Did you know 2017 is a prime number?
This new year is the first prime-numbered year since 2011, and there won’t be another one until 2027.
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Prime numbers can’t be divided, so maybe all of us in the Tennessee Valley can join together this year.
If you attended any of our past years’ lists’ events, you may have nerded it up by running a 5K on a double helix path, making your own Valentine keepsake from molten iron, imbibing some local brews, playing some board games, or attending some cons.
This year, if you’re looking for the right event to unite with others, here are 17 primely geeky opportunities.
1. January 20-22: Rocket City GameFest
Rocket City GameFest in its second year, and will be hosted at the Huntsville Marriott. Come ready for tabletop action! Open board gaming and organized prize tournaments will have you making new friends, foes, and frenemies over the weekend.
2. January 20-22: The Huntsville Global Game Jam
Global Game Jam is taking place over the weekend at the AL.com building. Be a part of a worldwide event taking place in over 93 countries and 630 sites. This 48-hour hackathon-style event lets game developers competitively create games.
3. February 4: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra presents the Music of John Williams
Discover your inner Jedi at the Music of John Williams night with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra! Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Harry Potter and more soundtracks will be featured this evening.
4. February 10: Huntsville Comic Con
The inaugural Huntsville Comic Con at Lowe Mill joins the many other incredible cons that the city hosts and will add the unique flair that only the former mill-turned-arts center can provide. Comic artist Superpowered Studios is helping host the event.
Special Addition:
February 18: ChargerCon
Free technology and gaming expo held at UAH. ChargerCon features video game and tabletop tournaments, cosplay contest, workshops, demos, a retro arcade, and free play areas for PC, console, tabletop, and handheld games.
5. March 16: U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Biergarten
The opening evening for the Space & Rocket Center’s Biergarten marks the start of the German-themed food and beverage weekly gatherings that will last through the year. Grab a stein and dine under the Saturn V!
6. March 18-19: Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo
The return of last year’s newcomer Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo is bigger and better! Go to North Alabama’s largest two-day geek extravaganza, now at the Von Braun Center.
7. April 22: Yuri’s Night
Remember Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin at Yuri’s Night. Astronauts, War Machines, Starfleet officers, and others will be costumed and ready to celebrate at Huntsville’s site for this worldwide party. The location hasn’t been finalized quite yet, so stay tuned to learn the venue.
8. May 5: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Baby Groot isn’t the only one excited that the Guardians of the Galaxy are back! Volume 2 hits theaters on Cinco de Mayo. We’ve been anticipating this sequel since about six minutes into the first movie!
9. June 10-11: Con*Kasterborous
Con*Kasterborous is Huntsville’s Doctor Who convention. If you’re not already a fan of the sci-fi phenomenon, you will be after you attend this weekend event. Allons-y!
10. June: Tennessee Valley LEGO Club Summer Show
Go to the downtown branch of the Huntsville library to take part in the Tennessee Valley LEGO Club Summer Show. The current LEGO movie and game craze has resulted in a surge popularity of the classic toy. Here you can build your own creations, see an expansive city construct, and learn about the latest sets. Either way, hone your skills and become a master builder!
11. June 23-25: HAMACON 8
HAMACON is an anime convention at the Von Braun Center. Downtown transforms into a hotspot for both fans and creators. Come in costume, nerd it up with voice actors, or geek out over the animators. Don’t miss the winter mini-con, either!
12. Summer: NASA on the Square
Now in its fourth year, NASA on the Square (and Redstone in the Square) is the award-winning downtown Huntsville event that lets the public interact with the culprits behind those BOOMS heard throughout the city. Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal will have exhibits and activities to fascinate all ages!
13. August 21: Solar Eclipse
2017 being a prime number isn’t the only rare occurrence this year – a promising total solar eclipse will take place in August. Huntsville will be on the edge and will catch a glimpse, but those willing to travel to see this uncommon celestial event may want to plan a daytrip to Nashville for the grandest effect.
14. September: TEDxHuntsville
TEDxHuntsville is back in 2017! After a year hiatus, the event that brings together Technology, Entertainment and Design will feature a new slate of innovators, educators, scientists, musicians, artists, and other creatives that will present their talks in front of a live audience.
15. October 13-15: Con*Stellation
Con*Stellation is still many months away, but check their webpage as the year progresses to see schedules and guest lists get updated. Fans of science fiction will grok all weekend!
16. November 4-5: Rocket City Nerdcon
Rocket City Nerdcon brings gaming, cosplay, movies, comics, TV, sci-fi and music together for a weekend full of fun. It’s organized by the library, so geek clout is guaranteed.
17. December 15: Star Wars Episode VIII
Still as yet untitled Star Wars Episode VIII promises to give fans the word on Luke’s whereabouts, answer some mysteries, and be an enjoyable escapade through the galaxy. The resuscitation of the franchise after Force Awakens and Rogue One have brought this universe back to popularity.
If you thought 2016 was a rough year, add some geekery to 2017.
The prime programming uniquely available in Huntsville will push your 365-day trek around the sun to new levels of nerdiness!
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
