San Francisco Bay Area

Best known for its scenic vistas, colorful neighborhoods and high-tech businesses, the Bay Area has also played an important role in the emergence of steampunk culture. It's the headquarters of Burning Man; the unofficial capital of the Maker Movement; and birthplace of iconic projects such as the Steampunk Treehouse and the Nautilus Submarine Art Car. The area is also home to Clockwork Alchemy, one of the largest steampunk gatherings on the West Coast, and the Edwardian Ball, a two-day celebration that takes place in an alternate world inspired by illustrator Edward Gorey.

Steampunks who visit or live here will find a wealth of attractions, including steampunk-themed eateries; the arcade machines of Musée Mécanique; and preserved steam-powered ships at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

You'll find these places and lots more in the listings below, which include the entire nine-county Bay Area from Sonoma and Napa counties in the north to Santa Clara County in the south, plus the neighboring counties of Lake, Mendocino, San Benito and Santa Cruz.

Check out the "Steamiest Places" section for attractions likely to be of greatest interest to steampunks.

Stories

Photos: Powerhouse Comic Con

Meet some of the artists and cosplayers at this small but friendly event near San Francisco

By Stephen Beale | May 24, 2023

This event didn’t have A-list celebrities or other attractions you might find at a big pop culture convention. But it had a friendly atmosphere, imaginative cosplayers, and talented artists who were happy to discuss their work.

Westercon and SiliCon Cancelled; SiliCon Cites Pandemic Impact

Staff Report | May 11, 2023

It’s been a tough week for science fiction and fantasy fans on the U.S. West Coast as two major conventions announced that they’ve been cancelled. Westercon memberships will be honored at Loscon 49 in November.

Photos: World Goth Day Festival

Dark fashion, artists, music, and more at the goth festival in Northern California

By Stephen Beale | May 10, 2023

The Menagerie Oddities Market presented the 3rd Annual SF Bay Area World Goth Day Festival May 6 in Vallejo, California. With all the crossover between goth and steampunk, there was plenty at the event for steampunk fans to enjoy.

The Menagerie to Present SF Bay Area World Goth Day Fest in Vallejo

Staff Report | May 3, 2023

Presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market, it will consist of a daytime event with vendors, music, and a fashion show, followed by an evening concert headlined by Ausgang. Unwoman will perform at the daytime event.

Obtainium Works Art Cars Are Headed to New Owners in Las Vegas

Staff Report | Apr 26, 2023

Shannon O’Hare and his fellow steampunk tinkerers are bidding fond farewell to six art cars that have been common sights at SF Bay Area events such as Maker Faire, the Obtainium Cup Contraptor’s Rally, and Mad Hatter Holiday Parade.

Scenes from Clockwork Alchemy, 2023

Music, panels, authors, Tea Scouts and more at the Bay Area steampunk convention

By Stephen Beale | Apr 13, 2023

“Villains and Heroes” was the theme as Clockwork Alchemy took place April 7-9 near San Francisco. Attendees could choose between a “Hero” and “Villain” ribbon when receiving their convention badges, and it appears that most opted for “Villain.”

Art and Fashion at Clockwork Alchemy

Highlights from the fashion show and Artists’ Gallery at the Bay Area steampunk con

Staff Report | Apr 13, 2023

Much of the best costuming was on display in Saturday's Fashion Show, while the weekend-long Artists’ Gallery was a showcase for paintings, kinetic sculptures, costumes, props, contraptions, and other works.

Clockwork Alchemy Returns to SF Area with “Villains & Heroes” Theme

Staff Report | Apr 3, 2023

Attendees at the steampunk convention can expect a full program of panels, workshops, musical performances, a fashion show, art gallery, authors’ alley, martial arts, game room, the Alchemist Tea Parlour, and more.