We know, we know – you’re cool, but deep down inside there’s a genuine love of puzzles, comic books, science-fiction, and 20-sided die. Luckily you live in Toronto where you can find a community passionate for just about anything – trivia, video games, cosplay, hobby cards and more. Check out the list of clubs, events and activities below then let your nerd-flag fly!
NERD NITE TORONTO
Nerd Nite is a monthly event series at the Tranzac where select nerds give short, educational, and somewhat intoxicated presentations on nerdy topics to other interested nerds and whoever else decides to show up. Past topics have included the secrets of competitive Scrabble, and World War II code-breaking. There’s also beer. I think we all wish school was more like this.
GAMING at A&C WORLD
Electronic video gamers can finally crawl out of the basement into a much larger basement. The gaming space at A&C World offers unlimited console gaming for a low $5 entry fee. There are arcade machines, retro consoles like NES and SEGA Genesis, newer platforms like Playstation, Wii, and Xbox 360, and space for hobby card players to play for free. A&C also hosts tournaments almost every weekend.
DUELING GROUNDS
This hobby game store at Bloor and Dufferin is a geek’s paradise. They boast a 1500 square-foot game room their customers can use for role-playing games, hobby card games, board games, and miniature table-top gaming. Their calendar of events has a game-gathering on every day of the week.
UNDERWOLRD LARP
Live action role-playing is the ultimate nerd adventure. It combines cosplay, fantasy settings, elaborate storylines, and every nerd’s favourite – rules. In Toronto, Underworld LARP provides complex scenarios that explore mature subject matter and social issues in a medieval setting. They also throw Viking-themed darkraves.
CHESS
(Photo by Tristan Martin via Flickr Creative Commons)
Who can beat the exciting combination of strategy, concentration, and careful planning? The Greater Toronto Chess League is a member of the Ontario Chess Association, and coordinates activities for affiliated chess clubs across the GTA. They host tournaments and events for all ages and skill levels.
BOOK CLUBS
(Photo by .brioso. via Flickr Creative Commons)
For those a little more, well, bookish there are a number of book clubs available through the Toronto Public Library. Almost every branch offers a monthly variation on the theme including Tea and Books at the Runnymede branch, and the Feminist Book Discussion Group at North York Central.
TRIVIA
We get it, you’re smart. S-M-R-T. So stop inflicting your encyclopedic knowledge of geodes and international capitals on your poor friends and put that useless fact-retention on display. On any night of the month there’s a trivia event ranging from general interest, to very specific. It’s like taking a test, for fun!
Check out our list + some more options below: