preteens can play, design, participate in theme challenges, and just hang out. Check out the website for information on joining their server, a technical FAQ, moderation and safety information for parents, and other Minecraft events.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, May 18, 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!

Virtual Makers Mornings

What: Community, Arts
When: Tuesday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join fellow makers at this morning social hour hosted by the American Swedish Institute. This free event is open to all kinds of crafts and is intended as a place to share projects, make some progress, and socialize. Registration is required.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—The Hidden Social Lives of Giraffes

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 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, wildlife conservation biologist Fred Bercovitch dives into the complex social lives of giraffes, including how they live in flexible groups, their matriarchal leaders, babysitting créches, lifelong friendships, and more. General-admission tickets are $35, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming-series webpage for the many other upcoming events this week.

Dial-a-Story for Adults

What: Books
When: Wednesday, May 20, on demand
Where: Virtual via phone call

Hear a different short story read by Hennepin County Library staff every Wednesday. The story recording is available all day. Check out the event listing for the phone number to call, as well as a link to a list of past featured stories and their books (also available for checkout).

Gaming Wednesdays for Teens: Virtual Gaming

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, May 20, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Weekly gathering to play online-board and video games for grades 6–12. Hosted by the Ramsey County Library. Registration required.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, May 20, 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.

Chasing Storms with the Hurricane Hunters

What: Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

The United States Air Force Reserve has the only operational military unit in the world that regularly flies to gather weather information. Join service members of the Hurricane Hunters of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron to hear about their experiences surveilling storms while flying through the worst weather conditions, how their work improves forecast models, and the specialized technology used in their missions, including the Super Hercules aircraft. Free.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, May 20, 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, May 20, 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.

Living Room Conversations: Democracy, Extremism, and Outliers

What: Educational, Community
When: Thursday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Living Room Conversations strives to facilitate conversations about important issues between people of different backgrounds and political affiliations. Conversations are carefully crafted to foster connection and understanding. This session explores the label of extremism within democracy, including historic examples like the Suffragette movement and McCarthyism, and asks “how can we better distinguish and then support outliers who are advancing worthy causes?” A conversation guide can be downloaded in advance. Tickets are pay what you can.

Westmoot 2026

What: Convention
When: Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24
Where: Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown & Virtual

Celebrate all things Tolkien at Westmoot! This weekend-long conference hosted by The Tolkien Society features special guests, performances, workshops, displays, lectures, a masquerade, and more. Tickets to the in-person event are $150–375. There is also a online event option that includes broadcast access to the main-room programming only with tickets at $50–85.

The Women of the Egyptian Gothic

What: Educational
When: Saturday, May 23, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Romancing the Gothic hosts weekly classes and events exploring gothic, romantic, and horror topics. This week explores the debate around antlered goddesses through examining what is known about a bronze figurine of a seated antlered woman at the British Museum. Romancing the Gothic events are free to attend, but pay-what-you-can donations or patronage to support the series are encouraged.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, May 23, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

The popular Transmission dance night is hosting a weekly virtual music-video stream. 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).

Virtual Dungeons and Dragons for Teens

What: Gaming
When: Sunday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom and Roll20

Online D&D for grades 6–12 hosted by the Ramsey County Library. All experience levels welcome. Registration required.

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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!