If you live in the United States, it’s a pretty big week coming up. The 2020 presidential election is taking place next Tuesday, November 3rd. If you haven’t yet voted, then please, take the time to do so now.

Even if you don’t think you’re registered, you may still have options, depending on your state. There is information on usa.gov/voting, and you can also check the website for the Secretary of State where you live. As an example, here in the state of California, you can register to vote ON ELECTION DAY.

The right to vote is one of the most important civic duties that we have, so please do everything you can to exercise it. It’s never been more important.

Having said that, if you don’t live in the States, or maybe if you’re just looking for something to distract you over the next week, maybe check out one of the following virtual Star Trek events.

Sci-Fi Costumes and Props with Doug Drexler - Thursday, October 29th

First up, you’ll have to be quick to attend this one because it’s happening today, Thursday, October 29th, at 1pm ET. The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is hosting a live Facebook chat all about props and costumes in space science fiction. The chat will feature Madlyn Burkert from Lucasfilm, Dr. Margaret Weitekamp from the National Air and Space Museum, and Star Trek’s own Doug Drexler.

For more information or to tune in, head to the National Air and Space Museum’s Facebook page, at facebook.com/airandspace.

The Roddenberries: Showdown 2020 - Thursday, October 29th

Next, it’s The Roddenberries with their “Showdown 2020” virtual cabaret event featuring J.G. Hertzler and Robert O’Reilly as Martok and Gowron. That takes place on The Roddenberries’ website from 8pm ET this evening, Thursday, October 29th. Tickets are required for the event and run from $15 to $75 depending on what extras you choose.

Find out more, including how to buy tickets, at theroddenberries.com.

“In Search of the Sanderson Sisters” - Friday, October 30th

Not strictly Star Trek, but Discovery’s Doug Jones will be participating in a special event benefiting the New York Restoration Project this Friday, October 30th at 8pm ET. “In Search of The Sanderson Sisters, a Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover” will feature Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, hosting a documentary-style show about the Sanderson Sisters, with Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy reprising their roles from the film Hocus Pocus. Jones joins the witches in the show, plus other castmates Thora Birch and Omri Katz, and a host of other surprise guests.

Tickets cost $10 plus a $3 fee, and you can find more information on the event at nyrpshop.org.

Live reading, Star Trek: The Next Generation “Night Terrors” - Sunday, November 1st

Following the Halloween theme, Dramatis Personae: A Dramatic Star Trek Read-Aloud Show is going live on Facebook this Sunday, November 1st, at 4pm ET, with a queer read-aloud of the Star Trek: The Next Generation season 4 episode “Night Terrors”. The production is presented by Karl Saint Lucy, co-producer of the #MakeItGay queer script read-aloud show on YouTube. The production will benefit the Transgender Law Center.

For more information, including how to donate to the fundraiser, visit Dramatis Personae on Facebook, at facebook.com/dramatistrek.

[ Next week ] The Vendor’s Haul virtual convention - Saturday, November 7th

And finally, looking a little forward to next Saturday, November 7th: Science Division, makers of official Star Trek app-enabled tribbles, are hosting The Vendor’s Haul, a free virtual convention featuring some of the best sci-fi merch in the quadrant. It’s your chance to get your nerdy holiday shopping done, and support licensed vendors affected by the pandemic. It’ll be a day full of discounts, free panels, virtual tables and more.

For more information, including a list of vendors, visit vendorshaul.com.

Daily Star Trek Views - Friday, October 30th

And of course, don’t forget to join me on Friday afternoon at 1pm PT for the live show Daily Star Trek Views on YouTube. I’m looking back at the week’s biggest stories, some stuff that didn’t make it into Daily Star Trek News, and also doing the quickest review ever of this week’s Star Trek: Discovery.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss it; head to youtube.com/dailystartreknews.

The regular stuff

And of course, here’s a recap of the stuff that’s going on every week; if you haven’t joined in yet and you’re at a loose end, now would be a great time to do it.

• These are the Twitter watchalongs:

  • #allstartrek runs Sunday through Friday at 8/7C and follows the Heroes and Icons Channel’s All Star Trek programme, and

  • #StarTrekHour is a Q&A-format event, every Tuesday at 1pm PT.

• Then there’s Star Trek: Netflix Party, hosted daily and coordinated on Facebook. Every evening, they use the Netflix Party Chrome extension to watch Star Trek together. To find out more, head over to Star Trek: Netflix Party on Facebook.

• And finally, Sid City Social Club, hosted by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine star Alexander Siddig’s official fan website, is continuing their twice-weekly livestreams on Fridays and Tuesdays. To find out more, including how to join in, head to sidcity.net.

If you have an online event or gathering you’d like me to promote on the show, let me know! How are YOU getting together with your fellow Trekkies, without leaving the house?