Find Fun, Food, and Friendly Faces at Bitwise Geek Night

If you’re looking for some geeky fun (and who isn’t), there’s a monthly event in Fresno that has your name on it.

On the first Friday of every month, tech hub Bitwise Industries holds a free event consisting of geek-friendly activities partnered with beer drinking, food, and socializing.

Thanks to a rotating roster of hosts, the theme of Geek Night changes monthly. Past nights have been hosted by Creative Fresno, Crazy Squirrel Game Store, and the Fresno Grizzlies. March’s Geek Night was hosted by Fresno Ideaworks, and it focused on makers. The upcoming Geek Night on April 7 will feature something completely different (which I’ll tell you about at the end of this article, so hang on to your hat).

Bitwise Geek Night — A colorful mural identifies Bitwise Stadium South at 700 Van Ness Ave. in downtown Fresno

March, Makers and Me

This month I made my first visit to Geek Night. I had seen that March’s event was going to feature pottery and a giant Connect Four game, so I knew I needed to check it out.

Inside Bitwise South Stadium, there was definitely a festive feel. After all, drinks were being poured while people mingled, ate, played chess, and messed around with small catapults and robotics. Besides a fully stocked bar, free beer (I SAID FREE BEER) is provided courtesy of Full Circle Brewing Company.

Outside, makers from Ideaworks hammered and melded. Glass artist Chris Bonner bent and twisted hot glass into a heart. Children played percussion on metal drums made by Melody Boates (check out this FresYes article to learn more about Ideaworks).

To say there was a lot going on would be an understatement. The highlight of my night was seeing maker Greg Quiring demonstrate the culinary wizardry of a tiny hot dog grill.

Aside from being thoroughly entertained and educated by the makers, I loved the atmosphere of Geek Night. It oozes creativity and community, with strangers bonding over Connect Four and kids running around the LARPERs.

If You Missed It, There’s Still Hope

As I mentioned above, April will be a new month with a new Geek Night theme and host — 59 Days of Code. 59 Days of Code is a nonprofit working to expand the tech industry in the Valley. So, their theme translates into 3D printers and MORE.

Also included in April’s Geek Night? A lego wall, drones, robots, water balloons, and once again, beer. As an added bonus, Where’s The Food will be there selling their delicious grub. The event will also act as a fundraiser for 59 Days of Code. For the right price, you can dunk Bitwise founders Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin in the dunk tank.

Even if the only code you know is your phone password, I can promise you’ll have fun at Geek Night. It’s a kid-friendly, free slice of awesomeness in this town. You won’t want to miss it!

April Geek Night Details

Where: Bitwise Stadium is located at 700 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93721
When: Geek Nights are from 5-7 p.m.
How much: Admission is FREE but bring change for meters, and dollars for food truck fun!
More info: Facebook page for April’s Event is found here.