POP UP MAKERS SESSION with GEARS N BEERS

Join the crew of Gears N Beers to create your own custom leather coasters.  Listen to us tell our story as you work with leather and tools, provided. $5 each to craft, free to mingle. Hang out with fellow makers and bring home your own handmade treasure. No experience required, no sign up necessary

STEPHEN BEALE DISCUSSES STEAMPUNK EXPLORER

Stephen Beale of Steampunk Explorer discusses the website, a possible new design, and his unique perspective on the fandom.

Embossed Copper Bookmark

This mini workshop allows you to emboss copper sheet in a rolling mill and add acrylic paint for contrast before finishing it off with a satin tassel.

Workshop has a  $10.00 fee.

The Metal Mixologist is a copper artist and art studio based out of Hershey, PA specializing in realistic copper flowers that bloom forever.

This panel is a…GAME SHOW! Contestants get to flex your writing prowess and show the whole of Key City Steampunk that you have what it takes to write the next great Sci Fi novel! During the panel, myself, as well as Kat, will be reading to the audience both the title and back cover of various sci-fi novels. These have been handpicked to provide a few different possibilities and outcomes. After each contestant has heard the title and back cover, they will then be tasked with writing the first sentence of this novel. They can choose to be funny, serious, whatever they choose. Choose. Then after each contestant has had their time to write, the host will then read out each first line with the audience getting to pick the best one. The winner will then receive the book that they have just written the first line for.

Join us for “Why Your Tea Sucks” where you’ll uncover the secrets to brewing the perfect cup of tea.  We’ll delve into proper brewing  techniques, explore the different type of tea from delicate whites to robust blacks, and teach you how to identify high-quality tea.  Say good-bye to mediocre tea and elevate your tea-drinking experience.

When people say steampunk now a days it can be synonymous with brown, gears and googles but even when adding steampunk to a existing character in pop culture they can end up looking generic and Steampunk is anything but. There is a wealth of ideas and concepts you can use to flip that fashion stereotype on it’s head. We will be looking at how to research them and where to find ideas and how to use them effectively

Tea Dueling at it’s finest with the with one and only Baroness Alexandra presiding.

This is a two-part dice class where you will be able to use hand-made molds to cast your own 7-piece dice set. An array of alcohol inks, mica powders, pigment pastes will be available. I do recommend wearing something that you don’t mind getting ruined (particularly for the pouring class) and coming in with an idea of colors or a design as the options can get overwhelming. The first part will be picking your design and executing it pouring resin and the second part consists of sanding and inking after the resin has had time to cure in my pressure pots.

$60.00 Materials Fee and preregistration will be required

Calamity isn’t just about the booze. The bar industry has seen a rise in interest towards non alcoholic and zero proof beverages! See what refreshing drinks for all ages Calamity has in store!

The Femme Fatale character has gone through many guises but in popular media and art of the mid-nineteenth Century’s Greco revival, the Edwardian ‘Vamp’ and later the golden ages Film Noir movement the archetype as beenonevoh controversy. In this panel I will present the for and against of the Femme Fatal character . And ask the question: is the Femme Fatale a negative or positive? The jury of the audience can decide.

Classic Whist is the card game played by Phileas Fogg (of Around the World in 80 Days), Sherlock Holmes, Captain Hornblower, and many Jane Austen heroines. We’ll provide the worksheets and playing cards so that you can learn the game within an hour! A perfect time to socialize with your fellow Steampunks as you play this game!

Digital pictionary with steampunk themed hints

Learn the intricacies of the Iron Scout and how this amazing automaton came to be.

Actress, playwright, ghost tour guide and Gothic Novelist Leanna Renee Hieber offers an irreverent, brief history of the Gothic novel and how the ‘dark and stormy nights’ of Gothic history genre paved the way for the Noir styles of the 20th century.

A demonstration of how sodas were made at the turn of the previous century using period sources.

Join two men of dubious provenance and questionable moral character for a shanty sing and a short talk on the history of working songs in the US and UK. Please leave your acoustic guitars at home, anyone caught singing Wonderwall or Wellerman will be mocked relentlessly by panelists. Rum encouraged, shenanigans required.

Join DM Brett King and his merry band of Guest players in a very special one shot of D&D.

Whether you are just starting your cosplay journey or ready to take the intermediate step of pattern manipulation, learning what a commercial pattern is saying to you and how it informs any modifications will make all the difference. We all appreciate when we can find the perfect pattern for our build but sometimes that is just not in the cards, the next step would be to find a pattern or patterns that we can combine to make what we want. In this panel, we will explore what are the key pieces to look for when planning to combine patterns, or when modifying an existing pattern

Renowned for their larger than life builds, Dave Lee and Michael Parodi of Hatton Cross Steampunk discuss the in and outs of large builds and what to expect.

An introduction to the craft of making costumes for disability scooters, including planning, making patterns, and working with cosplay materials to make the scooters look like animals, or different modes of transport. Also tips and tricks for choosing materials and creating the costumes.

Step into the intriguing world of steampunk noir with our Design Your Own Goggle Workshop, hosted by the Kolleen Kilduff from Design by Night. Immerse yourself in the creative process as you transform a pair of base goggles into a personalized masterpiece, adding that perfect touch to your ensemble.

The workshop fee of $13.00 per person provides you with all the tools and accessories needed to bring your vision to life. Unleash your creativity by customizing every detail, from intricate gears to mysterious lenses, creating a pair of moody and unique goggles that reflect your individual style.

Workshop attendance limited to 30 participants. 

How to build a steampunk persona, where to source costumes, gathering ideas etc

Audience participation. Come show off your creations and tell everyone how you made them.

Our Build-A-Beard Workshop is your chance to create your own false facial hair to hide your true identity! Materials provided are mostly leather. You are welcome to bring items to use or attach to your work. There is a materials fee of $10 and this workshop is limited.

Brief introduction to steampunk as a genre and subculture. Overview of the panel’s focus: the rise, evolution, and current state of steampunk from 2008 to 2024.

Author, actress and ghost tour guide Leanna Renee Hieber discusses her most “Noir” and truly hair-raising haunted experiences. From a very haunted prohibition era speakeasy in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the unlikely “sin city” of the 1920 & 30s, continuing with roadside ghosts, motorcycle ghosts, underground ghosts and more!

Where our Vendors have the opportunity to show off their designs and allow the models to strut their stuff. Do you have a unique outfit you created that you’d like to share but aren’t interested in competing in the costume contest?  Feel free to talk to Cap at Captain Willoby’s Emporium to find out how you can join the fun.

Details forthcoming . . . must be a VIP ticket Holder to participate.  Registration for 1 of 2 sessions will be required.

Join us for a fun-filled, interactive competition based on the hilarious board game; “Stupid Deaths”, where teams will plot and scheme… or guess… which outrageous catastrophes led to untimely demises…and which ones didn’t! Hosted by the Queen of Bone Couture and Vulture Culture herself, Shannon M. of Unclaimed Treasures.

Have you very own RC controlled Tea Pot Racer and want to see how it stacks up against an obstacle course?  Join Beers and Gears and find out!

This lecture and demonstration explores the history and secrets of creating artificial life.

The hilarious panel game returns to Key City. Chairman Josh will assign a topic to one of our panelists and they must speak on it for 60 seconds without hesitation, repetition or deviation. The rules to the game are ridiculously simple, but when you watch them play it, you’ll see it’s simply ridiculous!

Step into the intense action of our NERF Dueling Challenge at Key City Steampunk! Feel the adrenaline as you and your rivals face off in a high-stakes duel. Armed with NERF pistols and just three darts, you’ll walk ten paces, turn, and fire. Precision and strategy will determine who stands victorious and who falls.

Safety is paramount—eye protection is mandatory for all. This is no ordinary game; it’s a gritty test of skill and nerve. Mayor Tony himself will oversee the event, ensuring every duel is as thrilling as it is fierce. Don’t miss your chance to prove your mettle in this unforgiving arena. Every shot counts. Be ready.

Make Some Tea With CTT!

We will begin with a black tea base and layer with various inclusions to create your perfect cup of tea. Once completed, we will seal the blend to maintain freshness and ponder the perfect name for the label. A delightful souvenir to take home, gift, or sip during the weekend! This workshop is drop in at any point during the run time. If you have any allergy concerns, please speak to Kylene at the Clockwise Tea Traders booth or prior to the workshop.

There is no participant limit.  Blends cost $7.00 ea.

PANEL DESCRIPTION COMING

So you’ve decided you want to Make ( I primarily work in textiles but this process will work of almost any maker), but aren’t sure where to begin! In this panel, we will cover where to start researching your character, everything from what is that type of armor called, to how do I use that material, and everything in between. This panel will help guide you in how to begin your search, find the materials and techniques to build your dream cosplay, and help you build on skills that you already have.

Based on the old BBC Game Show “Call My Bluff, Bullshots Baffle Brains is a panel game where two teams of three present the definition of a phrase of word, (In this case, with a steampunk twist). one of the definitions is true, the others are Bullshots. In this edition of Bullshots Baffle Brains, the Femme Fatales will face of against the Gumshoes. Points are awarded a correct guess, with bonus points for humor and delivery. It is a game which can turn an obscure phrase into hilarity. The game has three rounds and a final host question.

Our Costume Contest, judged by Guests, will require you to register at the Registration Desk and will consist of 2 levels, Journeymen and Advanced.

Curio Cabinet “In-A-Jar” Workshop

This workshop will be limited to 25 people.

Tarot reading and explanation

An introduction to basic electronic tools and techniques, wiring, repurposing inexpensive toys & decorations, and material sources.

Darling enthusiasts, we will read children’s picture books about murder, sing nursery songs of mayhem, perhaps cut off parts of our bodies (or perhaps not), and suffer through disgusting ghost stories. A fun time to be had by all. Miss Lala insists upon it.

Grab a sword, gird your loins, and prepare yourself for the mosh pit to end all mosh pits! Join Bolin and Dylan, career mariners and dubiously qualified historians, for a talk on the history of naval boarding actions, Pringle Green’s Napoleonic Era boarding manual, our favorite songs for headbanging, and how you too can stab Frenchmen for the glory of King and Country.

Cards against humanity with a con themed twist

An authentic Victorian Magic Lantern slide show, featuring story-telling, antique glass slides shown on an antique projector, and a bit of magic.

You never know what you’ll find when the sun goes down and the fog comes out in Key City. Many of the nighttime denziens are villagers, looking to keep their city safe, but there are some werewolves out and about, and they are looking to kill the villagers and take over. The worst part: you can’t tell who’s a villager and who’s a werewolf. How will the city fare? That’s up to you, dear player. Join our game, and help craft this story of fear together. WARNING: This game will include elements of horror, verbal descriptions of death, and suspensful drama.

Join Calamity Dawn to find out what weird, unusual and occasionally bizarre drinks she has come across during her many… many years of working the bar!

Join the esteemed League of Bearded Ladies for a delightful morning brunch! Everyone is invited – ladies, gentlemen, those who identify as they/them – so long as you proudly flaunt your facial follicles. Whether your beard is natural or cultivated, all styles are celebrated without bias!

Additionally, we’ll be hosting our inaugural Bearded Lady Beard Contest! Prizes will be given for the most impressive natural facial hair as well as the most creative artificial beards and mustaches.

Join Costume Designer Erik Teague as he walks through the process of getting a design from sketch to reality! We will see examples of his work as an opera costume designer as well as enjoy a spirited discussion on the many obstacles and aha moments that lead to a fully formed design. We will also discuss the ways in which the professional theatre process is similar to great cosplay. Consider this a space to get inspired for your own artistic process.

Part 2 of the Dice Making Workshop where you finish your dice.  Must have completed Part 1 and paid Registration fee.

Join all the Foamsmiths to discuss all the various details, tips, tricks, and suggestions of working with EVA Foam.

Join a discussion of 3D printing and the power of creation it offers to Steampunk makers.

Join Stephen Beale of Steampunk Explorer to discuss some of the work going on in the San Francisco Bay Area.   He’ll share  photos and videos of large-scale art installations and mutant vehicles, including Obtainium Works (Neverwas Haul), Kinetic Steam Works, Rhino Redemption (fire-breathing rhino art car), Flaming Lotus Girls, El Pulpo Mechanico (giant octopus), etc.    

Come try something new or add to your Silk Fan dance repertoire! See you on the dance floor 🙂

**Comfortable, flexible, dance clothing/shoes encouraged for this class. Shannon M. has been involved in some manner of dance since she was able to walk. From ballet to belly dance, her love of dance evolved as she discovered the flow arts community and the joy of dancing with props. One magical summer night a friend and fellow performer put a pair of fans in her hands and she never looked back. She’s enjoyed perfecting her art and has danced with notable troupes including Dance Afire Productions and has appeared at internationally recognized events like The DC Fetish Ball.

Radio play detective parody akin to Clue or Abbott&Costello meet the Internet. Some audience participation including on-the-spot foley sounds and a vote for improv ending.

In this panel we will discuss clothing and accessory options for those wanting a more masculine look, as well as tips for discovering your own personal style.

A discussion on the difficulties, failures, and experiences of setting up a maker group. How to stay on track with costume craft, how to motivate yourself and/or your team, how to build/rebuild your makerspace, and more. Failure is the best teacher, and we can teach you plenty about how to fail (and learn from it)!

Discover the joy of personalizing your headwear as you delve into an array of millinery trims, leather accents, and an eclectic assortment of found objects, all provided for your creative pleasure. Kolleen, with her expertise in crafting unique and distinctive headpieces, will guide you through the process of transforming a plain hat base into a wearable work of art.

Choose from an enticing selection of hat colors and styles, including top hats, fascinators, pirate hats, and bowlers, to find the perfect canvas for your imaginative endeavors.

Workshop will require a $35.00 Material Fee

Expanding on her article of the same name as featured in The Deadlands magazine, author and ghost tour guide Leanna Renee Hieber discusses the secular, non-denominational spiritual and meaningful role that ghost stories can play in our modern society. Includes tips on psychic shielding, safely engaging with haunted spaces and more.

Bitters, what are they good for? How are they made, and can you do it yourself? Yes!

Want to handcraft your own corset but it just seems too…intimidating? Don’t be afraid of the “C” word!.  Join Lady De L’Etoile in a discussion on how to get started making your own amazing corsets – with tips, tricks and advice from someone who ALSO had no idea what she was doing when she got started.

As has been the the tradition, join Steamcordia after hours for a song circle like no other.  Join along for a one of a kind musical experience.

Motorized teapot racers with Doc Gus!  Do you have the skills to make it through the course?

Specifics on types of remote controlled teapots to come.