Foxy Writers' Group
Join our hop-in writing group for local writers looking to share ideas, get feedback, and get to know other local writers. All styles and genres welcome: novel, poetry, lyrics, short stories, and anything in between.
Appleton Pickle Club
3rd Wednesday of each Month
Looking for a place where bold ideas, weird questions, and progressive minds can actually meet each other off the algorithm?
Same. So we’re reviving something delightfully odd and historically scrappy.
Science Bookclub
This bookclub for science enthusiasts celebrates all things science—combining the thrill of science fiction with the rigor and wonder of science-focused non-fiction.
Each month, we’ll explore stories that ignite curiosity, challenge perceptions, and inspire awe. From gripping narratives about scientific breakthroughs to thought-provoking novels where science shapes the future, this book club is perfect for readers who love to ponder what if? and how does that work?
Whether you're a lifelong science fan, an avid reader of speculative fiction, or simply curious about the world around you, this book club offers an engaging and welcoming space to discuss ideas, exchange insights, and spark new perspectives.
Guest Bartender | Rebecca Zornow
Sci-fi author Rebecca M. Zornow is taking over the taps—armed with cans, charm, and zero bartending experience. She’ll be signing her new novel Landsome Roads, pouring beers (we hope), and talking all things literary love and magical plot twists. Come for the chaos, stay for the books.
TanDem Lyric Workshop
Join songwriter Tami Johnson for an inspiring workshop on lyric writing. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting to explore songwriting, this is a welcoming space to play, listen, write, and celebrate local creativity.
Bring your instrument (if you have one) and any ideas or lyrics you’re working on. Together, we’ll share original music, exchange feedback, and spend some time crafting our own songs.
Leave feeling inspired, connected, and ready to write your next lyric!
Sociology Bookclub
Sociology Bookclub | Every Fourth Wednesday of the Month
Our Sociology Book Club delves into the social and historical forces that shape how we live, work, and connect—with each other and the world around us. We read a mix of fiction and nonfiction that explores themes like identity, inequality, institutions, culture, politics, and change. From contemporary novels to groundbreaking research and historical accounts, each book sparks meaningful conversation and fresh perspectives. We strive to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue in a welcoming, thoughtful space.
Project Pursuit
Work on any handy project with company. Knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, embroiderers, drawers, . . . whatever craft you picked up during quarantine that is compact, bring it.
Fox Valley Science Society
This Might Hurt (But Maybe Not): How Your Brain Decides What Pain Is
LGBTQIA+ Ally Bookclub
A welcoming space for readers and allies to explore literature that celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us each month as we dive into diverse voices and stories that inspire understanding, empathy, and advocacy. Everyone is welcome! We meet at the bookbar, which is 21 and over unless with a guardian.
Lab Day
1st Sunday of every month
Lab Day: Because Someone Has to Drink the Weird Shit First
Join us as we test bold flavors and unexpected creations for future bookbar menus. Your $15 ticket includes multiple rounds of experimental mocktails and coffee drinks—some might be genius, some might be... learning opportunities. Either way, you’ll sip, savor, and help us shape the madness.
Seating is limited, so grab your ticket early! If there’s space left, tickets will be available at the door.
Crappy Cinema Club
Every 2nd Tuesday @ 5pm
Love ridiculous movies? Love watching them with equally ridiculous company? We stole this idea fair and square from old VFW event nights—turn off the music, throw a delightfully questionable film on the bookbar TV, and let the chaos unfold. Think Mystery Science Theater 3000, minus the robots (for now). Sometimes we even pretend to be organized and announce the film ahead of time. Either way, it’s fabulously dumb, and you’re invited.
Have a ridiculous movie suggestion we could stream or pop into the DVD player? Leave it in the comments—we’ll see if we can track it down.
Spicy Bookclub
If you love diving into the steamiest reads around—whether you’re out and proud or a secret connoisseur—this book club is your perfect fit. Join others who revel in the genre, and brace yourself for bold, five-chili books! From historical erotica to otherworldly, devilish romance, we’re exploring it all. Not for the faint of heart—bring your sense of adventure and prepare for an unforgettable, spicy group.
Guest Bartender
🍹 Guest Bartender Night with PJ Fiala
📅 Thursday, December 12 | 4–6 PM
Local author PJ Fiala is trading pen for pint glass and stepping behind the bar at Tardigrade’s! Will she dazzle us with mixology magic… or just pour a very enthusiastic whiskey neat? Either way, it’s bound to be a good time.
✨ Come for:
PJ’s signature storytelling charm (and pouring skills)
The usual Tardigrade’s warmth, wit, and weirdness
A night where “plot twist” might happen in your glass
Join us, cheer her on, and let’s see what happens when a romance author gets behind the bar.
Click on the photo to navigate to PJ’s website!
Foxy Writers' Group
Join our hop-in writing group for local writers looking to share ideas, get feedback, and get to know other local writers. All styles and genres welcome: novel, poetry, lyrics, short stories, and anything in between.
Appleton Pickle Club
3rd Wednesday of each Month
Looking for a place where bold ideas, weird questions, and progressive minds can actually meet each other off the algorithm?
Same. So we’re reviving something delightfully odd and historically scrappy.
Science Bookclub
This bookclub for science enthusiasts celebrates all things science—combining the thrill of science fiction with the rigor and wonder of science-focused non-fiction.
Each month, we’ll explore stories that ignite curiosity, challenge perceptions, and inspire awe. From gripping narratives about scientific breakthroughs to thought-provoking novels where science shapes the future, this book club is perfect for readers who love to ponder what if? and how does that work?
Whether you're a lifelong science fan, an avid reader of speculative fiction, or simply curious about the world around you, this book club offers an engaging and welcoming space to discuss ideas, exchange insights, and spark new perspectives.
TanDem Music Night
Every 4th Tuesday of the Month @ 5:30pm
Once a month, Tardigrade’s Bookbar turns into a cozy hub for music lovers. TanDem Music Night is led by local musicians Debbie and Tammy, who bring together players, writers, and listeners for an ever-changing evening of creativity and connection.
Each month, the format rotates—so no two nights are the same:
🎤 Jam Sessions
🎸 Song Circles
🎙 Open Mics
📝 Lyric Writing Nights
🎭 Casual Performance Evenings
If you’re strumming, singing, scribbling, or simply soaking it all in, TanDem Music Night is about sharing the joy of music in community.
✨ If you are on Facebook, please select “going” on the TanDem Facebook event so we can set up enough space for the group each month.
Appleton Pickle Club
3rd Wednesday of each Month
Looking for a place where bold ideas, weird questions, and progressive minds can actually meet each other off the algorithm?
Same. So we’re reviving something delightfully odd and historically scrappy.
Horror Bookclub
Join us each month as we dive into stories that don’t just haunt but downright terrify—from spine-chilling thrillers to ghastly ghost stories and everything dark in between. This isn’t for the easily disturbed or anyone looking for a light read. Expect gory discussions and grab a nightcap at the bar to keep the chills at bay.
Horror Bookclub
Join us each month as we dive into stories that don’t just haunt but downright terrify—from spine-chilling thrillers to ghastly ghost stories and everything dark in between. This isn’t for the easily disturbed or anyone looking for a light read. Expect gory discussions and grab a nightcap at the bar to keep the chills at bay.
Lab Day
1st Sunday of every month
Heads up: Lab Day in November is unable to the on the first Sunday, it is rescheduled to November 16th.
Lab Day: Because Someone Has to Drink the Weird Shit First
Join us as we test bold flavors and unexpected creations for future bookbar menus. Your $15 ticket includes multiple rounds of experimental mocktails and coffee drinks—some might be genius, some might be... learning opportunities. Either way, you’ll sip, savor, and help us shape the madness.
Seating is limited, so grab your ticket early! If there’s space left, tickets will be available at the door.
Book Swap
Come for the grown-up book fair vibes, stay for the snacks, crafts, drinks, and cozy conversations. We're partnering with Tardigrade's Bookshelf and Pages & Plots to bring the ultimate afternoon […] Tickets | $5
Spicy Bookclub
If you love diving into the steamiest reads around—whether you’re out and proud or a secret connoisseur—this book club is your perfect fit. Join others who revel in the genre, and brace yourself for bold, five-chili books! From historical erotica to otherworldly, devilish romance, we’re exploring it all. Not for the faint of heart—bring your sense of adventure and prepare for an unforgettable, spicy group.
Fantasy Bookclub
Grab your cloak and your beverage of choice—we’re venturing past the Shire. In partnership with Arkana Books, the keepers of the fantasy collection right here at Tardigrade’s, this club explores worlds filled with dragons, daggers, and deliciously complicated moral choices. Expect lively discussion, minimal gatekeeping, and just enough magic to make Tuesday nights feel epic.
Crappy Cinema Club
Every 2nd Tuesday @ 5pm
Love ridiculous movies? Love watching them with equally ridiculous company? We stole this idea fair and square from old VFW event nights—turn off the music, throw a delightfully questionable film on the bookbar TV, and let the chaos unfold. Think Mystery Science Theater 3000, minus the robots (for now). Sometimes we even pretend to be organized and announce the film ahead of time. Either way, it’s fabulously dumb, and you’re invited.
Have a ridiculous movie suggestion we could stream or pop into the DVD player? Leave it in the comments—we’ll see if we can track it down.
Members Only Menu Tasting
🌌 Members-Only Menu Tasting
Sunday, November 9 | Noon
We’re getting ready to roll out our new menu, and our members are always the first to try everything — and tell us what you think. What better day to test out tasty drinks than Carl Sagan’s birthday? Join us for an exclusive members-only tasting, complete with a complimentary treat to celebrate Carl.
As always, members can bring along friends to share the experience. Be the first to taste what’s next at Tardigrade’s — it’s science, snacks, and a little stardust.
LGBTQIA+ Ally Bookclub
A welcoming space for readers and allies to explore literature that celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us each month as we dive into diverse voices and stories that inspire understanding, empathy, and advocacy. Everyone is welcome! We meet at the bookbar, which is 21 and over unless with a guardian.
Project Pursuit
Work on any handy project with company. Knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, embroiderers, drawers, . . . whatever craft you picked up during quarantine that is compact, bring it.
A Midwest Murder Museum
Presented by Velvet Fox Events
Click on the flyer for more information and tickets!
We love our Velvet Fox friends XOXO
Members Only Bookswap
📚 Book Swap (Members Only)
Wednesday, October 29 | 6–7 PM
Got books you’ve loved but are ready to pass along? Bring them in, trade with fellow readers, and leave with something new to curl up with.
We’ll sweeten the deal: every attendee gets a complimentary bowl of homemade chili and a tap beer. Because nothing pairs with swapping stories like comfort food and beer.
Want to share the fun? Bring a friend to enjoy your Tardigrade perks for the night.
TanDem Music Night
Every 4th Tuesday of the Month @ 5:30pm
Once a month, Tardigrade’s Bookbar turns into a cozy hub for music lovers. TanDem Music Night is led by local musicians Debbie and Tammy, who bring together players, writers, and listeners for an ever-changing evening of creativity and connection.
Each month, the format rotates—so no two nights are the same:
🎤 Jam Sessions
🎸 Song Circles
🎙 Open Mics
📝 Lyric Writing Nights
🎭 Casual Performance Evenings
October will be an 🎙 Open Mic Night
If you’re strumming, singing, scribbling, or simply soaking it all in, TanDem Music Night is about sharing the joy of music in community.
We’re licensed for cover songs through ASCAP — please check that your song choices are included before performing: ascap.com/repertory
✨ If you are on Facebook, please select “going” on the TanDem Facebook event so we can set up enough space for the group each month.
The Breakfast Club
Every Saturday morning 10:00am-11:00am
Bring a Book. Ignore Everyone.
This might sound odd to some—but to others? Heaven. Every Saturday morning is silent reading time at the bookbar, with gentle, lyric-free music in the background. Bring whatever you’re reading and just… read. No required discussion, no pressure. Just quiet company and a good book.
We’ll break halfway through for five minutes so you can tell your barstool neighbor what you’re into. Parallel play for grown-ups. That’s what this is. IFYKYK.
Can’t bear to put on pants and come to the bookbar? Share what you're reading on our Tardigrade Discord.
Horror Bookclub
Join us each month as we dive into stories that don’t just haunt but downright terrify—from spine-chilling thrillers to ghastly ghost stories and everything dark in between. This isn’t for the easily disturbed or anyone looking for a light read. Expect gory discussions and grab a nightcap at the bar to keep the chills at bay.
Foxy Writers' Group
Join our hop-in writing group for local writers looking to share ideas, get feedback, and get to know other local writers. All styles and genres welcome: novel, poetry, lyrics, short stories, and anything in between.
The Breakfast Club
Every Saturday morning 10:00am-11:00am
Bring a Book. Ignore Everyone.
This might sound odd to some—but to others? Heaven. Every Saturday morning is silent reading time at the bookbar, with gentle, lyric-free music in the background. Bring whatever you’re reading and just… read. No required discussion, no pressure. Just quiet company and a good book.
We’ll break halfway through for five minutes so you can tell your barstool neighbor what you’re into. Parallel play for grown-ups. That’s what this is. IFYKYK.
Can’t bear to put on pants and come to the bookbar? Share what you're reading on our Tardigrade Discord.
Bookless Bookclub
Do you like to read stuff but can’t bring yourself to read something that you were TOLD to read? We understand your authority aversion and we’ve got you. In this not-bookclub you show up and chat books, any books.
Science Bookclub
This bookclub for science enthusiasts celebrates all things science—combining the thrill of science fiction with the rigor and wonder of science-focused non-fiction.
Each month, we’ll explore stories that ignite curiosity, challenge perceptions, and inspire awe. From gripping narratives about scientific breakthroughs to thought-provoking novels where science shapes the future, this book club is perfect for readers who love to ponder what if? and how does that work?
Whether you're a lifelong science fan, an avid reader of speculative fiction, or simply curious about the world around you, this book club offers an engaging and welcoming space to discuss ideas, exchange insights, and spark new perspectives.
Crappy Cinema Club
Every 2nd Tuesday @ 5pm
Love ridiculous movies? Love watching them with equally ridiculous company? We stole this idea fair and square from old VFW event nights—turn off the music, throw a delightfully questionable film on the bookbar TV, and let the chaos unfold. Think Mystery Science Theater 3000, minus the robots (for now). Sometimes we even pretend to be organized and announce the film ahead of time. Either way, it’s fabulously dumb, and you’re invited.
Have a ridiculous movie suggestion we could stream or pop into the DVD player? Leave it in the comments—we’ll see if we can track it down.
The Breakfast Club
Every Saturday morning 10:00am-11:00am
Bring a Book. Ignore Everyone.
This might sound odd to some—but to others? Heaven. Every Saturday morning is silent reading time at the bookbar, with gentle, lyric-free music in the background. Bring whatever you’re reading and just… read. No required discussion, no pressure. Just quiet company and a good book.
We’ll break halfway through for five minutes so you can tell your barstool neighbor what you’re into. Parallel play for grown-ups. That’s what this is. IFYKYK.
Can’t bear to put on pants and come to the bookbar? Share what you're reading on our Tardigrade Discord.
GRAND OPENING EVENT
🚨 Grand Opening 🚨
Sure, we’re “just” a bookbar in Wisconsin. But on Oct 10, we’re cutting ribbons, giving out swag, pouring drinks for a good cause, and staying open past 7pm for the first time.
So yeah, go down to the sports bar, bruh. Or… come hang with us instead. 😉
📖 Ribbon cutting at 2pm
🎁 Goodie bags (first 100)
🖊️ Local author signing
🍷 Beer and Wine courtesy of Fox Valley Literacy!
Spicy Bookclub
If you love diving into the steamiest reads around—whether you’re out and proud or a secret connoisseur—this book club is your perfect fit. Join others who revel in the genre, and brace yourself for bold, five-chili books! From historical erotica to otherworldly, devilish romance, we’re exploring it all. Not for the faint of heart—bring your sense of adventure and prepare for an unforgettable, spicy group.
Project Pursuit
Work on any handy project with company. Knitters, crocheters, cross stitchers, embroiderers, drawers, . . . whatever craft you picked up during quarantine that is compact, bring it.
Banned Books Read In
Banned Books Read-In with Libro.fm
We’re teaming up with Libro.fm + Silent Book Club for a Banned Books Week Read-In — part protest, part quiet act of defiance. Sprawl across the sofas in our events room, sip your drink, and spend the evening reading (bonus points if it’s a banned book 🙃).
🎧 Attendees get a free audiobook copy of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books.
📚 Plus: every attendee will be entered to win a banned book from our shelves as a door prize.
⏰ Can’t make it right at 4? No problem — swing by after you finish your grown-up stuff and join when you can.
Book bans are loud, but our voices are louder.
Lab Day
1st Sunday of every month
Lab Day: Because Someone Has to Drink the Weird Shit First
Join us as we test bold flavors and unexpected creations for future bookbar menus. Your $15 ticket includes multiple rounds of experimental mocktails and coffee drinks—some might be genius, some might be... learning opportunities. Either way, you’ll sip, savor, and help us shape the madness.
Seating is limited, so grab your ticket early! If there’s space left, tickets will be available at the door.
LGBTQIA+ Alley Bookclub
A welcoming space for readers and allies to explore literature that celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community. Join us each month as we dive into diverse voices and stories that inspire understanding, empathy, and advocacy. Everyone is welcome! We meet at the bookbar, which is 21 and over unless with a guardian.
Fox Valley Science Society | Forensics vs. Fiction: The Truth Behind the CSI Effect
Kali Draeger, Evidence Specialist-Grand Chute Police Department
Forensics vs. Fiction: The Truth Behind the CSI Effect
Forensic science plays a crucial role in solving crimes, but thanks to shows like CSI and NCIS, the public often has an exaggerated idea of what it can really do. In this talk, we’ll explore how forensic techniques are actually used in investigations, what limitations they face, and how the so-called “CSI Effect” has influenced juries, trials, and the justice system as a whole.”
Speaker Bio:
Kali Draeger is an Evidence Specialist at the Grand Chute Police Department. Her role is to maintain all physical and digital evidence collected by the department, as well as respond to and process crime scenes that occur within Grand Chute. Kali is a Certified Property & Evidence Specialist through the IAPE (International Association for Property & Evidence) and a Certified Crime Scene Analyst through the IAI (International Association for Identification). She also serves on the Board of Directors for the WAI (Wisconsin Association for Identification) and is an adjunct instructor for Fox Valley Technical College’s Forensic Science program.
🎟️ Admission is $5 per person.
🪪 Tardigrade’s Bookshelf Members get complimentary entry to all Fox Valley Science Society events.
☕ Drinks are available, and the bookstore will be open before and after the presentation – come browse, sip, and settle in.
Horror Bookclub
Join us each month as we dive into stories that don’t just haunt but downright terrify—from spine-chilling thrillers to ghastly ghost stories and everything dark in between. This isn’t for the easily disturbed or anyone looking for a light read. Expect gory discussions and grab a nightcap at the bar to keep the chills at bay.
Soft Opening Phase Two
Soft Open at Tardigrade’s Bookshelf 🦠📚
We’re officially in soft open mode! That means books, NA drinks, and a little bit of behind-the-scenes chaos while we figure out where the bar spoons actually live.
Who’s invited?
Friends, family, and members: September 16–20
Everyone else: starting September 23
This soft open is all about staff training and testing our flow—so we’ll be keeping it sober until the grand opening. Thanks for helping us get everything into tip-top shape before the big day!