1. The Star Wars room
Bring your whole family to GeekFest and introduce them to the dork side of the force with Boonshoft’s Star Wars Room. Heaton says the Star Wars Room will feature “the Death Star on our Science on a Sphere, Star Wars characters from the local 501st chapter, custom lightsabers built by Cincinnati’s Outer Rim Sabers, and even a fully functional R2D2 built by Alexandra Forsythe from the R2 Builders Club in Fort Wayne.”
2. The Planetarium
At GeekFest, a lot of the action goes down under the dome. This year in the planetarium, you’ll find Beat-the-Geek, a new reverse trivia game.
“The audience can try and stump our expert geeks on topics such as Game of Thrones, music, or even Tarantino movies,” says Heaton. Also new this year will be Kobayashi Maru, an “unbeatable simulation of the Star Trek universe.”
Returning to GeekFest in 2017 is Planets of the Empire, “a fun and interactive show that tests the audience on their knowledge of the worlds of the Galactic Empire” of Star Wars.
3. The Games
No Limit Gaming will be bringing the highly anticipated Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which is being released that day. “Up to 4 players will be able to play on our 50 foot planetarium dome,” Heaton said. “We will be excited to be the first planetarium dome in the world that guests can play the game on.” Doug’s Arcade and Gaming Adventures will also be trucking in some arcade cabinets.
Analog games more your thing? D20 will be bringing tabletop games to enjoy in the game room. “Orc and Pie,” a five-minute D&D experience, will also be returning in 2017.
4. The Cosplay
GeekFest is one of the best annual events in Dayton to see some breathtaking cosplay. Cosplayers from far and wide come to Boonshoft to show off a year’s worth of work on their incredible costumes. This year, the costume contest will have a new format: a parade through the museum, with judging taking place throughout the evening.
5. The Vendors and Exhibitors
Boonshoft will be packed with tons of cool stuff to purchase. “Vendors that create everything from chain mail to custom dragon figurines,” says Heaton. Bell Book and Comic, Maverick’s, Squid Pro Quo and Book of Holding are some of the many local vendors who will be displaying their wares. McNasty’s food truck will be serving up dinner.
Kabochacon, Dayton Maker Fair, and other Miami Valley events will be represented at GeekFest, as well.
6. The Door Prizes
Just like every year, everyone who shows up at GeekFest will be eligible for a door prize. “This year’s door prizes include a $50 gift certificate from Bookery Fantasy, a custom-made crochet Baby Groot doll, a Death Star Waffle Maker, and several more.”
7. It’s for a good cause
GeekFest directly supports the Astronomy department of the Boonshoft museum — so you can help keep geekdom alive while helping out the museum.
Want to go?
WHAT: Boonshoft GeekFest
WHEN: 6-11 p.m. Friday, April 28
WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton
COST: Tickets are available for purchase at $10 per person. All ages are welcome. Tickets available here.
INFO: www.boonshoftmuseum.org or 937-275-7431
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