This Week in Geek (8/10/2026–8/16/2026)

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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, August 10, to Sunday, August 16.

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

Minnesota Fringe Festival

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, August 16
Where: Various Venues

The Minnesota Fringe Festival is upon us. This is an opportunity to see a wide variety of shows (104 in 2026) which connect with audiences in novel ways. Some shows that might particularly pique nerdy interests include A Dark Gotham Night’s Dream, It’s-a-Me, and a Musical!, Minnesota is the Shire, or Fair and Back Again, among many others. Regular admission tickets are $25; discounts are available with a festival button or multi-show pass. See the website for a full list of shows, as well as details on tickets and the multiple venues.

Minneapolis Music in the Parks

What: Music, Community
When: Now through Monday, September 7
Where: Various parks around Minneapolis

Enjoy the free Music in the Parks series as it continues through summer. At least one group featured every day. Check out the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Music in the Parks performances.

The Pickup Truck Opera: Tales of Hoffman

What: Theater & Comedy, Music
When: Now through Sunday, September 13
Where: Various Locations

Opera hits the road in a blue pickup truck with a traveling performance of Tales of Hoffman, which showcases the adventures of a traveling poet in a world overrun by technology. All performances will be held outdoors in natural spaces throughout the state and ingeniously use the truck and trailer as a stage. This is the debut event of the season. See the website for a full schedule, including the different dates and locations.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, August 10, and Wednesday, August 12, 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.

Expeditions to the Bell

What: Science & Tech
When: Tuesday, August 11 through Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Head over to the Bell Museum’s Learning Landscape to discover how scientific collections are built, from collecting data and cataloging to preserving samples and even dissection demos. The free event will feature an expedition-style set up and staff answering questions about the museum’s specimens and the process around preparing them.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, August 11, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Take a specially curated tour through the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection as inspired by books. Each month’s tour will focus on a different book for inspiration, with August exploring Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie by Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

The Elizabethan Syngers Present: Arts, Music & Merriment: A Renaissance Craft Fair

What: Music
When: Tuesday, August 11, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Wulff Funeral Home

Can’t wait until the Renaissance Festival? The Elizabethan Syngers have got you covered with a preview of their 2026 festival performance and a craft fair with local artisans. This event is free to attend, but donations are welcomed.

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

What: Movies, Community
When: Tuesday, August 11, at 8:35 p.m.
Where: Pearl 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 The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Check out the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Movies in the Parks screenings.

Nerd Nite Out: August Lightning Talks

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, August 12, 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 facts come in the form of “nerdy TED talks” where community members dive into a topic they are passionate about. August’s event is out on the patio and features five-minute lightning talks on 12 topics, including Godzilla, food prep, drumming, physics, and more.

TC Trek Trivia: Section 13…Years

What: Trivia
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Driftwood Char Bar

Hosted by Master Trekkie, TC Trek Trivia consists of five rounds: General Trek (questions covering all things Star Trek); Identify the Image; Ships, Technology, and Cultures; Complete the Quote; and a “Wild Card” round. Questions for each of these five rounds are drawn from all Star Trek television series and all 13 films. According to Master Trekkie himself, TC Trek Trivia is “all ages, no cover, food, drinks, and a whole lot of Trek!” This month’s theme celebrates 13 years TC Trek Trivia.

Tales of Militant Chemistry: Alice Lovejoy

What: Books
When: Thursday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Thinking Spot

The history of Hollywood often focuses on the glitz, the glam, and the drams, but it is also entangled with war and environmental destruction. Join author Alice Lovejoy as she discusses her book, Tales of Militant Chemistry, that dives into the role film manufacturers played during World War II and the Manhattan Project. Admission is free and there is also a ticket option to purchase the book at a discounted rate.

Castle Con

What: Convention, Gaming
When: Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16
Where: Historic Chateau Theater (Rochester)

Castle Con, a “board gaming extravaganza” in Rochester, is returning for its second year! There will be tournaments, open play, expanded learn-to-play session, local gaming shops, miniature painting, giveaways, and more. Weekend badges start at $30, which includes most convention events, but note that some tournaments or activities may have additional fees; day passes are available for $10–$20.

Josh Johnson’s Comedy Band Camp

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16
Where: Orpheum Theatre

Josh Johnson’s Comedy Band Camp tour is coming to the Orpheum with a mix of stand-up comedy, live music, and interactive elements “that brings together all the community of being in one big band and all the nostalgia of summer camp.” Johnson is an Emmy-nominated writer, rotating host and correspondent at The Daily Show, and prolific comedian who puts out weekly content online. Limited tickets remain and start at $59.

Make a Scene!

What: Convention
When: Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16
Where: Center for Performing Arts

Make a Scene! is a weekend-long festival full of live-action narrative games that celebrates play, shared experiences, and collective storytelling. Expect easy-to-learn gameplay in the realms of improv, murder-mystery parties, tabletop gaming, and good old fashioned playing make-believe that range from silly to serious, large to small, and abstract to personal. Pre-registration is closed, but there will be a limited number of walk-in tickets available for $40.

Summer Friday Night Car Shows

What: Community, Family
When: Friday nights through September 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown North St. Paul

Stroll downtown North St. Paul with plenty of shopping and food while appreciating classic cars and live music. Free.

Excalibur Con

What: Convention
When: Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16
Where: Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center

Nerd out in the Northland at Excalibur Con (formerly Teeb Con), a pop-culture and tabletop-gaming convention held in Duluth. The weekend features panels, gaming tournaments, a cosplay contest, artist and exhibitor hall, RPG adventures, and a silent auction. Special guests include Michael Horse, Holly Chou, Alex Rochon, Christy Hemme, Sungwon Cho, and more. Weekend tickets are $53.46, with additional options available for kids, day passes, and VIP. Please note that tournament entries and some special events do require additional tickets; see website for details and specific prices.

Tamagotchi USA Road Trip

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16
Where: Mall of America

Tamagotchi is celebrating 30 years with a road trip! Stop by the Mall of America for themed photo ops, nanoblock workshops, customization stations, exclusive merch, hands-on experiences like the real-life Poop Sweep game, and more.

Minnesota Retro Tech Club

What: Meetup, Science & Tech
When: Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Knowledge Computers (Plymouth)

Talk retro tech, show off your cool gear, and tinker with your devices at this monthly club.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, August 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: River Park (Brooklyn Park)

Play games and face off in battle with other live-action roleplay (LARP) enthusiasts. This free event is hosted by Greenharbor LARP, a local chapter of the global medieval-fantasy combat LARP organization Amtgard. New players are encouraged to join in on the fun and all equipment is provided for free.

Rebel with a Clause

What: Movies, Books
When: Saturday, August 15, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: The Main Cinema

Grammar guru Ellen Jovin and her acclaimed grammar advice stand took an epic road trip to all 50 states. Rebel with a Clause documents that journey and how “comma fights can bring us closer together in a divided time.” The screening kicks off at 1:00 p.m., but arrive early for Ellen’s pop-up grammar table to resolve your own grammar disputes, ask questions, and voice your grammar complaints. The event will end with a Q&A and book signing. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $12 for students.

Uptown Porch Fest

What: Music, Community
When: Saturday, August 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple Locations

Enjoy live music while exploring the Wedge neighborhood in Uptown during this hyper-local music festival. Bands will be performing on porches and in yards throughout the neighborhood. There will also be food trucks at Mueller Park and Twin Town Fitness. Check out the website for a full list of performers, a map, and a schedule. This event is free, but tips to the performers are appreciated.

K-Pop Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Where: Crave Rooftop

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week features a sing-along of fan-favorite K-pop hits. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $20.98 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, August 16, 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, August 10, 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, August 10, 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, August 11, 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.

Stargazing at RAL: Solar Eclipse Special

What: Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, August 12, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Celebrate the solar eclipse by learning about solar physics then watching it through a live feed. The event kicks off with a talk about the sun and what eclipses have taught scientists from Professor Richard Harrison, a solar physics expert at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Then stick around for a live feed from the RRS Sir David Attenborough, a floating lab ship that will be in the path of totality near Greenland that will show the solar eclipse and share what it’s like conducting science on the ocean.

Gaming Wednesdays for Teens: Virtual Gaming

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, August 12, 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 Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, August 12, 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.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Great Censorship Cases in 20th-Century Literature

What: Educational
When: Thursday, August 13, 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 censorship cases in the 20th century with a particular focus on cultural revolutions, including challenges against D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterly’s Lover, James Joyce’s Ulysses, and Allen Ginsberg’s Howl. General-admission tickets are $45, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, August 15, 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 & Dragons for Teens

What: Gaming
When: Sunday, August 16, 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!