Where Steampunk Meets the Real West!

Join Old Tucson on Friday, March 4 thru Sunday, March 6 as we host Wild Wild West Con, a celebration of all things Steampunk!   Whether you’ve never heard of steampunk or you’ve heard of it but never experienced it, you’re sure to be amazed and amused.  This is your chance to get a glimpse at this phenomenon where it belongs – in an Old West setting.  Even the little Steampunkers will enjoy arts, crafts, games as well as all the cool stuff already in place at Old Tucson Studios.  Here’s a sneak peek by the Leaque of Steam who will be on hand for the festivities. 

Do I have to dress up to attend?   A costume is not required. But much like a Renaissance Fair, you will find many of the guests as well as convention staff members dressed in costume.  You will be surrounded by people who love steampunk and costumes.

There are two ways to participate:

• Not sure you’re ready to join the steampunk ranks but want to check it out? 
  Simply purchase a General Admission ticket at Old Tucson’s ticket office or online from Old Tucson.  Old Tucson General Admission prices are $16.95  for Adults and $10.95 for Children (ages 4-11).  Although most of the steampunk activities will be open to the public, selected venues and performances will be reserved for Wild Wild West Con guests only.
• Ready to immerse yourself in steampunk culture? 
  Wild Wild West Convention information and tickets are available at  Wild Wild West Con

Steampunk 101 Overview*

What is Steampunk?  In three short words, steampunk is Victorian science fiction. “Victorian” references a time period and an aesthetic: the industrialized 19th century. Historically, this period saw the development of many key aspects of the modern world, and steampunk uses this existing technology and structure to imagine an even more advanced 19thcentury, often complete with Victorian-inspired wonders like steam-powered aircraft and mechanical computers.

Where does the steam come in?  Steampunk’s steam references more generally signify a world in which steam technology is both dominant and prolific. The changes in society brought on by steam-driven industrialization allowed for the unprecedented developments in sciences, society and goods that came to be associated with the Victorian era.  Where does the punk come in? Ironically, it doesn’t.

What is the appeal of steampunk?  The genre possesses a life of its own that draws in fans from countless directions and backgrounds into a world where fashion is tailored to the individual, goods are made to last, and machinery is still regarded as a thing of visual majesty.  One critical aspect of steampunk is the tremendous diversity of appeal it presents, which offers something for just about everyone:

• Some people are drawn to it from a love of the Victorian period.
• Others enjoy steampunk’s unique approach to technology - re-imagining modern capabilities with 19th century machines.
• Many people are drawn to its fashion aspects, which allow them to sample and even combine a range of clothing styles and accessories from across the 19th century world. 

*More information about Steampunk is available at What is Steampunk? – Steampunk 101.