Lovers of sci-fi and fantasy cinema need look no further than Seattle's own EMP Museum's yearly festival for new and inspiring work. The SFFSFF premieres short works by film makers around the world over the span of the summer.
Learn more about the festival here.
Ever wanted to run from a zombie horde? Ever wanted to be in a zombie horde? Now you can do both! Run For Your Lives hosts dozens of races across the U.S. where participants can be racers or zombies.
Find a race or learn more here.
This much beloved store in the Windy City is more than just a venue for selling comics. The store's employees, known as Challengers, share relevant news, hold discussions and make podcasts on their website.
Learn more about this comic book shop here.
Gaming establishments don’t always have to be dark arcades. Case in point, Cafe Mox presents the image of a more well-to-do cafe that encourages table-top and board games. Whether you want to share a snack with friends in a laid back setting or have dinner while playing D&D, this is the place to do it.
Learn more about this gaming cafe here.
Those who played in the arcades of the 1980s and 90s are not kids anymore, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy a trip down memory lane. Barcade caters to these adults by housing many of the old arcade favorites while providing delicious beverages and a more mature ambiance.
Learn more about this bar here.
Anyone who loves videogames can attest that whether you're looking for games or merchandise, Nintendo World is the place to shop. This store even serves as a museum to Nintendo's history with a display case of full of old handheld consoles and games.
Learn more about this store here.
What's better than reading about a high-flying sport? Actually playing it, of course! For the last six years, the International Quidditch Association (IQA) has hosted the Quidditch World Cup where college teams from all over the globe come to compete in this high-energy fictional sport.
Learn more about the event here.
Many gamers began their life long love with The Oregon Trail, in which players would face the same dangers, diseases and deterrents real pioneers faced in the nineteenth century. Now, those who loved the game can participate in the live action version, complete with obstacles including college students dressed as buffalo and Nerf guns.
Learn more about this event here.
For those geeks who are into the arts, the local Fringe Festival is a must see. Taking place all over the U.S., Fringe Festivals showcase local uncensored underground film, music and performance art.
Find a Fringe Festival near you, or learn more about the festival here.
This establishment understands that nothing goes better with table-top gaming than delicious refreshments. First opened in 2010, AFK Tavern also hosts a number of events including karaoke and trivia nights. If you're not a big table-top player, there is also a host of popular board games to choose from.
Learn more about this bar here.
If you ever wondered what the Super Bowl would look like if it were made by geeks, wonder no more. Geek Bowl is an annual event where nerds meet to drink beer, play games in teams and participate in talent competitions. And all of that isn't even mentioning the impressive song-and-dance opening number.
Learn more about Geek Bowl here.
Not all geek-inspired locales are going to be for entertainment. Avenue Cafe (formerly Gone Wired) is a great place to study, read and relax with a cup of coffee. If you are in a more adventurous mood, the cafe does have games for its patrons to play.
Learn more about this cafe here.
The West Coast is no stranger to chic hangouts for videogame aficionados, but this is one of the most famous. Blipsy Barcade serves food, drinks and fun along with their many arcade games that only cost a quarter. Be forewarned -- this place gets packed quickly!
Learn more about this barcade here.
Wisconsin isn't just known for its cheese. 42 Lounge caters to the Milwaukee geek community, serving as a hub for social activities like tournaments, trivia nights and good ole fashion nights-out with friends.
Learn more about this barcade here.
Since it hasn't officially opened yet, it didn't make the list, but it's still worth noting that Chicago will soon have its own geek bar. The bar will have an extensive media library, games, and an iron throne as well as gourmet food and drinks.
Learn more about this soon-to-open bar here.
Conventions are great, but one weekend a year (or two, if you live near a major metropolitan area) is simply not enough anymore — the geek community is growing, and business owners take notice. Over the last decade, growth continues in barcades, gaming cafes, and other geek-inspired locales, as well as events going on outside of the convention circuit. In almost every state across the U.S. you'll find a thriving geek community with a hangout geared towards their tastes.
See also: 6 Bags That Charge Your Devices While You Travel
So whether you're exploring in your own backyard or jetting off to another part of the country, here are 14 different geek-inspired venues and events to connect you to the geek community all across the United States.
Know of any other fun geek chic places to visit? Leave suggestions in the comments below.
Homepage Image: Flickr, Hal Hex