Out-of-this-world geek event taking over Oregon District bar

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away for a galactic dream come true.

It's Geek Gala weekend.

Geek Gala III: Geeks in Space is set for Saturday, June 8, at Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St. in Dayton's Oregon District. The fun begins at 7 p.m.

>> PHOTOS: 2018 Geek Gala at Blind Bob’s

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

So what is it?

There is a ton to do at Geek Gala this year. A dance party, costume contests and a pop-up arcade are just some of the delightfully nerdy activities taking place.

>> This Kettering bar has 300 board games, craft beers and no TVs

“Geek has come to mean a lot of things so we try to have something for every kind of geek at the Gala,” said Josher Lumpkin, Geek Gala organizer.

>> We tried 6 board games from Ohio designers, and here’s how they rate

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

What’s the cost? 

There is an incentive to dress up: a discount.

Admission is $5 for those who attend the second annual event in costume, and $10 for those who do not.

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Why? 

Proceeds will benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital through Extra Life Dayton.

Extra Life is a national charity that collects money regionally for children’s hospitals affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network.

“Working through Extra Life Dayton, we've been able to raise over $5,700 for Dayton Children's in the first two years and this year our goal is $4,000,” said Lumpkin. “We're pulling out all of the stops and I really hope we can make it!”

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

What about PRIZES?

Lumpkin and his team have collected an assortment of raffle prizes spanning the universes of nerdom, geekdom and all the other doms.

Prizes include include a "Treat yo Self” package from Joga Somatic Arts, shopping/gift card packages, a turntable from Omega Music, a Warped Wing gift basket, Dayton Dragons tickets, D20: A Bar With Characters merchandise, board games, comics and more.

What’s with the theme?

The theme “Geeks in Space” seems like an obvious way to go, and you can be sure to find your favorite Star Wars, Star Trek and Alien characters represented at the costume contest and dance party. But of course, any and all characters and costumes are welcome.

Credit: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Amelia Robinson

PODCAST: Meet Dayton Geek King Josh Lumpkin 

There are few things better than a punk rock geek who loves babies. “What Had Happened Was” host Amelia Robinson talks to Dayton.com geek culture correspondent Josh Lumpkin about the twisty road that led him to becoming a baby nurse, trivia host and Dayton's unofficial geek king.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

"What Had Happened Was" is a podcast for Dayton, powered by Dayton.com. You won't believe the stories that come from right here. Host Amelia Robinson shares the best tales from the Gem City, Land of Funk and Birthplace of Aviation: Dayton, Ohio.

This podcast is brought to you by Cox Digital Marketing.

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