10 Nerdy Things to Do in Metro Phoenix This March

It feels like we always open this feature by saying, "Wow, it's such a great month to be a nerd in Phoenix!" But that's only because it's consistently true. This month, Phoenicians can watch cult classic movies in brand new ways, learn about science new and old, dance with dinosaurs, and even see Johnny Depp live. So, yes, it's a great month to be a nerd in Phoenix. Here are 10 reasons why.

The Triplets of Belleville Live
With its charming characters, outrageous slapstick comedy, and gorgeous animation, the Oscar-nominated The Triplets of Belleville has become a cult favorite. One of the film's most endearing qualities is the rambunctious jazz soundtrack, and on Tuesday, March 1, at the Piper Repertory Theater, you can see it performed live. The film's composer Benoit Charest will conduct Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville, performing the score alongside a screening of the film. Tickets range from $30 to $45. To find out more and purchase tickets, visit the website.

Fifth Annual Geek's Night Out
Want to get excited about learning? Look no further than Tempe's Geek's Night Out, a free family-oriented festival dedicated to science, engineering, and math. The exhibits include critical thinking games, live science experiments, a costume parade, and much more. The event will be Thursday, March 3, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tempe City Hall. No tickets are required. To learn more and to inquire about becoming an exhibitor, visit the website or the event's Facebook page.

16th Annual Ancient Technology Day
"Ancient technology" may sound like an oxymoron, but only because most of us don't have any idea what kinds of tools and machines Arizona's pioneers used. Learn all about it at this free event at the Pueblo Grande Museum, where you can learn how to create arrowheads and pottery, tour prehistoric Hohokam canals, and snack on delicious fry bread. The event takes place Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To learn more, visit the event's website or call 602-495-0901.

Depp and Krauss: An Origins Project Dialogue
You already know Johnny Depp well from his roles as Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd, and the Mad Hatter. Now, you can see one of the world's biggest film stars live and in person at ASU, where he'll be sitting down with Origins Project director Lawrence Krauss to discuss the theme "Finding the Creativity in Madness." Depp will discuss in depth his process of developing and performing his range of strange and difficult roles, from Willy Wonka to Hunter S. Thompson. See it on Saturday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at ASU Gammage. Tickets range from $12 to $150, but ASU students can reserve tickets for free. Visit the ASU Origins website to find out more and purchase tickets.

Samurai Comics Ladies Night
If you're tired of feeling like the odd one out as a female comics fan, you can hang out with some equally geeky girls at Samurai Comics Ladies Night. Activities will include decoupage, a dramatic comic reading contest, and games like Superfight and Comic Book Pictionary. Very Awesome Girls will host this event at Samurai Comics' Phoenix location on Saturday, March 12. Registration is $5, and if you register before Tuesday, March 1, you'll be guaranteed a Swag Bag of nerdy goodies. To learn more and register, visit the Facebook event page.

"The End Is Near"
If you're a nerd with an appreciation for the fine arts, you don't want to miss "The End Is Near" at the Firehouse Gallery. The show will feature art across various media exploring the idea of the end of the world, whether by nuclear war, global warming, rapture, or otherwise. If you're an artist, writer, dancer, actor, comedian, musician, or any other kind of creator, you can still submit your own work for inclusion in the show until Sunday, March 6. If you simply plan to observe, stop by the Firehouse Gallery from Friday, March 18, to Saturday, April 9, to enjoy the art. To find out more, check out the Facebook event.

Spark! Mesa's Festival of Creativity
At Spark! Mesa's Festival of Creativity, visitors get to not only enjoy the work of some of the most exciting local artists and performers, but tap into their own creativity as well. This festival offers interactive art exhibits, dance performances, family activities, slam poetry, and music in every genre from country to jazz. Mesa Arts Center will also offer the opportunity to try one of their arts classes for only $5 a session. Spark! will be at the Mesa Arts Center on Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is free. To find out more, visit the Mesa Arts Center website.

The Goonies 30th Anniversary Event
The cult favorite film The Goonies just turned 30 years old, and if you want one more chance to see it in theaters along with other fans of the film, you can see it at Pollack Tempe Cinemas later this month. Cult Classics and Zia Records will be hosting this one-night-only screening on Saturday, March 19, at 9:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $11, but you can pay a bit more for various VIP packages that include T-shirts, priority line access, and giveaways from Zia Records.

She Kills Monsters
ASU's Mainstage is bringing to life a new production of the popular play by Qui Nguyen. The story follows Agnes, who traverses the world of Dungeons and Dragons "on a quest into deepest, darkest geekdom" to rediscover her deceased younger sister. Agnes goes through an introspective journey of self discovery, but also expect plenty of action, comedy, and intensive geekery. Performances will be at the Galvin Playhouse on March 25 and 26 and March 31 to April 2 at 7:30 p.m., and March 26 and April 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $16 general admission, $12 for alumni, seniors, and ASU faculty, and $8 for students. Visit ASU's website to learn more and buy tickets.

Night at the Museum Party
Despite the title, this event has little to do with the Ben Stiller movie; instead, it's a big dance party at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Rave on the terrace all night long, and if you need a break, you're free to roam around the rest of the museum — just be careful if you see any of the dinosaurs moving. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. Tickets are $10 at the door, and you must be 18 or older to attend. To find out more, check out the Facebook event or call 480-644-2230.