To nerd or not to nerd?
That is the question, and if you ask a couple of businesses in downtown Buckeye, the answer is to nerd out all day, every day. That’s especially relevant given tomorrow, Aug. 23, is Find Your Inner Nerd Day.
The date was picked as a nod to Twitter pioneer Chris Messina’s 2007 tweet that created the hashtag, #findyourinnernerd.
The holiday is the brainchild of Beth Ziesenis, the CEO behind Your Nerdy Best Friend, a business billed toward making technology accessible.
Here’s where you can find your inner nerd in and around Buckeye.
Cactus Gaming Louge
Located in the heart of historic Buckeye, Cactus Gaming Lounge is set up with ten computers, four Playstation 5’s, two X-box Series X’s for optimal gaming in a cozy living room environment replete with a snack bar.
“Now these places are called gaming lounges, but back in my day they used to be called internet cafes,” co-owner Drilon Kaba said of the recently opened lounge.
They also have a collection of board games for the more tactile bunch. Kaba’s recommended is “Coup,” a futuristic strategy board game.
The gaming lounge is a childhood throwback for Kaba, a safe place where he intends for people of all ages to come, make memories and share gaming together.
“It’s really just a passion–thing for me to open this place,” Kaba said.
Kaba’s take on “nerds” is that they’re just people who are passionate about a topic.
Where: 726 Monroe Ave.
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–12 a.m.
Neith Miniatures
The miniatures shop, owned by husband-and-wife duo Eric Grennon and Maria Freese, is an homage to Warhammer–style painting.
The pastime involves painstaking brushwork with great attention to detail.
The shop is dedicated to the optimal hobbyist painting experience, provided with white LED lights and painting areas. Paints and plastic models are provided to test out before purchase.
“If we sell it, you should be able to try it before you buy it,” Grennon said.
Complimentary tea, coffee and water are available to make sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.
Grennon’s take on “nerds” is that they’re some of the best people he’s ever met.
Where: 107 Fourth St.
Hours: Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Maricopa Comic Con
The annual event began as a table-top game in Jason Youngdale’s living room 16 years ago. After three years, the project became a Kickstarter and outsourced to a public venue, operating as a nonprofit organization.
The annual event, hosted at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, is in its 13th year with the objective of bringing together local game designers and fans alike.
When: Aug. 28-30
Friday 12 p.m.–12 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–12 a.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: The Wigwam Resort
300 E. Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park
