The Steampunk Explorer

This Weekend: TeslaCon, Steampunk Adventurers Weekend, and More

Staff Report | Nov 28, 2023

With the start of December comes a big weekend for steampunk fans, as TeslaCon takes place near Madison, Wisconsin, while Steampunk Adventurers Weekend returns for its second engagement in South Florida.

Steampunk Digest - December 1, 2023

Our weekly roundup of news and other happenings in the steampunk world

Staff Report | Dec 1, 2023

Weekend preview; Stupid Cupid cancelled; Tesla Science Center seeks funds for fire recovery; Maker Faire retrospective; Scenes from Fan Expo SF; New single from Geverend Dee and Prof. Adam Smasher; Another Bandcamp Friday.

Scenes from Fan Expo San Francisco

Lots of major celebrities, but the main draws for us were the indie artists and cosplayers

By Stephen Beale | Nov 29, 2023

One of the big draws of a pop culture convention is the chance to see TV and movie stars. Fan Expo San Francisco had plenty of those, but we were more interested in meeting independent artists and cosplayers, steampunk and otherwise.

Scenes from The Great Dickens Fair

19th century figures real and fictional gather for an immersive event near San Francisco

Staff Report | Nov 22, 2023

Once again, the South Hall of Cow Palace near San Francisco has been transformed into a re-creation of Victorian-era London as the Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party takes place each weekend through Dec. 17.

Mad Hatter Fest Returns with Steampunk Santa, Art Cars, and More

Staff Report | Dec 1, 2023

Vallejo, California will be going mad this weekend — in the best possible way — as the Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade returns. It will feature whimsical art cars including the Rudolph 5000 rocket sleigh with a Steampunk Santa at the controls.

Places

Tesla Center Launches $3 Million Campaign to Repair Fire Damage

Staff Report | Nov 30, 2023

The Tesla Science Center said it needs the money for “emergency remediation efforts” following the Nov. 21 fire at the building that housed Nikola Tesla’s last remaining laboratory. The group is raising the funds on Indiegogo.

Events

Stupid Cupid Convention Cancelled as Organizer Quits Steampunk Events

By Stephen Beale | Nov 28, 2023

David Carlson, organizer of the convention, is exiting steampunk events following a dispute with another event organizer in Connecticut. Stupid Cupid was scheduled for Feb. 2-4 near Hartford. Carlson also operated the Silk City Steampunk group.

Places

Fire Causes Extensive Damage at Tesla Science Center in New York

Staff Report | Nov 22, 2023

The fire could delay efforts to construct a museum and science center dedicated to Nikola Tesla. The site on Long Island housed the iconic Wardenclyffe Tower, where Tesla hoped to demonstrate wireless power transmission.

World of Steampunk

New ‘World of Steampunk’ Episode Takes Viewers to Maker Faire

Staff Report | Nov 19, 2023

The latest episode of The World of Steampunk is now available for your viewing pleasure. It features extensive coverage of Maker Faire Bay Area, which was held over two weekends in October on Mare Island in Vallejo, California.