Come one, come all to the mesmerising Steampunk Festival that promises to captivate, astonish and delight with its ‘Circus in Time’ theme!
This year, festival goers are encouraged to ditch the mundanities of life and run away to join the circus for the King’s Birthday weekend for a spectacle that will leave you in awe.
Running from Thursday 29 May to Monday 2 June, the festival is jam-packed with thrilling activities, curious challenges and exciting events that are quickly selling out – find all the entry forms for the challenges and activities here.
The early bird meet and greet on Thursday night will delight and entertain attendees with an excuse to don your steampunk attire early and indulge in some nibbles and bar refreshments. First-timers will receive a warm welcome, with activities that foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie to shake away any nerves!
On Friday night, gather at the Northern end of Harbour Street to witness the magical opening of the gates, signaling the official grand opening of the festival.
Join the flood of excited attendees as they spill into the heart of Harbour Street with cheers and an infectious enthusiasm to mark the start of an epic weekend!
One highly anticipated event is the grand Night Circus on Friday and Saturday night. Here, you’ll witness acrobatics, fire performers and contortionists who will use their charm to cast a spell on everyone who enters their tent!
Inspired by Erin Morgenstern’s book, this event has a strict black and white dress code so don’t forget to dress in monochrome!
For the rest of the weekend, expect to see a riot of colourful steampunk attire. Grab those hats, goggles and anything circus-esque to flaunt your way through the fun across Harbour Street and beyond.
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Ōamaru as the festival kicks off with an exciting op shop tour, guided by the captivating duo, Merchant Lucretia and Angele Beasley-McKenzie.
You won’t want to miss out as the group hunts for treasures around the town’s vintage shops and hidden alleys and nooks.
Unleash your creativity and let your imagination run wild as you throw your top hat in the ring to partake in this year’s challenges ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’ and ‘Dr Xylo’s Snake Oil Sales’.
The ‘Cabinet of Curiosity’ challenge will see steampunk enthusiasts creating their very own Steampunk Victorian display in a box that will be assembled into a grand collaborative project, leaving attendees aweing at the result.
‘Dr Xylo’s Snake Oil Sales’ challenge will test your ability to create your own unique potion and design an intriguing label that will entice participants.
You will also be judged on your ability to pitch and sell your potion to a gathered crowd so make sure to practice your banter in advance!
Among the array of enticing and thrilling Steampunk events will be the beloved fashion showcase where creativity knows no bounds!
Watch daring entrants show off their innovative interpretations of the ‘Circus in Time’ theme and dazzle the judges with weird and wonderful accessories in a show where fashion meets fantasy.
Whether you’re a loyal veteran or new to the wonderful world of Steampunk, the festival won’t fail to amaze, delight and leave you wanting to run away and join the circus over the King’s Birthday long weekend!
Find out everything you need to know at www.steampunk.org.nz
