On Friday, April 20, and Saturday, April 21, 2018, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery will host the fourth annual GeekFest celebration. Friday festivities run from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. while Saturday’s GeekFest Family Day activities run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The popular, eagerly-anticipated annual event brings together a robust turnout of very unique people who proudly refer to themselves as “geeks” and “nerds.”
GeekFest nation is populated by gamers, Trekkies, steampunkers, cosplayers, and nerds! This diverse group will enjoy an evening of panels, programs, tournaments, costume contests, board games, hands-on experiments, demos, and refreshing edibles.
“GeekFest is an extraordinary event where you can come as yourself and let your geek hang out,” said Erika Asher, Manager of Special Events at the Boonshoft Museum. She continued, ”We can celebrate all of our nerdy sides while trying our wands at wizarding school, going for the gold at the cosplay contests, trying our luck in the arcade and table top gaming rooms, and much more!”
Photo Credit: Boonshoft Museum
Featured Guests & Partners
- Meet illustrator Nate Lovett, who has worked on projects ranging from Paw Patrol and Bravest Warriors to GI Joe and Mr. Potato Head. Kids of all ages can participate in short workshops where they can learn to draw Paw Patrol characters.
- Come face-to-face with members of the Ohio 501stas they make their presence known throughout the day! Whether your allegiance is to the dark side or you are drawn to the force, you’ll be sure to see some familiar faces!
- The Real Ohio Ghostbusterswill be on-hand for photo opps and give-aways to support the Museum.
- Saturday Only: Josh Montgomery, with his replica R2D2
FRIDAY Event Highlights*
- Wand-Making– No aspiring wizard can channel their magic without a wand! Create your own at this make-it station.
- Costume Contest– Judging will take place throughout the evening. Please refer to guidelines on the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery webpage at boonshoftmuseum.org for cosplay!
- Tabletop Gaming– Get your game on in this area that will have multiple rounds of fan favorites happening throughout the evening.
- Scavenger Hunt –This NEW themed scavenger hunt will take players from one end of the building to the other.
- Arcade– Hosted by DK Effect, Gaming Adventures, and Doug’s Electronics Repair.
- Beat the Geek – Show off all your geek sides at one of the trivia sessions.
- Orc and Pie –The 5 minute D&D experience is back by popular demand!
- Monster Attack!– A great activity for kids.
SATURDAY GeekFest Family Day Event Highlights
- Costume Contest– Judging will take place throughout the evening. Please refer to guidelines on the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery webpage at boonshoftmuseum.org for cosplay!
- Tabletop Gaming– Get your game on in this area that will have multiple rounds of fan favorites happening throughout the evening.
- Scavenger Hunt –This NEW themed scavenger hunt will take players from one end of the building to the other.
- Arcade– Hosted by DK Effect, Gaming Adventures, and Doug’s Electronics Repair.
- Monster Attack!– A great activity for kids.
A variety of vendors will be present, with options ranging from custom chain mail to lightsabers! “Thanks to our local vendors we can snag our one-of-a kind pieces that will make every geek green with envy,” Asher said. Courtland’s Mobile Grill (Food Truck) will have food available for purchase outside the Museum and Maggie Moo’s will have ice cream and treats inside, also available for purchase.
GeekFest 2018 is sponsored by Quanexus.
Admission to Friday’s GeekFest celebration is $20 for geeks of all ages. Tickets can be purchased online (www.BoonshoftMuseum.org) or at the door. Doors open at 6:00 for those who purchase tickets online. Doors open at 6:30 for day-of-ticket sales. Regular admission applies on Saturday. All proceeds from general admission support year-round astronomy education at the Museum. All ages welcome; under 17 not admitted without a parent.
