July Geek About Town!
Check out these awesome events around Seattle this summer! GAT will now also feature events that are going on throughout the month, so you can plan ahead!
June Geek About Town!
Check out these awesome events around Seattle this summer! GAT will now also feature events that are going on throughout the month, so you can plan ahead!
Throughout June:
Pacific Science Center
Tickets $28.75 adults, $23.75 youth (6-15), $20.75 child (3-5)
Named one of CNN’s Top Ten “Global Must-See Exhibitions,” The Art of the Brick exhibit by artist Nathan Sawaya is a critically acclaimed collection of inspiring artworks made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world: the LEGO® brick. From child’s toy to sophisticated art form and beyond, the world’s largest display of LEGO art ever features original pieces as well as re-imagined versions of the world’s most famous art masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa as well as a gallery showcasing an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.
Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds
EMP Museum
Tickets $27 adults, $27 students (with ID), $21 youth (5-17)
Fifty years after a show with modest ratings called Star Trek first aired, its stories continue to echo worldwide. Its famous opening line, “To boldly go where no one has gone before…” encapsulates the heart of this iconic series: the dare to hope for a better world.
As part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds presents the phenomenon, its enduring impact on our culture, and how Star Trek has inspired people to imagine, explore, and create.
More so than spaceships and phasers, the one quality that defines Star Trek is optimism. Creator Gene Roddenberry imagined a 23rd century in which humanity had eliminated the divisions that characterized his own time. By using alien worlds, interspecies conflicts, and sci-fi premises to make statements about war, racism, and politics, Star Trek revolutionized the impact popular culture could have on our society.
Photo courtesy of CBS Consumer Products
Discover the beloved series all over again in this fully immersive exhibit, featuring more than 100 artifacts and props from the five Star Trek television series, spin-offs, and films, including set pieces from the original series like Captain Kirk’s command chair and the navigation console (on display for the first time to the public); Kirk, Spock, Uhura, and McCoy original series costumes; and the 6-foot U.S.S. Enterprise filming model from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Until June 12: Seattle International Film Festival
Various locations, see here for film guide!
Film is a powerful art form, and it is the experiences we have with film that can transform our lives. SIFF does just that: our mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. It is through the art of cinema that we foster a community that is more informed, aware, and alive.
Saturday, June 4-Sunday, June 5: Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival
Amory, Seattle Center
Free Admission!
The Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington (FCHSW) proudly presents Pagdiriwang, commemorating the anniversary of Philippine Independence. Held on the first or second week of June at the Seattle Center since 1987, the event has grown into the biggest festival of Filipino arts and culture in the Pacific Northwest. Pagdiriwang provides a venue for Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike to learn about the culture. It is an ideal setting for presenting art, craft, song, dance, music, history, literature, and culture to promote better understanding of the Filipino cultural heritage.
Friday, June 10: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm-10:45pm, Wayward Coffeehouse, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! Come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find Codenames, Love Letter, Splendor, King of Tokyo, Völuspá, slash, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup,Tokaido, Superfight, The Resistance, Colt Express, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX, and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
Saturday, June 11 –Sunday, June 12: Festival Sundiata
From noon both days, Seattle Center
Free admission!
Festival Sundiata is a free festival celebrating all art forms from the African diaspora. You’re going to love this festival! Music, food, non profit tables, Art exhibit, cooking demonstrations , interactive activities, Vendors with one of a kind items for sale dance and dance instructions, Zumba and much much more.
Monday, June 13: Jay Newton-Small: Leveraging Female Political Power
7:30pm (doors open 6:30pm), Downstairs at Town Hall Seattle
Tickets $5
Upon her election to the US Senate in 1916, Jeanette Rankin remarked, “I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.” Now, 100 years later, women represent a larger portion of the legislative and executive branches than ever before. According to TIME political correspondent Jay Newton-Small, their presence is affecting not only how the federal government operates (remember the blizzard in DC this January?), but also how Americans live and work. She’ll share conversations from offices around the capital city and deals made across the political divide by women (like Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton) hoping to create change. She’ll also shed light on how women across America can most effectively use their (highly sought after) vote this election season.
Thursday, June 16: Homeschool Day: Game Design Workshop
12:30pm-4:00pm, EMP museum
Registration $6/person, students and adults
EMP, the National STEM Video Game Challenge, and Institute of Museum and Library Services invite homeschool families for a video game design workshop.
Workshop participants will:
• Level up from video game players to video game designers
• Complete hands-on, minds-on, physical game design exercises
• Design original video games and modify existing games
• Play-test each other’s games to provide feedback
• Tour EMP’s Indie Game Revolution exhibit
• Learn how to enter the STEM Challenge
Registration includes participation in the day’s events and museum admission for the day.
Classes are suitable for students 8–14 years of age. Parents are asked to be active participant in the workshop classes for the full program from 12:30pm–4:00pm.
This workshop is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). A laptop computer capable of web browsing and using Adobe Flash Player is required, as families will be learning the basics of Gamestar Mechanic. If you would like to participate but do not have a laptop computer, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Tuesday, June 21: All Geeks, All Games at Mox Boarding House!
6:00pm-10:00pm, Mox Boarding House, 13310 BelRed Rd, Bellevue, WA
Our All Geeks, All Games events are growing in popularity! Join GeekGirlCon and Mox Boarding House in Bellevue and help us continue to expand our community of diverse and inclusive gamers to the East Side!
Help us fill that beautiful Tournament Room with folks enjoying our favorite games in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Why mess with the headache of traffic when you can come and play games with us instead.
Staff from both organizations will be on hand to help facilitate gameplay for the shy to the extroverted, from the expert strategist to the board game neophyte. With a huge lending library of games on hand, there will be something for everyone!
As an added bonus, if you play a board game from their library and love it, you can buy a fresh copy for 20% off! How cool is that?!
Wednesday, June 22: Rock Star Women in Science: Inspiring the Next Generation
6:30pm (doors open 5:30pm), Great Hall, Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Avenue (enter on Eighth Avenue)
Free Admission!
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center director, Dr. Gary Gilliland has praised the “female leadership and success” that he has seen at his own organization and beyond. But he also makes it clear that he wants to address the “disparity of women versus men in positions of authority in science.” This event will bring together some of our area’s leading women scientists in a panel discussion about the innovative work being done in our region, the challenges they face, and why it is so important that more girls follow in their footsteps.
Saturday, June 25: Spirit of Indigenous People Festival
11:30am-5pm, Seattle Center
This festival is a collaborative effort of the many Native community groups in the greater Seattle area, bringing together a showcase of the culture and tradition of American Indians, Alaska Natives and First Nations People!
A traditional Pow Wow will take place at the Mural Amphitheatre stage and surrounding grounds in the afternoon, beginning with a grand entry at 1:00pm and including a host drum and pow wow exhibition dances. Everyone is invited and welcome to join – intertribals, tiny tots, and social dances. This is a rare opportunity for the general public and visitors of the Seattle Center to experience a glimpse of the Native Pow Wow outside tribal settings.
This year, we hope to add another element to the festival highlighting the beauty and cultural richness of the Native Canoe Journey through the Canoe Family Exhibit. Families and groups who have participated in canoe journeys are invited to display their histories, documentaries, and canoes! For many of the general public visitors to the Seattle Center grounds, this will be the only opportunity for them to witness the amazing stories of our Canoe Family journeys and history!
Saturday, June 25-Sunday, June 26: Urban Craft Uprising: Seattle’s Largest Indie Craft Show
11am-5pm, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
Urban Craft Uprising is Seattle’s favorite craft show, established in 1995. At UCU, fans can choose from a wide variety of hand-crafted goods, including clothing of all types, jewelry, gifts, bags, wallets, buttons, accessories, aprons, children’s goods, toys, housewares, furniture, paper goods, candles, kits, geekery, art, food, and much, much more.
https://youtu.be/IHbA6dMS49E
This favorite Seattle craft show is carefully curated and juried to ensure the best mix of crafts and arts, along with quality and originality. This bi-annual show features over 150 vendors excelling in the world of craft, art and design.
Urban Craft Uprising aims to build a local (and beyond) community of artists, crafters and designers by organizing and providing events where indie crafters and artists can connect with their fans. In addition, Urban Craft Uprising promotes other community building activities, including our crafting shows, showcases, classes, events, sponsorships, online presence and other local activities.
Sunday, June 26: Virginia Heffernan: How the Internet Changed Everything
7:30pm (doors open 6:30pm), Downstairs at Town Hall Seattle
Tickets $5
Since its inception, the internet has morphed from merely an extension of traditional media into its own full-fledged society. In a relatively short amount of time, it has developed into a massive force in our world. New York Times journalist, Virginia Heffernan counts it as one of “mankind’s great masterpieces.” Whether we like it or not, our lives have been transformed by this fascinating place, but its deep logic, cultural potential, and societal impact often elude us. Heffernan will discuss her new book, Magic and Loss, which explores the logic and aesthetics of the highly visual, social, and portable life online. The medium favors speed, accuracy, wit, and versatility, and its form and functions are changing how we perceive, experience, and understand the world.
May Geek About Town!
What’s happening in Seattle in May? Read below to find out!
Sunday, May 1: GeekGirlCon ’16 Early Bird Pricing closes!
Hurry! Get your GeekGirlCon tickets at their super-duper low price before early bird pricing closes! It’s a screaming deal!
Sunday, May 1: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration
11:45am-5:00pm, Seattle Center Armory
Free admission!
Explore and experience the cultural roots of the Asian-Pacific Islands through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, games, and a lively marketplace. The festival launches Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Seattle with spectacular dances, youth drill teams, drumming, martial arts, and artists from around the state.
Plus our fan-favorite Hum Bow Contest with local celebrities and API Community displays and enjoy children’s activities! This is guaranteed to rock your heritage!
Tuesday, May 3: GeekGirlCon’s giveBIG campaign!
On May 3, GeekGirlCon will team up with The Seattle Foundation for an online fundraising extravaganza! Anything donated to our organization will be matched from a pool of stretch funds. If you’re an information enthusiast, we made it easy for you, click here to read more.
April Geek About Town!
We have a whole bunch of awesomely geeky events for April! Check them out!
March Geek About Town!
Here comes the sun! As the weather warms up, head out to these amazing events around the city! Check out our first GeekGirlCon fundraiser event of the year on March 23!
Sunday, March 6: The Sunday Night Shuga Shaq
18:30–21:00, Theatre Off Jackson, 409 7th Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98104
Tickets: VIP advance $25, day of $30, general admission advance $15, day of $20
This show is 21+
The only monthly ALL PEOPLE OF COLOR Burlesque Revue in Seattle, The Sunday Night Shuga Shaq, is back! Please join us for an evening of dazzling dancing, tantric teasing, and all around prismatic sexy magic with some of the hottest Burlesque performers this side of the Mississippi! There will be so many shades and flavors of chocolate, caramel, mocha, lemon meringue, and red velvet dripping from the Theatre Off Jackson stage that you are guaranteed to leave with a tooth ache.
Tuesday, March 8: Neumos Presents: Harry Potter Trivia (Early Edition)
5:30pm for 6:00pm start, 8:30pm for 9:00pm start
Tickets $5.59 including fees
Due to high demand, we’re pleased to announce two back-to-back trivia events in one night!
Tickets must be purchased for each event.
Harry Potter Happy Hour!
Join us in Moe Bar at 3pm before the official trivia for magical concoctions and discounted drinks.
Earn a raffle ticket for every drink purchased to win super cool Harry Potter themed prizes.
Tuesday, March 8: International Women’s Day Seattle
5:30pm-8:00pm, WeWork – Holyoke Building – 17 Spring Street, Seattle, WA 98104
#PLEDGEFORPARITY SEATTLE
Each of us can be a leader within our own sphere of influence and commit to taking action to accelerate gender parity.
Join us on International Women’s Day for an evening of discussion, inspiration and celebration with a special panel of guest speakers.
A suggested donation of $10 includes light appetizers, a glass of wine and donation to participating non-profits.
Friday, March 11: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm – 10:45pm, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
Tuesday, March 15: All Geeks, All Games at Mox Boarding House!
6:00pm – 10:00pm, Mox Boarding House, 13310 BelRed Rd, Bellevue, WA
Our All Geeks, All Games events are growing in popularity!
Join GeekGirlCon and Mox Boarding House in Bellevue and help us continue to expand our community of diverse and inclusive gamers to the East Side!
Help us fill that beautiful Tournament Room with folks enjoying our favorite games in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Why mess with the headache of traffic when you can come and play games with us instead.
Staff from both organizations will be on hand to help facilitate gameplay for the shy to the extroverted, from the expert strategist to the board game neophyte. With a huge lending library of games on hand, there will be something for everyone!
Saturday, March 19: 2016 Science Fiction + Fantasy Film Festival
12:00pm – 5:00pm, Cinerama Theatre, 2100 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
Tickets $20 ($15 EMP and SIFF members)
EMP Museum in partnership with SIFF presents the eleventh annual Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival on March 19, 2016.
The festival brings together industry professionals and genre experts to encourage and support new, creative additions to science fiction and fantasy cinematic arts. The festival will showcase animated and live-action science fiction and fantasy films.
Admitted films are judged by a nationally recognized jury comprised of luminaries in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. Ten short films will screen in the first session followed by nine short films in the second session, with an intermission in between. An awards ceremony will follow the second session.
Sunday, March 20: The Felt-A-Thon
9am – 9pm, Inscape Arts Building, Studio 230, 815 Seattle Blvd South, Seattle, WA 98134
Vox Fabuli Puppets and Crash Boom invite puppet fans worldwide to take part in the second FELT-A-THON. The FELT-A-THON, a 12 hour puppet marathon charity event, will be held Sunday, March 20.
Beginning at 9am, Seattle-based puppeteers Rachel Jackson and Chad Allers, along with other local artists, will attempt to make 9 puppets in only 12 hours. A live stream of The FELT-A-THON will be available online, so that people everywhere will be able to tune in and watch their progress. Part of the 2016 World Day of Puppetry, all proceeds collected will go to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital.
In addition to collecting donations during the live stream event, all completed puppets will be put up for auction the next day. Those proceeds will also go to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Donations will be collected via IndieGoGo. Audience participation will be encouraged via social media: suggestions will be solicited, dares taken, and questions answered via The FELT-A-THON’s Twitter feed and FaceBook pages.
Monday, March 21 – Sunday, April 17: First Folio! The Book that Gave us Shakespeare
The Seattle Public Library – Central Branch, Level 8 Gallery, Seattle, WA
Free
The Seattle Public Library invites the public to come face-to-face with the First Folio at the downtown Seattle Central Library March 21 through April 17, 2016. Considered one of the most important books ever published, the First Folio is the first and most comprehensive collection of the plays of William Shakespeare.
The First Folio was published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death. Without it, 18 of those plays would likely have been lost to time, including Julius Caesar, Macbeth, As You Like It and The Taming of the Shrew.
First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare, on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library, is a national traveling exhibit organized by the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. and commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
Tuesday, March 22: Race, Justice and Democracy: Where do we stand?
7:30pm, Great Hall, Town Hall Seattle
Free; registration required
Seattle has a reputation as a progressive city, but when it comes to matters of race and justice how progressive is it? How do we view the activist voices of Black Lives Matter? As the Seattle Police Department operates under a Justice Department Consent Decree, is there progress being made in building trust with communities of color? What kind of leadership do we need to break down the barriers of institutional racism? This discussion will tackle these and other questions with a prominent panel of local speakers and the audience. Confirmed panel members include: Nikkita Oliver, lawyer, poet, and Seattle Black Lives Matter activist; Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez; Marcus Green, executive director of the South Seattle Emerald; and Mayor Ed Murray. KCTS 9’s Enrique Cerna will moderate the conversation. It will be live streamed and taped for broadcast.
Wednesday, March 23: Drinks With Geeks (A Fundraiser to Support GeekGirlCon)
5:30pm – 10:00pm, Peddler Brewery 1514 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA
We have a question for you! Want to support GeekGirlCon by drinking a pint and eating a grilled cheese sandwich? If your answer is yes (and why wouldn’t it be?), we would love to see you at Peddler Brewing Company for our first fundraiser of 2016!
On March 23rd, we host our first fundraiser of 2016! We will raffle off great prizes while you enjoy tasty beers on tap. And $1 of each pint sold will go to GeekGirlCon.
The fantastic Cheese Wizards food truck will be there and will donate 10% of their profit to GeekGirlCon. Check out their delicious menu here.
So if you like beer or grilled cheese, or just like GeekGirlCon, spend time with us in Ballard on March 23rd! Staff members and board members will be on hand to happily answer questions about our fantastic organization. We welcome the opportunity to meet our community and hope to see you there!
Tuesday, March 29: Tarah Wheeler Van Vlack: How to Succeed as a Woman In Tech
7:30PM, Downstairs at Town Hall, Doors open 6:30pm
Tickets $5
The Puget Sound is being driven by the tech industry—a field typically dominated by men. If you’re a woman in the tech world, or are looking to join it, what’s the best way to succeed? Women in Tech is one expert’s answer. Tarah Wheeler Van Vlack (CEO of Fizzmint) will share stories of success from her book, tips on overcoming the boys’ club mentality, field-specific career skills, and easily achievable steps to coming out on top. She’ll be joined in conversation by successful female tech professionals who contributed to the book for a discussion of how they got to where they are and what it’s really like to be a “woman in tech.” Panelists include: Kamilah Taylor (software engineer at LinkedIn), Angie Chang (VP of Hackbright Academy, founder of Women 2.0), Brianna Wu (Co-Founder, CEO, and Head of Development at Giant Spacekat), and Kristin Toth Smith (former CEO of Code Fellows). The conversation will be moderated by Stephen (Stepto) Toulouse, Microsoft/Xbox veteran and currently Director of Hacker Success at HackerOne.
February Geek About Town!
Beat the cold weather and chillax with these super events!
Thursday, February 4: Freedom, religion and racism in Jewish-Muslim encounters
7:30pm, Kane Hall, Room 120, 4069 Spokane Lane, Seattle (directions and parking)
Free, but advance registration is required
Issues of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe and America occupy a persistent place in politics and conversations. From the Charlie Hebdo murders in France to the backlash against Syrian refugees and the perennial conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, there is no shortage of global discussion on religious freedom and Jewish-Muslim relations.
In this lecture, Dr. Mehnaz Afridi, assistant professor of religious studies and director of the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan College, discusses how the state of religious freedom in Europe is affecting the lives of Jews and Muslims today, and argues that the ideal — and perhaps only — venue for a Jewish-Muslim dialogue is here in the United States.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATTjUtqdJfU
Friday, February 5 – Thursday, February 11: Regression
SIFF Film Center, Seattle
5:00pm and 7:15pm
$12 | $7 SIFF Members | $10 Senior & Youth
This psychological thriller of small-town Satanic suspicion in the 1990s begins when a young woman (Emma Watson) accuses her father of an unspeakable crime, leading a grizzled detective (Ethan Hawke) and a regression therapy psychologist (David Thewlis) to unmask a horrifying nationwide mystery. From director Alejandro Amenabar (The Others, The Sea Inside).
Tuesday, February 9: Yoga Under Glass at Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass, 305 Harrison St, Seattle
5:45pm registration for 6:30 session
Tickets $22, available online
Connect with your community and ignite your mind, body and spirit with the unique experience of yoga in Chihuly Garden and Glass’ inspirational Glasshouse. Accessible and designed for all skill levels, local instructors from Core Power Yoga Studio will take participants through a special 60 minute session, drawing inspiration from the creative environment. Space is limited. All levels welcome.
Wednesday, February 10: More than mascots! Less than citizens? American Indians talk: Why isn’t the U.S. listening?
7:30pm, Kane Hall, Room 120, 4069 Spokane Lane, Seattle (directions and parking)
Free, but advance registration is required
If the current debate over the name of a certain NFL team in our nation’s capital is any indication, many have not yet gotten the message regarding the harmful effects of ethnic stereotyping.
Why is willful ignorance about American Indian realities so deeply entrenched and passionately defended? Key answers are embedded in early 20th century federal court cases and legislation, including the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act. Tracing the history of U.S. debates over the status of Native people, K. Tsianina Lomawaima, professor, school of social transformation, Arizona State University, illuminates the challenges and opportunities that surviving, thriving Native peoples pose for U.S. society.
Friday, February 12: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm – 10:45pm, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay. Their pastries are delivered daily from local vendors including donuts from Mighty-O Donuts, croissants from Le Fournil Patisserie, bagels from Blazing Bagels, and the rest of their tasty treats provided by Little Rae’s All Natural Bakery. There are even GF cookies from WOW Bakery!
Saturday, February 13: Lunar New Year 2016
11:00am – 4:00pm, International District
Seattle’s annual Lunar New Year Celebration is back on Saturday, February 13 from 11am – 4pm in the heart of the Chinatown-International District. Come out and help us usher in the Year of the Monkey!
Join us at the Main Stage where there will be non-stop cultural performances from dragon and lion dances, traditional Japanese taiko drumming, Bollywood dancing and the 7th annual Children’s Parade and Costume Contest.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the Arts and Cultural Pavilion, with arts and crafts projects for all!
Attendees at October’s All Geeks, All Games event. Photo credit: Kristine Hassell
Tuesday, February 16: All Geeks, All Games at Mox Boarding House
6:00pm – 10:00pm, Mox Boarding House, Bellevue
Our event is growing in popularity! Join GeekGirlCon and Mox Boarding House in Bellevue and help us continue to expand our community of diverse and inclusive gamers to the East Side! We want to fill that beautiful Tournament Room with folks enjoying our favorite games in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Why mess with the headache of traffic when you can come and play games with us instead.
Staff from both organizations will be on hand to help facilitate gameplay for the shy to the extroverted, from the expert strategist to the board game neophyte. With a huge lending library of games on hand, there will be something for everyone!
Thursday, February 18 – Sunday, February 21: Marvel Universe Live!
Key Arena, Seattle
Tickets available online
Marvel Universe LIVE! will captivate audiences with an authentic and original story that brings more than 25 Marvel characters together on one epic quest. The story is framed around the battle over the Cosmic Cube, the source of ultimate power and one of the most feared and coveted treasures in the Marvel Universe, that has been shattered into pieces by the Mighty Thor in order to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. With the pieces scattered across the globe, Thor’s villainous brother Loki devises a scheme to clone its powers, inciting a threat that could not only decimate Earth but also obliterate the Universe.
To defeat Loki, Marvel’s biggest Super Heroes must band together, including The Avengers – Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor along with Spider-Man and Wolverine, must trek across the globe to retrieve the Cosmic Cube fragments and unite them. As the Super Heroes track the Cube, they will encounter some of their biggest adversaries including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Red Skull, Madame Hydra, Aldrich Killian, Electro and more, in the quest for the very same fragments. These foes have no problem teaming up if it gets them closer to their ultimate goal of world domination.
Friday, February 19 – Sunday, February 21: Seattle Asian American Film Festival
Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle
The Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) showcases feature-length and short format films by and about Asian Americans across North America, with an emphasis on filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest. Our next festival takes place Feb. 19th -21st, 2016 at Northwest Film Forum.
SAAFF is the only film festival in Seattle to provide a space for Asian American voices, perspectives and histories by screening independent films that reflect the diversity and richness of the city’s Asian American community.
Friday, February 19: Campout Cinema: Purple Rain
Sky Church, EMP Museum
Tickets $12 ($10 EMP members), 21+ only.
As part of Black History Month, EMP’s Campout Cinema presents Prince’s first starring film with Purple Rain (1984).
“The Kid” (Prince) is a young musician, tormented by a miserable home life, who must contend with a rival singer and a burgeoning romance as he reaches the pinnacle of stardom.
Part film, part music video, this glittering journey to fame is highlighted by a catalogue of Prince’s hits, including “I Would Die 4 U,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Let’s Go Crazy,”—a score which deservedly won both an Academy Award and a Grammy.
Tickets include admission to Guitar Gallery: The Quest for Volume, where you can explore the evolution of the guitar through the lives and accomplishments of other musical innovators such as Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and Kurt Cobain.
Tuesday, February 23: Doing race better: Race and the reform of urban schools
7:30pm, Kane Hall, Room 120, 4069 Spokane Lane, Seattle (directions and parking)
Free, but advance registration is required
An increasingly common topic in our cultural conversation, issues of race are largely ignored as a consideration in the policies that shape urban schools and school systems. Charles M. Payne, professor, school of social service administration, the University of Chicago, explores how taking race more fully into account may allow us to shape more powerful educational practices and adequately address social inequity.
Friday, February 26: Through the Eyes of Art
7:30pm (doors 7:00pm), EMP Museum
Tickets $10 ($10 EMP members)
Join EMP Museum for the third annual Through the Eyes of Art, the city’s premier Black History Month celebration.
Presented by EMP and Brandkings, the city’s premier Black History Month celebration will take an artistic look on the topic of Black Love with a welcome address from King County Councilmember Larry Gossett and Seattle King County NAACP president Gerald Hankerson; a live performance from Draze and special guests; presentation of the Servant of the People award honoring gospel singer Rev. Patrinell “Pat” Wright, Gregg Alex (Matt Talbot Center), and wife Dora Krasucki-Alex; and an art show from some of Seattle’s top painters and photographers.
Friday, February 26: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm – 10:45pm, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay. Their pastries are delivered daily from local vendors including donuts from Mighty-O Donuts, croissants from Le Fournil Patisserie, bagels from Blazing Bagels, and the rest of their tasty treats provided by Little Rae’s All Natural Bakery. There are even GF cookies from WOW Bakery!
Monday, February 29: Deadline: Seattle Public Library Flash Fiction Contest: Door to a Pink Universe
Seattle Writes is a project to support local authors and connect them with our large and avid community of readers. It includes workshops on the craft of writing, write-ins, author panels, classes on digital publishing and more.
Seattle Writes invites writers to submit a work of flash fiction to the Door to a Pink Universe competition in honor of science fiction writer and Seattle resident Octavia Butler, who heralded libraries for their contribution to her development as a writer.
See website for submission and competition details.
January 2016 Geek About Town!
Ring in the New Year with these awesomely geeky events!
Friday, January 1: The Princess Bride Quote-Along
SIFF Film Center, Seattle
5:00pm and 7:15pm
$15 | $10 SIFF Members | $14 Senior & Youth
Adapted for the screen by William Goldman from his equally hysterical and brilliant novel, director by Rob Reiner brought to the screen a modern day classic filled with memorable performances, sharp wit, derring-do, and heaping helpings of romance. Thoroughly tongue-in-cheek and forever quotable, The Princess Bride is filled with iconic characters and moments: the Dread Pirate Roberts, insanity-inducing cliffs, a wily Sicilian, a six-fingered count, a friendly giant, the Fire Swamp, and the ultimate story of “Wuv, True Wuv” as read to us by that most lovable of grandpas, Peter Falk.
Saturday, January 2: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision
SIFF Film Center, Seattle
12:00pm and 2:30pm
$15 | $10 SIFF Members | $14 Senior & Youth
SIFF’s annual extravaganza celebrating the 1971 musical family classic returns! Sign our giant contract on the way in the door, then enjoy fragrant and tasty treats from our legendary Wonkariffic goodie bags. Bring your nose, your taste buds, and your sense of adventure as you tour the most eccentric and wonderful candy factory of all, made even more outrageous by Gene Wilder’s wonderfully eccentric performance, utterly singable songs, and those lovable hardworking Oompa Loompas.
Seeing this film on the big screen (with candy!) makes for an experience that is “ninety-three percent perspiration, six percent electricity, four percent evaporation, and two percent butterscotch ripple.”
Saturday, January 9: Rat City Rollergirls presents: Star Wars Benefit Bout for Food Life Line
The Rat’s Nest, 19022 Aurora Ave N, Seattle
Doors open 4:30pm, first whistle 5:30pm
If you sense a disturbance in the Force, it’s probably because there’s a battle of Death Star-proportions brewing. Join us Saturday, January 9th for a Star Wars themed evening featuring lots of fast-paced derby action. First up, Rat City skaters split into two teams will take the track in Rebels vs. Empire. Will you choose to cheer for the light or dark side? Following that bout it’s an intergalactic clash as our Washington State Conference team takes on Overbeaters Anonymous.
Jedi robes and light sabers are encouraged (though you’ll have to leave your droids outside), and you’ll have the chance to meet Garrison Titan’s stormtroopers. And don’t forget your canned goods – as always, we’ll be accepting non-perishable food donations on behalf of Food Lifeline. So save the date and join us in Shoreline – as a wise master once said, ‘Do or do not, there is no try.’
Tickets are $20 or at the door.
Friday, January 15: Black Lives Matter in Hip-Hop (featuring local artists and community members)
Town Hall Seattle, Downstairs
Doors open at 6:30pm, event starts at 7:30pm
From Sir Mix-a-Lot to Macklemore, the face of Pacific Northwest hip-hop has changed. How does that affect the historical link between hip-hop and social activism? This panel discussion (featuring performances by local artists) will explore the gentrification of Seattle hip-hop and its effects. They’ll also discuss the local Black Lives Matter movement and ways to preserve the integrity of the music and its social effects. Featured panelists include moderator Wyking Garrett and Black Stax member Jace Ecaj, among others. This event is in conjunction with MOHAI’s exhibit, “The Legacy of Seattle Hip-Hop.”
Tickets are $5
Thursday, January 21: I’ll make a man out of you: Redefining Strong Female Characters
Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
7:30pm
From the webpage: There has been a significant increase in the number of television shows and movies that showcase female action heroes, challenging and transforming the historical representations of women. But are these truly examples of “Strong Female Characters,” or do they simply replicate traditional masculine archetypes in a sexualized, female body?
In this lecture, Anita Sarkeesian deconstructs the “Strong Female Character,” and argues for a better approach to how women are portrayed in media, one that breaks out of oppressive interpretations of gender and supports feminist values to promote a more just society.
Tickets are $5.
Friday, January 22: It’s Our Right: 43 Years of Legal Abortion (presented by Planned Parenthood)
Town Hall Seattle, Great Hall
7:00pm
Recent attacks on Planned Parenthood locations, national talk of defunding the organization, and allegations of the sale of fetal tissue here in Washington, have thrust the group into the spotlight. This celebratory event will recognize a woman’s reproductive choice and the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade (the Supreme Court case upholding a woman’s right to access abortion). The evening will bring together storytellers from across the state to commemorate this landmark decision, highlight the impact of Shout Your Abortion, and help destigmatize abortion and those who choose it. Learn about this constitutionally-protected (and controversial) right and show support for reproductive freedom.
$10 early bird tickets; $15 general admission; and $50 VIP entry. Tickets at the door are cash only.
Thursday, January 28: Campout Cinema: Blade Runner 
Sky Church, EMP Museum
Doors open 6:30pm, screening starts 7:30pm
Experience Ridley Scott’s dystopic vision of the future, Blade Runner (The Director’s Cut) (1982), as part of EMP’s Campout Cinema.
In this timeless sci-fi classic, humans have developed the technology to create replicants, robotic human clones used to serve the colonies outside Earth. In Los Angeles, 2019, Deckard is a Blade Runner, a cop who specializes in terminating replicants. Originally in retirement, he’s forced to re-enter the force when four replicants escape from an off-world colony back to Earth.
This Director’s Cut version of the film, made with direction from Scott, was officially re-released in theaters in 1992.
Tickets include admission to Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction, where you can see several artifacts from the film, including costumes from Pris and Zhora, Deckard’s pistol, and more.
Tickets are $12 ($10 EMP members), 21+ only.
December Geek About Town
With the holiday season coming up on us, here are some awesome geeky events to invite your friends and family to!
Friday, November 20 – Saturday, December 19: The Twilight Zone: Live!
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Online reservations can be made at http://www.brownpapertickets.com.
Regular at the door $29
Students/Seniors at the door $25
Regular Online reserved $25
Student/Seniors online reserved $22
Box office opens at 7:00pm, show starts at 8:00pm
From the website: You’ve turned the corner…the sign post up ahead…it’s The Twilight Zone: Live! Three episodes from the classic TV show presented live on our stage. The Midnight Sun (Nov, 1961) follows a young artist sweltering in her apartment as the earth slowly spirals into the sun. Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up? (May 1961). Bus passengers are stranded by a storm at a roadside diner while rumors of UFOs fly on the radio and it seems there are more passengers than there should be. The Night of the Meek (Dec 1960). A drunken dime store Santa discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Do not miss this year’s classic.
Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, December 6: Chi-Raq
SIFF Cinema Egyptian, 805 E Pine Street, Seattle, WA
From the webpage: Iconoclast director Spike Lee returns with this hard-hitting, modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek comedy “Lysistrata” that tells the story of a group of women who organize against the ongoing violence in Chicago’s Southside, creating a movement that challenges the nature of race, sex, and violence around the world.
Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision
SIFF Film Center, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle
$15 | $10 SIFF Members | $14 Senior & Youth
From the webpage: SIFF’s annual extravaganza celebrating the 1971 musical family classic returns! Sign our giant contract on the way in the door, then enjoy fragrant and tasty treats from our legendary Wonkariffic goodie bags. Bring your nose, your taste buds, and your sense of adventure as you tour the most eccentric and wonderful candy factory of all, made even more outrageous by Gene Wilder’s wonderfully eccentric performance, utterly singable songs, and those lovable hardworking Oompa Loompas.
Seeing this film on the big screen (with candy!) makes for an experience that is “ninety-three percent perspiration, six percent electricity, four percent evaporation, and two percent butterscotch ripple.”
Sunday, December 6: Doctor Wholidays
EMP Museum, 325 5th Avenue N., Seattle, WA
Tickets $22 ($15 EMP members); $8 youth (ages 5-17)
From the website: Put your Sonic Screwdrivers in the air and wave them like you just don’t care at this holiday celebration of Doctor Who at EMP.
Do you love the Doctor? So do we! For over 50 years, BBC’s iconic series about a time-traveling hero, Doctor Who, has been a phenomenon with extraordinary cultural impact.
Join us in celebrating Doctor Who and the holiday season with a holiday-themed TARDIS photo op, costume contests*, Geeks Who Drink trivia, drink specials, activities by Anglicon, Christmas crowns and crackers, clips from Doctor Who Christmas specials, and more wibbly wobbly timey wimey surprises.
Time Lords big and small welcome!
Tickets include admission into EMP’s Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction, which features the original Dalek and Cyberman used in the filming of classic Doctor Who episodes from the 1980s.
Tuesday, December 8: The Doubleclicks, Sammus and Shubzilla at Funhouse
Funhouse Seattle, 109 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle
Tickets are $8 advance (available at Ticketfly), or $10 at the door.
Doors open at 8:30pm, Show starts at 9:00pm.
Friday, December 11: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm – 10:45pm, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay. Their pastries are delivered daily from local vendors including donuts from Mighty-O Donuts, croissants from Le Fournil Patisserie, bagels from Blazing Bagels, and the rest of their tasty treats provided by Little Rae’s All Natural Bakery. There are even GF cookies from WOW Bakery!
Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 12: Hogswatch Night Burlesque
Black Box Theater (At the Seattle Center), 305 Harrison St, Seattle
VIP Tickets: $50 each, general admission: $25 each
Doors at 6:30pm, Show at 7:30pm
From the event: For two nights this December GossamarWing Productions is offering tickets to a burlesque experience on a different world, Discworld to be exact*.
Come and join us for an immersive experience with some of your favorite** characters of the series as they experience Hogswatch Night.
We will have a snack bar, merch and photo booth, so bring cash and be prepared to jump into the DiscWorld with us, as we honor Sir Terry Prachett with our love!
*And let us tell you that was not easy, tracking down the Great A’Tuin was no easy feat as she seemly follows no pattern in her travels
**Well our favorite, but through headology, and stripping, we will convince you to love our choices!
Saturday, December 12: Joy to the Worlds Tour
7:00pm – 11:00pm
Seattle Mystery Books, 10326 45th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125
From the event: Help us celebrate the release of Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays!
Join all four authors at Seattle Mystery Books in Seattle, WA. Chat with the authors and pick up an autographed copy of the book.
Thursday, December 17: Campout Cinema: Gremlins
Sky Church, EMP Museum, 325 5th Avenue N., Seattle, WA
Tickets $12 ($9 EMP members, youth ages 5-17)
Doors open 6:30pm, event starts at 7:30pm
From the webpage: Deck the halls with boughs of… gremlins? A horde of mischievous monsters are unleashed on a small town in this Campout Cinema screening of Gremlins (1984).
Hilarious destruction ensues in the small town of Kingston Falls after a new pet owner violates two of three simple gremlin rules: no water (violated), no food after midnight (violated), and no bright light.
Come face to face with Gizmo the Mogwai (yes, the real Gizmo used in the film) who is making his EMP debut inside the Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film exhibit (included with tickets) before and during intermission. Start some trouble in the Holly Jolly Mayhem photo op, and enjoy trivia, giveaways, and other surprises!
This event is all ages; alcohol will not be served at the screening.
Saturday, December 19: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians Marathon
JBL Theater, EMP Museum, 325 5th Avenue N., Seattle, WA
11:00am – 3:30pm
From the webpage: Take a breather from holiday shopping and join us for an EMP holiday tradition with screenings of one of the worst films ever made, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
This madcap sci-fi movie adventure sends Martian kidnappers to Earth to capture Santa Claus for their joyless planet, and had a resurgence of popularity in the ’90s when it was featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Experience the Christmas magic non-stop with back-to-back screenings at 11:00am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm.
Tickets are free. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
Saturday, December 26: Seattle Audubon Society Annual Christmas Bird Count
Register here. $5.00 suggested donation
From the webpage: Started in 1900, the CBC is the longest running citizen science survey in North America. Seattle Audubon has coordinated the Seattle CBC for nearly nine decades! Approximately 200 volunteers survey the count circle (15 miles in diameter) centered in downtown Seattle, to identify and count anything with feathers and a pulse. There are 14 areas within the Seattle count circle, each being covered by one or multiple teams of volunteer surveyors. All results are tallied by a count compiler and submitted to the National Audubon Society. These data are incorporated into very important research, like the State Of The Birds report and the National Audubon Society’s Birds and Climate Change Report.
Thursday, December 31: Moulin Rouge! New Year’s Eve Singalong
SIFF Cinema Uptown
$15 | $10 SIFF Members | $14 Senior & Youth
From the webpage: The ultimate celebration of the Bohemian lifestyle, Moulin Rouge! is filled with breathtaking costumes and lush production numbers that invade the mind and fill the eyes with sensuous treats. Until it all comes crashing down in a tragic, doomed love affair guaranteed to make you grab your hankies. But don’t worry, it’s just another day the Moulin Rouge, so drink your bubbly, and relish a good cry to end the year.
Before the film we’ll celebrate the music of the film with a Moulin-inspired music video countdown. And the evening ends just in time to head over to the Space Needle to catch some fireworks while shouting “Rooooooxannnne” at the sky!
November Geek About Town
Check out our amazing November events!
Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1: Seattle Center Festal: Dia de Muertos: A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed
Armory Main Floor, Seattle Center
From the website: Seattle Center Festál presents Dia de Muertos – A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed, Oct. 31 – Nov. 1. Explore and experience the cultural roots of Mexico through live performances, spectacular community altar and cemetery, special hands-on activities, foods, face painting and exquisite rituals. Create sugar skulls and paper skeletons, explore community altars and march in a musical procession to remember the dead. The art and spirituality of Mexican culture is celebrated at Dia de Muertos. This “Day of the Dead” festival honors the lives of loved ones who have passed.
Friday, November 6: Ari Berman with Justice Steven Gonzalez: Fighting for American Voting Rights
7:30pm, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue
From the website: In light of controversial practices in Yakima and other parts of the state, the Washington Voting Rights Act aims to abolish unfair election systems–50 years after America’s landmark Voting Rights Act was passed for the same purpose. According to The Nation’s Ari Berman this is a prime example for why the fight for full voting equality isn’t over. Voting is an important part of the democratic process and for many Americans, one that’s hard to obtain–even President Obama says the system needs work. In conversation with Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez, Berman will explore the history of voting rights and the landmark court decisions that have altered their course. He’ll explain the back and forth that voting rights have undergone throughout the past 50 years, and offer a glimpse at the future–one where, with support from Congress and the Supreme Court, representational voting rights can be achieved.
Tickets are $5.
Friday, November 6 – Saturday, November 7: Mass Effect N7 Fan Weekend
5pm – 1am, AFK Elixirs and Eatery
From the Facebook page:
In honor of BioWare’s annual N7 Day, AFK Elixirs and Eatery and Fanpup are partnering to bring you N7 Weekend! Grab your Emergency Induction Port and save the Galaxy from the threat of the Reapers… or just the threat of sobriety.
On Friday (Nov 6) come try out AFK’s custom Mass Effect-themed menu (with entries like Renegade Meatballs, Paragon Pasta, and Tequila Se’lai) host some Mass Effect multiplayer, and break out the board games. Then on Saturday, show up for the full-out N7 Day Celebration with raffle prizes, a cosplay contest, and a friendly Renegade vs Paragon competition! And don’t forget to wear your Renegade Red or Paragon Blue, there may be something special for the winning team!
Saturday, Nov 7th Events and Activities!
Paragon vs Renegade Competition
Choose your alignment by wearing red or blue, there will be more ways to earn points during the night, winning team announced at 10:00pm
Mass Effect Spirit Contest / Cosplay contest: 8pm
Dress up as your favorite character or rock your swag for a chance to win the Spirit Contest!
Activities During the Night:
Themed Food and Drink Menu
Multiplayer Mass Effect
Paper Trivia
Prize Drawings
*This is a free Fan gathering, Fanpup and AFK are not directly associated with Bioware, EA, or Mass Effect.
Saturday, November 7: Hmong New Year Celebration
Seattle Center Armory
From the website: Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of the people from the hilltops of China, Laos and Thailand through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. Gain insights into the customary courtship ritual of ball tossing and participate in flower cloth sessions.
The Lunar New Year is a time for the Hmong people to reflect on the past year and seek out new beginnings. The Hmong New Year Celebration helps preserve the unique culture of this Southeast Asian highland culture that originates in the mountains of China.
Presented in partnership with Hmong Association of Washington.
Sunday, November 8: 7th Annual Seattle Slack Key Festival
2:00pm, doors open 12:00, Town Hall
From the website: Always a favorite on Town Hall’s calendar, this festival celebrates Hawaii’s famed Slack-key guitar tradition, referring to the style as well as the ways an instrument is tuned. This vibrant, finger-picked music showcases Hawaiian stories of feelings, aloha, nature, and more. This year’s performers include Grammy Award-winning Cyril Pahinui, George Kuo, Hiikua, Ikaika Marzo, Jeff Peterson, Nathan Aweau, Steven Espaniola, Patrick Landeza, Jeff Au Hoy, Peter Moon, Sean Olanui Robbins, and other masters of the style. The evening will also feature emcees Skylark Rosetti, Braddah Gomes, and Hula Halau Pulamahi I Ke Liko Lehua; Hawaiian tropical flowers; and some surprises. Explore the traditional, lilting sounds of this unique musical art form.
$125 VIP (includes center front seating, Artist meet-and-greet); $50 front/center back seating; and $35 side seating. Doors open: 12:00pm for Hawaiian-style food and crafts.
Monday, November 9: #NerdNightOut, an Evening of Music and Comedy featuring the Doubleclicks, Jackie Kashian and Molly Lewis
The Triple Door, 216 Union Street, Seattle
7:30pm, doors open at 6:00pm
Tickets are $20 advance, $25 day of
From the website: The Doubleclicks are a nationally-touring, Billboard charting nerd band with a cello, a meowing cat keyboard, and songs about dinosaurs, Cats & Netflix, space and Dungeons and Dragons. Their YouTube videos boast over 2 million views and have been featured on Gawker, BoingBoing, io9 and more. Find out more at http://thedoubleclicks.com
Jackie Kashian’s comedy has been described as “like listening to a really racy episode of All Things Considered.” She is a national touring comic with a new hour standup special “This Will Make an Excellent Horcrux” which was one of the top five comedy specials on 2014. This year, she’s been on the Conan O’Brien show, @midnight and plays a podcaster on IFC’s Maron. Her weekly podcast is The Dork Forest, where she interviews people about their obsessions. It is available on iTunes and at her website: www.jackiekashian.com.
Molly Lewis (patreon.com/molly) is a Seattle-based singer-songwriter writes ukulele tunes about beards, heartbroken astronauts, presidential assassinations, and Stephen Fry. Her original songs and covers, accompanied by her masterful ukulele playing, have earned her over 4.5 million views on YouTube. Her new holiday musical ‘Thanksgiving vs. Christmas’, featuring The Doubleclicks and Joseph Scrimshaw, will be available this fall.
Friday, November 13: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm – 10:45pm, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay. Their pastries are delivered daily from local vendors including donuts from Mighty-O Donuts, croissants from Le Fournil Patisserie, bagels from Blazing Bagels, and the rest of their tasty treats provided by Little Rae’s All Natural Bakery. There are even GF cookies from WOW Bakery!
Friday, November 13: Hello Kitty Supercute Opening Party
7:00pm – Midnight, EMP Museum
$25 ($20 EMP members), $10 youth 5-17, free for children 4 and under
From the website: Join us for the opening party of Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty, a celebration of fun, friendship, and happiness.
Welcome Hello Kitty to her new home at EMP Museum by saying “Hello!” and joining the festivities!
- Snap a photo with Hello Kitty herself
- Show off your favorite Hello Kitty attire in the Supercute Fashion Parade in partnership with UNIQLO
- Find the beat with a taiko drum performance brought to you by UNIQLO
- Share something special in the Hello Kitty-shaped Time After Time Capsule
- Play a round of Friendship Bingo and other Hello Kitty games in the game center
- Test how well you know Hello Kitty with Superfun Trivia, or watch Hello Kitty animation
- Sip an Appletini with a piece of homemade apple pie turnovers (Hello Kitty’s favorite food is her Mama’s apple pie!)
- Enjoy kawaii (“cute”) crafts like origami and jewelry making, or make a special someone a Thoughtfulness Friendship Bracelet
- Cuteness Manicure by Julep
- Collect little stars and stickers for your Super Sweet Sticker Book, or write a letter to Hello Kitty or her sister, Mimmy
- Taste Japanese-style fare at the Tokyo Dog (hot dogs) and BeanFish (Taiyaki, classic Japanese comfort food) food trucks
- Enjoy a J-pop dance party featuring DJ Hojo of JK Pop, Seattle’s J+K-pop dance night, with visuals by Sweat Jordan
- featuring MC Rachel Belle, talk show personality and reporter for KIRO Radio Seattle
Plus, be the first to visit Hello! Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty as it debuts in Seattle. Hello! explores Hello Kitty’s colorful history and influence on art and culture through a showcase of rare and unique pieces from Sanrio’s archive, as well as mixed media works from international contemporary artists inspired by Hello Kitty and her world.
Saturday, November 14: Kabuki Academy
11:00am, Town Hall
$5 for adults, free for children
From the website: Kabuki–Japan’s traditional art of singing and dancing–is a skilled, colorful representation of the nation’s heritage. For Tacoma-based Kabuki Academy, bringing this traditional culture to modern audiences is essential for creating the next generation of culturally-aware individuals. They’ll showcase these traditional arts in their engaging–and interactive–performance. The academy’s Mary Ohno (who studied classical Japanese dance for more than 60 years) will instruct children in this classical dancing, the complimentary shamisen music, and other Kabuki arts.
Tuesday, November 17: All Geeks, All Games at Mox Boarding House
6:00pm – 10:00pm, Mox Boarding House, Bellevue
From the event: Join GeekGirlCon and Mox Boarding House in Bellevue and help us continue to expand our community of diverse and inclusive gamers to the East Side! We want to fill that beautiful Tournament Room with folks enjoying our favorite games in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Why mess with the headache of traffic when you can come and play games with us instead.
Staff from both organizations will be on hand to help facilitate gameplay for the shy to the extroverted, from the expert strategist to the board game neophyte. With a huge lending library of games on hand, there will be something for everyone!
Wednesday, November 18: Homeschool Day: The Science of Sound
Noon – 4:00pm, EMP Museum
$20 ($17 EMP members) includes one student and one parent registration.
From the website: Join us in November for a super-sonic Homeschool Day focused around the Science of Sound. Led this year by ethnomusicologist, Ph.D., and rock guru Rob Carroll, this workshop, designed especially for homeschool families, will delve into the science behind how sound is created, transmitted, and perceived by our ears.
The day will feature a two-hour hands-on workshop, a gallery activity in our exciting Sound Lab space, and free time to explore the EMP galleries.
Parent participation in workshop classes is strongly encouraged. Classes are suitable for students 6–14 years of age.
Registration includes museum admission for the day and is required.
Friday, November 20: Whiri Tū Aka
8:00PM, Great Hall, Town Hall
$20 advance/$25 at the door/$20 seniors/$17 Town Hall members/$10 students. A limited number of $5 day-of-show Teen Tix for those 18 and under also will be available.
From the website: Four women, four representations of Maori culture–and one stunning a Capella collaboration. Based on the desire to share their country’s traditions and values, Whiri Tū Aka was formed in 2012 by producer Mina Ripia. With the group’s other four members–Gaynor Rikihana, Kirsten Te Rito, Betty-Anne Monga, and Lisa Tomlins–Ripia has expertly drawn together their individual stories for a musical reflection of their true Wairua (spirits). Inspired by love, motherhood, and the power of the female voice, Whiri Tū Aka’s Maori performance will cross language barriers and speak to the soul with its heartfelt harmonies.
Friday, November 27: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse!
7:00pm – 10:45pm, 6417 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!
Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.
There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay. Their pastries are delivered daily from local vendors including donuts from Mighty-O Donuts, croissants from Le Fournil Patisserie, bagels from Blazing Bagels, and the rest of their tasty treats provided by Little Rae’s All Natural Bakery. There are even GF cookies from WOW Bakery!
October Geek About Town
October is our favorite month of the year! Why? Because that’s when GeekGirlCon is on, of course! But there are also plenty of other awesome geeky events on throughout the month, check them out here:
