24 Nov 9th–Nov 15th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | Nerdy November 8 geeky things to do this month in Phoenix. BY BENJAMIN LEATHERMAN H alloween may be in the rear- view, but there’s no shortage of nerdy things to do around the metro Phoenix area in November. Some are a mix of gonzo and geeky. You can play board games at the annual Meeplefest or participate in a scavenger hunt and geogaming event inspired by “Beauty and the Beast.” The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is also making two stops in the Valley, the All Puppet Players are staging “Die Hard: A Christmas Story” again and there’s a screening of the Tim Burton flick “Mars Attacks!” Geeky celebrities are also coming to the Valley this month, including “Breaking Bad” actor Giancarlo Esposito and legendary fantasy author Terry Brooks. Here’s a complete rundown of the nerd- iest events in Phoenix this November. Meeplefest ’23: Sorcery & Magicks Friday, Nov. 10 to Sunday, Nov. 12 Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix, 627 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa If you’re aware of what a “meeple” is (hint: it’s a human-shaped playing piece used in particular board games), then you’ll want to attend this annual local event. Organized by the Unnamed Association of Gamers, Meeplefest offers three straight days of board games inside a themed space. According to its Facebook event page, the event will be a “place where wizards, sorcerers and gamers unite for a wild weekend of fun and frenzy.” In other words, expect fantastical environment where a library of games — including “Fate of Venterra,” “Captain Sonar” and “Potions of Azerland” — will be played. Raffle prizes are also promised and drinks and light snacks are included in the $40 admission price. Space is limited. Hours are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Nov. 10, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Nov. 11 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 12. More info can be found here. Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Saturday, Nov. 11 SanTan Village, 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert Saturday, Nov. 18 Arrowhead Towne Center, 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale Hello Kitty fans of the Valley, hope you’ve got some stamina. Sanrio is bringing its bright pink Hello Kitty Cafe Truck to local outdoor malls on back-to-back weekends in mid-November. Like during its previous visits, you’ll have the chance to purchase branded merch, collectibles and apparel — including hoodies, shirts, mugs, enamel pins, totes, lunchboxes and keychains — as well as treats like decorated cookies and macarons. The catch? Thousands turn out for the occasion, resulting in an enormous line and wait times of a couple of hours or more. On Nov. 11, the truck will set up near the American Eagle Outfitters at Gilbert’s SanTan Village. The following weekend, it will be located near the AMC Arrowhead 14 in Glendale. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or until supplies last). Giancarlo Esposito signing appearance Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12 Toy Temple Headquarters, 2180 W. University Drive, Tempe Unless you’ve been living in a meth lab underneath an industrial laundry for more than a decade, you’re aware actor Giancarlo Esposito best known for playing heavies in “Breaking Bad,” “The Mandalorian” and “The Boys.” Don’t let the fearsome deeds of Esposito’s char- acters dissuade you from attending his two-day appearance at Toy Temple, where he’ll sign autographs, pose for selfies and interact with fans in a personable manner. General admission is $5 for up to two people for hour-long time slots between noon and 6 p.m. each day. VIP sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and are $80 for up to two people and include commemorative artwork and a pin. Autographs are $80 and selfies are $60 and must be purchased directly from Esposito for cash only. Full details are available here. Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs at All Puppet Players’ staging of “Die Hard: A Christmas Story.” (Photo courtesy of All Puppet Players) ▼ Culture >> p 26
