Nerdy Nights: Best Events For DFW Geeks

Everyone harnesses a little nerd inside of them from young to old. Whether it is an avid obsession for science fiction or a heartfelt connection to anime, the inner geek inside of many DFW residents has several options when it comes time for play. For a nerdy night out on the town, DFW has several bars, locations and events that will make the inner nerd inside of all jump and shout for joy. So without further ado, let the fun and games begin!

No longer will DFW residents have to mask their affinity for childhood arcade games and entertainment--the newest late night spot on the block, Kung Fu Saloon, mixes all of the essential elements of playful flair with adult vibes at its newest Uptown location in Dallas. Boasting a collection of over 20 vintage arcade games and childhood game favorites such as Skee Ball, Giant Jenga and Giant Connect Four, Dallas' newest hangout has become the main attraction for those seeking a night of beer and fun. If the names Ms. PacMan, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat and Double Dragon get your adrenaline pumping then Kung Fu Saloon will be the perfect match you. Sprinkle in some blaring hits from the 90s and current top 40s, and you are in for a good time.

Related: Best Retro Nights At DFW Bars & Nightclubs

Every nerd's fantasy has just come true in Dallas with the highly anticipated opening of the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Vickery Park. Grab a bite to eat in the café and venture through the many exhibits that have left visitors in awe of this newly constructed wonder of Dallas. Choose from a Texas Instruments and Engineering Hall to an Expanding Universe exhibit hall to jump start your adventure at this futuristic museum. With five floors and 11 exhibit halls overall, the Perot Museum caters to science and nature enthusiasts nationwide. Exclusively for the night owls, the museum stays open until 9:30 p.m. during the first Thursday out of every month; making this a perfect place to begin a night out on the town.

Related:Perot Museum Opens Its Doors In Dallas

All-Con is an all inclusive convention for fans of anime, burlesque, science fiction, costuming, short film and literature just to name a few. For three days, fans nationwide will travel to Dallas to experience an all-day adventure of games, exhibits and workshops centered on the 2013 theme: Fractured Time. Sample events during All-Con will include: Anime Cabaret, Anime Jeopardy, Iron Cosplay and Star Wars Club Traders Night. Release your inner geek, throw on your best character costume and head down to The Crowne Plaza in Addison. It will be an event worth being nerdy for. (The convention day will officially end at 2 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights.)

Related: The Biggest Nerds In Pop Culture

For some, pinball machines bring back childhood memories of bustling arcades, noises that go "ping," and friendly competition among friends. Such can be said for the organizers of the Texas Pinball Festival, who took their lifelong love for the game of pinball and transformed it into a massive reality. Massive may truly be an understatement as over 400 pinball machines will be scattered throughout the 45,000 square foot game room at the Hilton Anatole from March 15 to 17. Scheduled events will include tournaments, seminars that feature pinball personalities and a chance to win a brand new pinball machine. Pinball enthusiasts are also invited to play all night long as the game floor will stay open until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, along with an Exhibitor After Party scheduled from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. on March 16, 2013.

For the young at heart, the Back 9 is a spot for laughter, dancing and, most importantly, games. Let your inner competitive geek thrive by taking advantage of this local bar's massive Jenga game, vintage arcades and everybody's favorite childhood past-time: air hockey. Located on the busy strip of Belt Line Road in Addison, Back 9 hails as a casual bar that explodes with laid back attitudes and a friendly wait staff. Filled with numerous flat screen televisions, the bar offers visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy a televised sporting event or watch music videos that correspond with the DJ's spinning tunes.