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Nerdy Nights: Best Events For Geeks In Detroit

Detroit Nerds Itai Ben-Gal

Detroit has a plethora of events for those channeling their "inner nerd." From gazing at the constellations at the planetarium and contemplating modern science to participating in a rousing game of trivia at the neighborhood bar, there is a way for everyone to showcase their smarts. Throughout the city, the intelligent set can be found attending lectures, watching a film festival at the historical cinema or listening to musicians late night at the museum.

Wayne State University Planetarium
Old Main Building, Room 0209
4841 Cass Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 577-2107
www.planetarium.wayne.edu

Spend a Friday evening at the Wayne State Planetarium and view a film about the night sky. Wayne State offers public Planetarium shows every Friday of the month, presented under a 27-foot dome, which was renovated in 1996. This film is a free event and open to the public. Reservations are not accepted and seating is limited, so please arrive early to ensure entry into the event. Please click here for the calendar of events.

Once per month, Wayne State features a lecture series, in lieu of the full-dome show. This series is entitled "Science Under the Dome." A reservation is required for this event. This recently added lecture series features special guests who bring contemporary science into the discussion. Please click here for a schedule of events and topics.

Related: Best Alternative Art Museums in Detroit

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The Redford Theatre
17360 Lahser Road
Detroit, MI 48219
(313) 537-2560
www.redfordtheatre.com

The Redford Theatre is the movie house for film buffs. Decorated in 1928 with a Japanese-style motif, this historical theatre showcases classics of the cinema. Viewing a movie at this unique theatre is an unforgettable experience. This is a true theatre, complete with sweeping red velvet curtains that open with fanfare as the show starts on the big screen. A live organist plays the pipe organ before every film is shown and during intermission. Original cast members who starred in the original film often take to the stage as special guests of the theatre. Appearances include Tippi Hendren from Hitchcock's "The Birds," and Peter Ostrum and Paris Themmen, whose roles in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" were Charlie Bucket and Mike Teevee, respectively. The Redford Theatre also hosts film festivals for hardcore fans - such as the Buster Keaton Festival and the Three Stooges Festival. For a current schedule of events, click here.

Related: The Biggest Nerds In Pop Culture

The Scarab Club
217 Farnsworth St.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 831-1250
www.scarabclub.org

The Scarab Club was founded in Detroit at the beginning of the 20th century by a collection of artists. This cultural tradition continues today at The Scarab Club with lectures, exhibitions and performances. Events include poetry readings, concerts featuring composers and a garden party, and encompass literature, music and the arts. The Scarab Club hosts the American Aesthetic Lecture Series, which is comprised of dinner and a lecture. Speakers include highly regarded professionals in the field of art and design. Please click here for a calendar of events and here for The Scarab Club Lecture Series schedule.

Related: Best Alternative Art Museums in Detroit

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Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org

Friday Night Live! is a series of evening musical events presented by the Detroit Institute of Arts. The performances vary in style, offering attendees a chance to experience something different on a weekly basis. Friday evenings also feature creative art workshops, guided tours and a chance for participants to put their artistic skills to the test by creating their own masterpiece. Activities also include dance ensembles, puppeteers and performance artists. Please click here for a schedule of events.

Woodbridge Pub
5169 Trumbull St.
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 833-2701
www.woodbridgepub.com

Wednesday evening is Trivia Night at Woodbridge Pub. Gather everyone for a round or two of trivia at this friendly neighborhood bar. Always lively and sometimes rowdy, this is the most exciting trivia found in the city. The laid-back setting is perfect for hanging out. The low lighting and comfortable seating will have you there until last call. The food is wonderful and changes seasonally, and the drinks are fantastic. The crowd is pure fun and trivia night gives attendees the opportunity to impress friends with their "inner-geek" by dropping knowledge during the game.

Related: Best Detroit Area Brew Pubs

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.

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