Fox Valley Steampunk Festival

What is the Fox Valley Steampunk Festival?
The Fox Valley Steampunk Festival is a family-friendly, one-day celebration of steampunk creativity, history, and community, hosted at the historic Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois. The event is presented by the Fox River Trolley Museum in association with the Chicagoland Steampunk Society.

What is steampunk?
Steampunk is a creative genre and community inspired by Victorian-era aesthetics, retro-futuristic technology, and the spirit of invention. Think gears, goggles, airships, clockwork gadgets, and imaginative reimaginings of history, all with a sense of adventure and fun. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it!

When and where is the festival?
The festival takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, located at 365 S. LaFox Street (Illinois Route 31) in South Elgin, Illinois, along the scenic banks of the Fox River.

What activities are available at the festival?
There is something for everyone! Festival highlights include:

• Steampunk-Themed Train Rides
• Steampunk Games and Challenges (Teapot Racing, Nerf Gun Duels, Parasol Dueling, Tea Dueling)
• Steampunk Costume Contest
• Museum Heritage Tours
• Steampunk Tea and Social
• Vendor and Maker Marketplace
• Themed Photo Ops
• Storytelling and Steampunk Lore Sessions
• Youth Activities and Scavenger Hunt
• Volunteer and Museum Membership Table

Do I need a costume to attend?
Absolutely not! While costumes are warmly encouraged and celebrated, no costume is required. Come as you are. All are welcome.

Is the festival appropriate for young children?
Yes! The festival is designed to be family-friendly and inclusive for all ages. There are dedicated youth activities, a festival-wide scavenger hunt, craft tables, and plenty of hands-on fun for kids.

What is the Steampunk Costume Contest?
The Steampunk Costume Contest is a family-friendly competition celebrating creative and imaginative steampunk attire, with special recognition for railway-inspired costumes. It is open to all attendees, and no experience is necessary. Judges celebrate creativity, originality, and inclusivity.

What are the steampunk games?
The festival features four beloved steampunk sporting events, each with its own set of rules available on our website:

• Teapot Racing: Navigate a remote-controlled teapot through a creative obstacle course against the clock.
• Steampunk Nerf Gun Duels: A single-elimination dueling tournament with steampunked Nerf pistols, Victorian-style grievances, and dramatic defeats.
• Parasol Dueling: A theatrical, no-contact contest based on Rock, Paper, Scissors, played with parasols.
• Tea Dueling: A battle of nerves and patience to see who can dunk and consume a biscuit most cleanly.

All events are free to enter and open to all ages. Sign up on festival day at each activity station.

What is the Steampunk Tea and Social?
The Steampunk Tea and Social is a Victorian-style outdoor gathering where you can relax, enjoy tea, and meet members of the Chicagoland Steampunk Society. Discussion topics range from “What is Steampunk?” to “Chicago’s Lost Railways.” All are welcome.