GW calendar logoSometimes technology gets a bad rap. Our high-tech world can isolate us, shorten our attention spans, and leave us wanting more. But technology can also build communities and bring us together — as with geocaching.

The activity, in which teams of people use GPS and their smartphones to locate hidden caches, is a global treasure hunt for the digital age. When participants find a prize they replace it with a new one, and the game continues.

geocache-blockparty1Whether you’re an avid geocacher or reading about it for the first time, you’re invited to the 2014 Geocaching Block Party Saturday, Aug. 16, organized by Seattle-based Geocaching.com. The main event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Fremont. Activities also include several treasure hunts, a food truck court, a brewery tour, geocaching seminars, and kid-friendly activities.

Attendees are also encouraged to check out the Geocaching International Film Festival and “Quirky Tour of Seattle,” which ditches the traditional tourist haunts for the lesser-known hidden gems the Emerald City has to offer. Register for free here.

That’s just one of our selections from the GeekWire Calendar — our curated list of the top tech events in the Pacific Northwest.

Keep reading for more highlights and check out the calendar for more.

Marc Barros

CreativeMornings with Marc Barros

The old adage goes: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again — and then get up on a stage in front of 50+ people and talk about it.” Alright, that might be slightly embellished, but it is what’s happening around the world this month in CreativeMorning’s series on Failure. The Seattle installment will host entrepreneur Marc Barros at EMP. Interested in learning from Barros’s mistakes? Join the wait list here. (Although the event is technically sold out, we’re told that people on wait list will likely get in.)

When & Where: Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. EMP, Seattle.

I Heart Nerds 5K

nerds-big-banner-cropGeeky athletes hoping to enjoy the summer weather should check out the I Heart Nerds race. The 5K will weave along trails throughout Marymoor Park and will culminate in an awards ceremony. Spectators can enjoy live music and sponsor booths around the race. To participate, register here.

When & Where: Aug. 17, 9:00am — 11:00am. Marymoor Park, Redmond.

StudentRND Labs Demo Day

student rndCheck out what the next generation of technologists has in store at this year’s StudentRND Demo Day. High school and college students from around the country will spend three weeks creating new technology products. According to the event organizers they want to “create a world where building an app or game is just as normal as playing a sport or musical instrument.” Register for free here.

When & Where: Aug. 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Impact Hub Seattle.

STM-GW-300x250Seattle Tech Meetup

Members of the PNW tech community interested in networking should stop by the monthly Seattle Tech Meetup. This month’s installment will feature speakers from Jobile, DoubleDown, and the office of the Washington State Chief Information Officer. As always, refreshments will be served before the presentations. Tickets are available here.

When & Where: Aug. 19, 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center.

Mark your calendar for the geekiest rooftop tailgate party in soccer: Tickets available now for Geekwire Sounders Day on Aug. 20.

Contact GeekWire’s Monica Nickelsburg at monica@geekwire.com. Listings for this feature are picked from the GeekWire Calendar, where you can submit free listings for technology-related events in the Pacific Northwest.  

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