This Week in Geek (9/28/2026–10/4/2026)

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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, September 28, to Sunday, October 4.

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

Wild Beauty: The Botanical Art of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Florilegium Opening Week

What: Arts
When: Now through Saturday, October 3
Where: Bell Museum

A florilegium is a collection of illustrations of the plants in a particular place. The artists of the Minnesota School of Botanical Art bring together art and science to depict the plants of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, a diverse collection of plants from varied habitats. Opening week includes hands-on activities, a video presentation, and specimens collected by Eloise Butler herself. The exhibit continues through January 3. Admission is $15.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

What: Arts, Comedy & Theater, Educational, Family
When: Now through Sunday, October 4
Where: 12364 Chestnut Boulevard (Shakopee)

It’s your last weekend to catch the Minnesota Renaissance Festival’s 55th season! Come experience a wide variety of Renaissance-themed activities, including musical acts, comedy shows, artisan markets, food and drink, actors in costume, games, demos, jousting, and kid-themed events. The fest is open rain or shine, and tickets are $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children at the gate, and there are other discounted ticket and pass options available on the website. Please note, some events will require an additional ticket and those making the drive to the festival will either need to purchase a prepaid parking pass at $18 to park on the Minnesota RenFest grounds or plan on using the park-and-ride lots with round-trip bus rides for $6.

Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival

What: Family, Food & Drink
When: Weekends, Now through October 31, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming)

Enjoy a weekend of autumnal family fun at Pinehaven Farm. 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 $15–$29. The festival runs weekends through October 31.

The Dead End Hayride

What: Nightlife
When: Now through Sunday, November 1
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.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

What: Family, Community
When: Now through Sunday, November 1
Where: Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)

This is a chance to explore a trail of artistically carved glowing pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo. This year boasts 5,000 carved pumpkins, glowing displays, and scattered trivia questions where the answers are the pumpkins. Tickets range from $19–30, and zoo members receive a discount. There are also specially themed 18+ nights with tickets at $45.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, September 28, and Wednesday, September 30, 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.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, September 29, 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 September exploring Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Dungeons & Dragons Weekly One-Shot

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, September 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Forge (Chaska)

All levels of experience are welcome at this weekly one-shot D&D adventure. Tickets are $36.86 and include a premade character sheet, seven-dice set, a boba tea, and appetizers.

The 7th Annual Flip the Script Queer Film Festival

What: Movies
When: Thursday, October 1, through Sunday, October 11
Where: The Main Cinema and virtual via Eventlive

Flip the Script Fest is a Minneapolis-based film festival that focuses on queer stories, with the goal of avoiding the stereotypes prevalent in other media. This year includes four feature films and 33 short films from 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers from all over the world. Name-your-price tickets with $12 suggested. All Access passes available for $100. Films will be screening in person through October 4 and available virtually through October 11.

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

What: Educational, Family
When: Thursday, October 1, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota History Center

Explore Minnesota’s history with free admission and parking to the Minnesota History Center on Thursday nights. Exhibits include Then Now Wow, Our Home: Native Minnesota, Weather Permitting, and more. This week also features a free panel discussion inspired by the Ken Burns documentary The American Revolution that will explore the war’s local connections and national significance.

Monster Science First Thursdays: Halloweirdness

What: Theater & Comedy, Educational, Food & Drink
When: Thursday, October 1, 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 some of the lesser-known evil spirits, demon, and abhumans of the world. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 at the door. Full restaurant and bar service available in the theater.

ConFABulous 2026

What: Convention
When: Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4
Where: Crowne Plaza Suites MSP Airport–Mall of America (Bloomington)

Returning for its eighth year, ConFABulous is a weekend-long LGBTQIA+ gaming convention presented by Gaylaxicon Minnesota. Registration is $60 for the full weekend, which consists of a large gaming room, panels, social events, and more. Individual days are available for $20–$30. This is your chance to play new games in an inclusive atmosphere while meeting great Twin Cities gamers!

Crypticon

What: Convention
When: Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4
Where: Crowne Plaza West Hotel & Conference Center (Plymouth)

Crypticon returns to the Twin Cities for its annual horror convention. This event is an opportunity to see horror celebrities, vendors, artists, and films, and to participate in activities including themed parties, cosplay, concerts, films, and more. Guests of honor this year include C Thomas Howell, Alex Armbruster, Chester Rushing, and many more. Genre-film fans of all stripes will have something to enjoy here. Tickets start at $70 for the full weekend, and there are a variety of ticket choices.

Spooky St. Paul–The Ringmaster’s Demise

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Hidden Falls Regional Park

See if you can solve this circus-themed, interactive mystery event by exploring the park and chatting with event characters. Trails are both paved and unpaved. A food truck and warm beverages will be available for purchase. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets are $25.

2026 Scary Movies in the Parks: The Blair Witch Project

What: Movies
When: Friday, October 2, at dusk
Where: Hidden Falls Regional Park

Enjoy a free night of community and movie magic under the stars! Screening this week is the 1999 classic, The Blair Witch Project. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. R-rated movies are 18+. The event is weather dependent, so be sure to check the event listing for any updates.

Scream It Off Screen

What: Movies
When: Friday, October 2, 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 $23.66 in advance or $25 at the door.

First Saturday Science: The Human Body

What: Educational, Science & Technology, Family
When: Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Metro State University

First Saturday Science, a monthly program at Metro State, seeks to improve accessibility to science with open programs that can lead folks towards scientific careers, or just greater curiosity. This month, learn all about the human body, including how your heart, lungs, bones, and muscles work together. No RSVP required, though young people under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check out the event page for more details, as well as future topics and science resources that can be used at home.

First Free Saturday at Walker Art Center: Story Makers and Dream Shapers

What: Arts, Family
When: Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Walker Art Center

This month’s theme is Story Makers & Dream Shapers, exploring how stories can inspire. Also enjoy the Walker Art Center’s current exhibitions, check out a film from the museum’s collection, or participate in family-friendly creative activities. Free tickets can be reserved in advance.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, October 3, 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.

Picturegoer Film Club Presents: Psycho

What: Movies
When: Saturday, October 3, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Park Square Theatre

Catch a special screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic suspense movie Psycho with a preshow featuring a special introductory presentation, vintage cartoons, trailers, and theater snipes. Tickets are $10.

Midnight Mayhem: Killer Klowns From Outer Space

What: Movies
When: Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: The Main Cinema

The Midnight Mayhem series returns with a screening of Killer Klowns From Outer Space, the often-requested Chiodo Brothers’ classic. Expect special surprises and giveaways with host Chaz Kangas throughout this fun community film night. Tickets are $15.

Dolly Parton Tribute Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, October 4, 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 celebrate the life and hits of Dolly Parton along with wigs and rhinestone glam. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $20.98 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Understanding and Responding to Christian Nationalism

What: Educational
When: Sunday, October 4, at 11:15 a.m.
Where: Cross Winds United Methodist Church (Maple Grove)

Christian nationalists merge their Christian identity with their American identity to conclude that a good American must also be a Christian. “This workshop provides information about Christian nationalism and ways for Christians, people of other faiths, and secular individuals to respond to Christian nationalism.”

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 4, 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!

Minneapolis Central Craft Club

What: Arts, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 4, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Hennepin County Library–Minneapolis Central

Craft it up on a Sunday afternoon with community at this free weekly club that focuses on knitting, crochet, papercrafts, embroidery, and hand-sewing. Bring your own materials to make progress on your current project or begin something new with the materials provided.

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Virtual Events

825 Arts Minecraft Club

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Monday, September 28, 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, September 28, 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, September 29, 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.

Gaming Wednesdays for Teens: Virtual Gaming

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, September 30, 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.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, September 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Enjoy a free screening of an obscure film with Miss Emmy Martian and other cinephiles every Wednesday night. The film kicks off at 7:00 p.m., but drop in early for the pre-show and stick around after for the Cartoon Funhouse.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, September 30, 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.

The 7th Annual Flip the Script Queer Film Festival

What: Movies
When: Thursday, October 1, through Sunday, October 11
Where: The Main Cinema and virtual via Eventlive

Flip the Script Fest is a Minneapolis-based film festival that focuses on queer stories, with the goal of avoiding the stereotypes prevalent in other media. This year includes four feature films and 33 short films from 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers from all over the world. Name-your-price tickets with $12 suggested. All Access passes available for $100. Films will also be available for in-person screening for the first four days.

entoLEARN–Froghoppers

What: Educational
When: Thursday, October 1, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Learn about insects and the science of invertebrates with the free entoL!VE webinar series. This week’s event explores the variety of Froghoppers, aka spittlebugs for the foamy substance they secrete in their nymph stage. Tickets are £12.50, about $16.70USD.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—A Horse’s World

What: Educational
When: Friday, October 2, at 12:00 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, learn all about horses from neuroscientist and horse trainer, Janet L. Jones, author of A Horse’s World. Tickets are $30 with a discount for Smithsonian members.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, October 3, 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, October 4, 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!