Sacramento

California's sixth-largest city has one of its most active steampunk communities. The Sacramento Steampunk Society, boasting more than 3000 members on its Facebook page, holds regular events in the area and has a major presence at Clockwork Alchemy, the annual Bay Area steampunk convention.

The city itself is the hub of a region steeped in Gold Rush history, and many historical sites related to that era are nearby. Being the state capital, Sacramento is also home to several museums of California history. Old Sacramento, featuring many restored 19th century buildings, is a major tourist attraction.

This section includes listings about these attractions along with articles about steampunks in the area. It covers the following counties: Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba. The other major city in the region is Stockton in San Joaquin County. Check out the "Steamiest Places" section for attractions likely to be of greatest interest to steampunks.

Stories

A Taste of Scotland in Sacramento

Scenes from “Top Brass: Scotland,” presented by the Sacramento Steampunk Society

Staff Report | Nov 30, 2022

The Sacramento Steampunk Society once again presented “Top Brass,” a formal dinner that takes the guise of an international diplomatic gathering. Each year, the organizers select a host nation or city, and this time it was Scotland’s turn.

Sacramento Steampunks Make Their Mark on City’s New Science Museum

Staff Report | Nov 9, 2022

The new SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity recruited members of the Sacramento Steampunk Society to act as hosts for its inaugural fundraising event, and the Society helped transform the space into a steampunk experience.

Weekend Preview: Amherstburg, Cogwarts, Gosport, and a River Cruise

Staff Report | Sep 14, 2022

It’s not quite autumn yet, but the fall event season is in full swing this weekend with steampunk gatherings coast-to-coast in the U.S. along with happenings in Canada, England, Wales, Portugal, and Finland.

Gallery: Steampunks in Hangtown

Scenes from the first Hangtown Wild West & Steampunk Festival in Placerville, Calif.

Photos by Clara Blackheart | Jun 15, 2022

The event featured Old West historical exhibits and re-enactments, along with live music and steampunk vendors. Placerville was known as “Hangtown” during the Gold Rush due to local residents’ notorious use of frontier justice.

This Weekend: Time Traveler’s Faire, MegaCon, Raising Steam, and More

Staff Report | May 17, 2022

May has been a busy month for steampunk fans on both sides of the Atlantic and it’s about to get busier still with multiple events this weekend, including the inaugural Time Traveler’s Convention Spring Faire in Quincy, Illinois.

Weekend Events: Top Brass, Down the Rabbit Hole, and Lots More

Staff Report | Oct 7, 2021

U.S. steampunk fans in points East and West will have a chance to get out this weekend with events including Top Brass near Sacramento, Down the Rabbit Hole in Maryland, Escape in Time to Steampunk and Wine in Colorado, and Monsterama in Atlanta.

Steampunk Heads West With Events in Washington and Northern California

Staff Report | Sep 15, 2021

The North American steampunk calendar is shifting west this weekend with one gathering in North Central Washington state and two more in Northern California. All three will be happening largely outdoors.

Top Brass Gather in Sacramento

The Sacramento Steampunk Society’s formal event has been held each November since 2016

Photos by Clara Blackheart and Connie Ricca | Dec 4, 2019

Photo Gallery: Each year since 2016, the Sacramento Steampunk Society has hosted Top Brass, a formal dress-up gathering held before the holiday crush. Here’s a look back at past Top Brass events thanks to our guest photographers.