Orlando

Known for its gigantic theme parks, Orlando is home to one of the most spectacular steampunk attractions, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. It's a restaurant and "Dessert Foundry" where costumed performers (including a robot) wander the floor and interact with guests. It's part of the Universal CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort, where you can also visit "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter."

Not to be outdone, Disney World now hosts The Edison (opened in January 2018), an eatery themed as "Industrial Gothic," which sounds like a synonym for "steampunk." It's family-friendly until 10 p.m., and then transforms into a nightspot for adults.

Aside from the tourist attractions, Orlando also appears to have an active steampunk community. The Facebook group of the Central Florida Steampunk Association boasts 2400 members.

The listings below include locations in the Orlando area and nearby Daytona Beach. Check out the "Steamiest Places" section for attractions likely to be of greatest interest to steampunks.

Stories

Aethertopia is Canceled

Citing low ticket sales, the organizer pulls the plug on the immersive steampunk event in Tampa

Staff Report | Jun 26, 2019

Aethertopia, the immersive steampunk event scheduled for June 29 and 30 in Tampa, Florida, has been canceled due to low ticket sales. Lead organizer Anthony Sakovich announced the news in a June 26 post on the event’s website.

Aethertopia to Land Again in Tampa

It’s the second year for the immersive steampunk gathering at the Florida State Fairgrounds

Staff Report | Jun 11, 2019

This story was a preview of Aethertopia, the immersive steampunk event scheduled for June 29 and 30 in Tampa, Florida. However, the event has been canceled.

Steampunks to Invade St. Augustine

A steampunk shop in the historic Florida city will host a self-guided “festival without a festival”

Staff Report | Nov 3, 2018

Photo Gallery: St. Augustine has survived invasions by pirates and British soldiers, but next weekend it will see invaders of a different sort as steampunks come in search of entertainment, photo ops, and deals on merchandise.

Steampunks Head for Disney Springs

Activities at Steampunk Day near Orlando will be themed to a story set in 1901 Florida

Staff Report | Oct 29, 2018

Steampunks in the Orlando area will gather for games, cosplay, drama, and other fun as Steampunk Day arrives at Disney Springs on Sunday, Nov. 4. It’s one of two annual events produced by a local steampunk enthusiast.

Steampunk Immersion in Florida

The first-ever Aethertopia in Tampa promises to celebrate the “Genius of Steampunk Makers”

Staff Report | May 21, 2018

For two days this summer, a steampunk city will rise in Tampa as Aethertopia makes its debut July 7-8 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. “We are attempting to build a 50,000-square-foot movie set,” the organizer says.

Most Steampunk City?

Yes, some cities are steampunk hotspots, but ranking them is an exercise in absurdity

By Stephen Beale | Apr 18, 2018

A few years ago, a real estate blog crunched some numbers to rank "The 50 Most Steampunk Cities in America." A few criteria were reasonable, but others were ridiculous. Here's our take.

Steampunk Eats in Orlando

The Edison joins The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium as a prime culinary destination

Staff Report | Apr 14, 2018

Orlando is best known for its theme parks and mega-resorts, and with the recent opening of The Edison at Disney Springs, it now has two culinary destinations that deserve a place on the steampunk bucket list.

Welcome

The Steampunk Explorer is an online magazine and resource directory for steampunk enthusiasts and creators. You'll find stories about people, places and events in the steampunk world, as well as guides to retail outlets, museums, galleries, eateries, and other attractions in 36 North American regions, with more to come. We also have several pages of resources for artists, writers, and people with an interest in 19th century history. The site launched in March 2018. Read more. . .