This Week in Geek (10/5/2026–10/11/2026)

Jump to:
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 5, to Sunday, October 11.

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

Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival

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

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.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

What: Family, Community
When: Friday, September 25, through Sunday, November 1
Where: Minnesota Zoo

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.

The Dead End Hayride

What: Nightlife
When: Now through Sunday, November 1
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming, MN)

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.

Free Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, October 5, and Wednesday, October 7, 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.

Book Club: Bring Your Own Book

What: Books, Meetup
When: Tuesday, October 6, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Luce Line Brewing Co.

Discuss your latest reads and discover new books from fellow readers at this casual BYOB book club. This is great opportunity for folks who want to join a book club, but aren’t able to commit to reading a specific title for each meeting.

14th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival

What: Movies
When: Wednesday October 7, through Sunday, October 11
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 a screening of Los Javis’ La Bola Negra. Individual screening tickets are $18–30 and festival passes are $150, with discounts available for students and MSP Film Society members.

Dungeons & Dragons Weekly One-Shot

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, October 7, 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.

Games + Grains

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Insight Brewing

Join 2D Con on the first Wednesday of every month for a night of games and drinks at Insight Brewing.

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

What: Educational, Family
When: Thursday, October 8, 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.

Walker Art Center Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, October 8, 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. This week features a 75-minute Sip and Sculpt workshop focusing on cardboard as the medium.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

What: Movies, Music
When: Tuesday, October 8 through Saturday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

Take a journey to a galaxy far, far away with the Minnesota Orchestra! At this special screening of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, the orchestra will accompany the film with a live performance of the score. Limited tickets remain for all performances and start at $68.

The Urban Ecosystem

What: Music, Science & Tech
When: Thursday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 11, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Bell Museum

The Urban Ecosystem is a collaborative concert experience highlighting recent ecological research through music and visuals. The composition features a movement for each of the seven fields of research of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Long-Term Ecological Research (MSP-LTER) program, and one movement to unite them all. Their research and this performance “explore how plants, animals, and humans interact with each other in the lakes, forests, and grasslands that make up our local, urban ecosystem.” Before the concert, there will also be hands-on science activities. Standard tickets are $12.51, and there are free ticket options available.

ArneCon

What: Convention, Gaming
When: Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11
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 Jeffrey Talanian, Richard Whitters, Ronin Wong, and more. Tickets are $50 for the whole weekend, and individual day passes are available for $20–$30.

BelowZero LANfest

What: Gaming
When: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, Ocober 11
Where: Double Tree Park Place

Get ready for a weekend of community gaming at BelowZero LANfest! This BYOC (bring your own computer/console) event will feature tournaments, open gaming, raffles, contests, and more. Organizers recommend joining their Discord server to help connect with other attendees who want to play the same games. Tickets are $55 for general admission or $70 for VIP.

The Secret Life of Bats

What: Educational
When: Friday, October 9, at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

Learn about the bats that call Minnesota home. This free event starts with an indoor presentation about our local bat species, then heads outdoors for a guided walk to watch for bats flying above and listen for their echolocation. Pre-registration by Thursday, October 8 is required.

St. Paul Scary Movies Series: Hocus Pocus

What: Movies, Community
When: Friday, October 9, at dusk (approximately 6:45 p.m.)
Where: Como Park Midway Pavilion

Enjoy a free night of community and movie magic under the stars! Screening this week is the beloved 1993 Disney classic Hocus Pocus. The film starts at dusk and costumes are encouraged. The event is weather dependent, so be sure to check the event page for any updates.

Disney Villains Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, October 10, 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 shines a spotlight on the Disney baddies Scar, Cruella de Vil, and Captain Hook. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $21.98, and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Minnesota Comic Book Association FallCon

What: Convention, Comics
When: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 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 weekend. Check out oodles of comic artists, publishers, vendors, and local comics stores, as well as panels, activities, a 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 10 and Sunday, October 11, 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 $29.95 for adults and teens; $14.95 for children 5–12 years old; discounted season passes and family packs are available.

ToshoCon 2026

What: Convention
When: Saturday, October 10, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Arlington Hills Community Center

ToshoCon is a free one-day convention focused on anime, cosplay, and East Asian pop culture held at Arlington Hills Community Center. This event will feature a cosplay photobooth, artist alley, K-pop dancing, geeky crafts, gaming, and more.

War in the North ’26

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, October 10, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Ken Yackel-West Side Arena

Fully armored fighters will be showcasing their combat skills and battling for glory during this national championship tournament. Expect a roster of teams from across the country bringing full contact 12 vs 12 Buhurt mayhem. Tickets are $31.34–$48.92.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, October 10, 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.

Dungeons & Dragons & Doughnuts

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, October 10, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (St. Louis Park)

Get ready to roll some dice, slay some dragons, and eat some tasty doughnuts. Adventurers of all levels can join this Dungeons & Dragons game night with quests led by experienced game masters. Tickets are $23.18–33.85, which includes a doughnut, set of dice, a premade character sheet, and entry into an artist giveaway, as well as bottomless cider, cold brew, and cocoa.

Minnesota Retro Tech Club

What: Meetup, Science & Tech
When: Sunday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: 2DHQ

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

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 11, 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!

Power of the Pencil: How This Simple Tool Changed the World

What: Educational
When: Sunday, October 11, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Hennepin County Library–Minneapolis Central

For centuries, the pencil has shaped and created lasting impacts on art, science, and daily life. This free presentation will explore the history of the pencil and share “surprising stories of innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity that reveal why this simple writing tool remains one of humanity’s most enduring inventions.”

Next Chapter Booksellers Manga Club

What: Comics
When: Sunday, October 11, 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 In the Twilight of Our Adolescence by Waka Hayashi.

Opus & Olives

What: Books, Nightlife
When: Sunday, October 11, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: St. Paul RiverCentre

Opus and Olives is a night celebrating the written word and raising funds to benefit communities through the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. There will be a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and presentations from guest authors including Liaquat Ahamed, Ham El-Waylly, Ayana Gray, and Nikesha Elise Williams. Tickets start at $200.

(Jump to Top)

Virtual Events

825 Arts Minecraft Club

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Monday, October 5, 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, October 5, 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!

entoL!VE–Unwelcome Guests: How Insect Pests are Impacting Britain’s Forests

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, 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 dives into insect pests like the large-pine weevil, their origins, the impact on both forest ecosystems and industries, and how systems-level pest management approaches can improve resiliency and threat detection.

Virtual Makers Mornings

What: Community, Arts
When: Tuesday, October 6, 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, October 7, 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, October 7, 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, October 7, 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.

North to the Pole: 40 Years Later

What: Educational
When: Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Join members of the Steger International Polar Expedition for a look back at their record-setting trip to the North Pole, which marked the first successful, unsupported trek via dogsled and the first woman to reach the North Pole. There will be an audience Q&A session after the discussion. Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested $15.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Backyard Birding

What: Educational
When: Friday, 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 all about backyard birding and how this simple exercise of observation right at home can lead to a deeper connection with nature, recognition of seasonal patterns, and an understanding of what attracts different avian visitors. Tickets are $35 and there is a discount for Smithsonian members. Check out the streaming-series webpage for the many other upcoming events this week.

Horror and Gothic in Women’s Latin American Contemporary Lit

What: Educational
When: Saturday, October 10, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Romancing the Gothic hosts weekly classes and events exploring gothic, romantic, and horror topics. This week takes a look at a variety of contemporary horror and gothic works by Latin American women and the themes therein. Romancing the Gothic events are free to attend, but donations or patronage to support the series are encouraged.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, October 10, 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 11, 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.

(Jump to Top)

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!