Whether you consider yourself a nerd, geek, enthusiast, or die hard fan, here are some ways to enjoy “full frontal nerd-ity” all year round in Edmonton!
Lightsaber Training
Wednesdays in July & August, 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Master the force with these fun, free classes taught by a professional stunt woman in Churchill Square. It’s fun, definitely a little nerdy, and it’s a good cardio workout, too! Children’s classes take place 7 – 7:45 pm, and adult courses with more advanced choreography take place 7:45 pm – 8:30 pm. Bring your own lightsaber (or lightsaber-like object) and get ready to defend against the Dark Side!
More Info: edmontonarts.ca
Summer of Sci-Fi
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in July & August
Re-live some of your favourite blockbuster science fiction movies this summer on Alberta’s largest movie screen, the IMAX theatre at Telus World of Science—Edmonton. Every Tuesday and Thursday, films like Pacific Rim, Jurrassic Park, and Inception will be shown. On Saturdays, its a throwback in the planetarium dome theatre at Telus World of Science with laser light shows That 80’s Laser Show and Laser Floyd: The Wall. Admission to the sci-fi films and laser shows is separate from General Admission to the exhibits.
More Info: telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca
Dark Matters: Aliens and Cowboys
August 28, 7 pm – 10 pm
Explore the Telus World of Science—Edmonton after-hours and in an adults-only environment. Grab a drink and explore the themed permanent galleries, get hands-on at of the Exploration Stations, tackle a brain teaser, and see special live presentations on the Science Stage and the IMAX Theatre. If you’re a fan of Firefly, you’re going to want to be at August’s “Aliens and Cowboys” themed event where the worlds of sci-fi and westerns collide! Costumes are encouraged (though no weapons or masks are allowed) and the Alberta Browncoats will have a booth at the event.
More Info: telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/exhibits-events/events-calendar/dark-matters
The Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo
September 26 – 28, 2014
From anime to graphic novels, sci-fi to action heroes, there’s something for every fan at this spectacular comic convention-style show. Guests can explore over 300 vendors and attend workshops, Q&A panels, and industry insider presentations, and get autographs and photos with creators and media guests. 2014 media guests include J. August Richards from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Angel, and Arrow, and Simon Helberg (“Howard”) and Kunal Nayyar (“Raj”) from The Big Bang Theory.
More Info: edmontonexpo.com
Nerds Night Out
Any and all web designers and developers are invited to this monthly gathering. Students and professionals alike are invited to grab a pint and join for a night of networking, conversation, and shop talk.
More Info: nerdsnightout.ca
Girl Geek Dinners
These informal dinners provide a comfortable space to discuss and discover new and interesting geeky topics with other “girl geeks”. Despite the name, men are invited, too!
More Info: yeggirlgeek.com
Dungeons and Dragons Improv
All the adventure, drama, and excitement experienced in a game of D&D unfolds in this hilarious improv comedy show. No scripts allowed — the only thing our players can trust is the ever-changing luck of the dice. Shows will return in the fall starting with the annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival in August, 2014.
More Info: www.facebook.com/yegdnd
Pop Culture Accessories
The Edmonton-based designer behind Majesty Industries creates handmade pop culture accessories, including a very popular style of Dr. Who, Star Trek, and Zelda wallets. You can purchase her products online or at The Plaid Giraffe in Old Strathcona. She also frequents many craft shows in Edmonton as a vendor.
Dr. Whom Improv
The Whovians in the Rapid Fire Theatre cast sneak in a Dr. Who-themed improv show (affectionally known as Dr. Whom) once in awhile — something that goes a little like this. The Dr. Who shows don’t have a regular schedule, so keep an eye on Rapid Fire Theatre’s Facebook page and Twitter account for show announcements. However, Rapid Fire Theatre’s weekly ChImprov Saturday shows regularly incorporate a variety of other pop-culture themes (like NIGHTMARE: The Video Improv Game!)
Past Events
Eek Entertainment and Pop Culture Fest
May 31 & June 1, 2014
From the casual “geek” to the devoted “nerd”, there’s something for everyone at this brand new comic expo. You’ll find vendors eager to chat about comic books, graphic novels, science fiction, gaming, anime, cartoons, pop culture, cosplay, and collectible toys. Special media guest Stephen Amell from the hit TV show Arrow will be at the show on Saturday, May 31 for photos, autographs, and a panel discussion at 4:30 pm.
More Info: theeek.com
Nerd Nite Edmonton
June 12, 2014, 8 pm
Once a month, Nerd Nite events take place in 75 cities around the world, and Edmonton joins in on the fun! Experts, enthusiasts, and general nerd-folk give 20-minute fun-yet-informative presentations about a niche topic. The next show — and final one this season — takes place on June 12 and will feature talks on TV Theme songs, decomposition, and election campaigns.
More Info: edmonton.nerdnite.com
Graphic Content: A Comic Book Film Series
June 15, 17
Each month the curators of this film series at the Garneau Theatre screen a film adapted from a graphic novel and open with a brief presentation that explores the link between the film and its source content. “The overall intent of the project is to promote cross-media literacy, to explore comics’ content through the lens of film, and to share the love of comics within the communal and shared environment that the cinema imparts.” 2014 is the final season for this series, with the last screenings on June 15 (Superman: The Movie) and June 17 (Justice League: The New Frontier).
More Info: metrocinema.org
Mark Frauenfelder: Making Makers
June 17
The Edmonton Public Library presents MAKE magazine’s founding editor-in-chief, boingboing.net founder, and author Mark Frauenfelder. Mark will talk about the revived popularity of “making” and the tools and technologies that allow individuals to be creators. He will discuss inexpensive and effective ways to conduct research and development, design prototypes, and set up manufacturing at home, and in makerspaces, libraries, schools, companies, and other spaces. Tickets are free, but you must register in advance as seating is limited.
More Info: www.epl.ca/MakeWithMark
Nerd Nite at Improvaganza
June 19, 7:30 pm
Get 2-for-1 admission to the show HAROLD OF GALACTUS by proving to the hosts, Rapid Fire Theatre improv troupe, that you’re a nerd—whatever than means and however you do it, show off your nerdy side! This improvised superhero comic book stars comic geek improv duo Chris Craddock and Mass Effect voice actor Mark Meer.
