Chicago

The Windy City boasts an active steampunk community and lots of historical and cultural attractions. In addition to well known places like the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium, you'll find hidden gems such as the International Museum of Surgical Science and the Sanfilippo Foundation's "Place de la Musique," one of the world's largest collections of mechanizal musical instruments.

The listings below include locations throughout Chicagoland, including the city's suburbs in northwest Indiana. Check out the "Steamiest Places" section for attractions likely to be of greatest interest to steampunks.

Stories

This Weekend: Chicago Steampunk Expo, Ocean City Renaissance, More

Staff Report | Apr 11, 2023

This will be another big weekend for steampunk-related gatherings, especially in the U.S., with events in Chicago, Maryland, Connecticut, and Atlanta, plus the Shrewsbury Steampunk Spectacular in Shropshire, UK. Here’s a rundown.

Photos: Cogs & Corsets in Bloomington

The steampunk fest was back in Central Illinois with costumes, Nerf dueling, and lots more

Photos by Curt Knapp | Jun 8, 2022

Cogs & Corsets returned June 3 and 4 to downtown Bloomington, Illinois, and once again our correspondent was there was camera in hand to capture the cosplay and other festivities.

This Weekend: Cogs & Corsets, Freaky Mutant Weirdo Fest, and More

Staff Report | Jun 1, 2022

It’s another busy weekend for steampunk fans with events in Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Newark-on-Trent, and West Sussex. They include Cogs & Corsets, Cog County Faire, and Freaky Mutant Weirdo Variety Show.

Steampunk Symposium Returns With New Owners, ‘Weird West’ Theme

Staff Report | Mar 16, 2022

The International Steampunk Symposium takes place March 25-27 in Cincinnati. It comes as founder Jason Dean is handing the reins of the convention to two local steampunk enthusiasts, Jennifer Noran and Michael Gruen.

Steampunk Is Back in Central Illinois

Cogs and Corsets, the “Steampunk Happening,” is alive and well after a one-year pandemic hiatus

Photos by Curt Knapp | Jun 15, 2021

Photo Gallery: Steampunk fans in the Midwest emerged from their hideouts June 4 as Cogs and Corsets returned to downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Even better for us, contributor Curt Knapp was on hand to take photos and offer his impressions.

Chicago Steampunk Expo Set to Debut

This new steampunk event from Aloysius Fox is aiming for a festive World’s Fair atmosphere

Staff Report | Sep 19, 2019

The producer of the International Steampunk Symposium will debut a new event, the Chicago Steampunk Exposition, Sept. 27-29 at the Westin O’Hare Hotel. Attendees can expect a packed schedule of panels, games, musical performances, and more.

Postcards from Bloomington

Scenes from the 2019 edition of Cogs & Corsets, a “Steampunk Happening” in Central Illinois

By Curt Knapp | Jun 12, 2019

Cogs & Corsets returned June 7-9 to Central Illinois, featuring the musical Tesla coils of ArcAttack along with cosplay, dancing, a maker competition and more. Our guest photographer Curt Knapp was there to capture the steampunk splendor.

Year Three for Cogs & Corsets

The free steampunk fest in Bloomington, Illinois will feature the Tesla coil music of ArcAttack

Staff Report | May 28, 2019

Steampunks from across the Midwest will be making a beeline for central Illinois as Cogs & Corsets returns June 7-9 to downtown Bloomington. This is the third year for the mostly free steampunk festival.