10 Nerdy Things to Do in November in Metro Phoenix

Vintage toys, book talks, and a live orchestra performing the music of The Legend of Zelda? November in Phoenix is looking pretty good. Add to the mix some DIY geekery, an election watch party, and a few more trivial pursuits and you, pal, have yourself quite the nerdy month ahead. Here's your guide to 10 of the best nerdy things to do in metro Phoenix.

“When Books Come Out of Books”
If you’ve ever wanted to see a Man Booker prizewinner in action, check out “When Books Come Out of Books: A Talk with Marlon James" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3. Author of A Brief History of Seven Killings (a three-decade look at Jamaica and a recreation of an assassination attempt of Bob Marley), James will give a short reading, take questions, and sign books at the reception in the Marston Exploration Theater, ISTB4, at Arizona State University in Tempe. Registration is free, and the event is open to the public. Visit the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing website for more.

Rubber Stamp Show
Try to hold it down while we give you this news: The Rubber Stamp Show is coming to the Mesa Convention Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 6. But it’s not just rubber stamps. Vendors from across the country are offering scrapbooking and card-making supplies like paper, dies, stencils, and more. There will also be demonstrations, make-and-takes, a card contest, and various prizes. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door, and children 12 and under get in free. Visit the Rubber Stamp Event website for more.

Election Watch Party
You’ve done such a good job of staying informed during this election/trainwreck, you should reward yourself with a drink or four during the 2016 Election Watch Party at Crescent Ballroom. Try to keep from laugh-crying from 6 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, in the lounge or on the new balcony. This 21-and-over event is free. Visit the Crescent Ballroom website for more details.

2016 Vintage TOY CON
If you’re low on various Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figurines or truly don’t remember how ridiculously ugly a Furby was, then stroll through the 2016 Vintage TOY CON starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, at Collectors Marketplace. There will be roughly 60 seller tables throughout this indoor/outdoor event featuring toys at least 10 years old. Entrance is free, but that misprinted Slowpoke Rodriguez Pepsi glass might cost you. Keep an eye on the Facebook event for additional details. 


Palabras Librerìa/Bookstore Grand Opening
Palabras Librerìa/Bookstore will be celebrating its grand opening from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, during the Grand Avenue Arts Festival. Food, music, local art vendors, and activities like a zine workshop and traditional yerba mate tasting will follow the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Spanish-English literary hub. You can also enter to win a 15 percent discount on books for an entire year. Entry is free. Visit the Palabras Librerìa/Bookstore website for more details.

Guerrilla Girls Art & Activism Workshop
Feminist activities meets the arts and a cheeky sense of humor with the Guerrilla Girls. This anonymous group happens to be coming to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for an Art and Activism Workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 19. Attendees can learn more about the group' activism efforts — and how to get your own project going with help from a founding Guerrilla Girls member. Tickets are $35, or $30 for SMoCA members and friends. Visit the SMoCA website for further details.

Harry Potter Minis
None of us were ready to let Harry Potter go, so it’s a good thing this franchise keeps roaring back with new additions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, and some local activities like HP parties, and Harry Potter Minis with Elizabeth Stanley Photography. Show off your best witch or wizard from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, November 19. Cost is $30 for 10 minutes. Call 602-524-8181 or visit the Facebook event for further details.

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses – Master Quest
You don’t need us to explain what Zelda is, but what we can tell you is the Symphony of the Goddesses, a live orchestra, will be performing the theme music from Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda in front of a screen showcasing some of the memorable moments from the game – all approved by franchise composer Koji Kondo. Behold The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses – Master Quest from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Monday, November 21, at Symphony Hall. Tickets range from $35 to $95. Visit the Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses website for more information.

A Night of Misfit Films
Films not accepted to any of those fancy film festivals will now have their time in the projector light thanks to A Night of Misfit Films. Presented by Full Figure Productions and hosted by The SIC Sense Sketch Comedy Troupe, A Night of Misfit Films will show short pieces from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, at the SIC Sense Sketch Theatre. Tickets are $10 online and at the door. Visit the SIC Sense Sketch Comedy website for additional details.

First Draft Book Club
Head for the First Draft Book Bar inside Changing Hands Phoenix for another session of the Draft Book Club. This month’s installment is focused on Laurie Notaro's Crossing the Horizon – a recount of three aviatrixes hoping to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, and none of them happen to be Amelia Earhart. Arizona Republic reporter Barbara VanDenburgh hosts the club, and attendees can enjoy happy hour prices on beer and wine throughout the event. Join the discussion starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30. Visit the Changing Hands website for further details.