Dorkfest: A Celebration of Nerdy Excess

Dorkfest began in 1992 as an unassuming, almost accidental gathering on a university campus. Its humble origins featured just two devoted Doctor Who fans, a ghetto blaster, and a single worn-out cassette of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. What started as an impromptu celebration of geekdom (and possibly a failed attempt at a proper party) soon evolved into a small but resilient tradition.

Despite its minuscule attendance and questionable production values, Dorkfest embraced an atmosphere of unapologetic fandom. Over time, word spread—perhaps ironically, perhaps in genuine admiration—and the festival grew to include more niche fandoms, awkward dancing, and an ever-expanding selection of music played from increasingly outdated technology.

Some recurring highlights of Dorkfest over the years have allegedly included:

• Dramatic re-enactments of classic Doctor Who scenes (often hindered by poor costume planning).
• Trivia battles that became so intense they led to at least one known friendship-ending dispute over Star Trek continuity.
• An ongoing and unresolved debate over whether Sgt. Pepper’s is really The Beatles’ best album.
• The introduction of other geek-friendly musical selections, though the ghetto blaster remained a sacred relic.
• The occasional presence of confused passersby who either became lifelong attendees or never returned.

Though never an officially sanctioned event, Dorkfest persists—an enduring, quirky testament to fandom, friendship, and the power of a truly stubborn tradition.