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

Steampunk Vehicles in the Limelight

Obtainium Works celebrated its seventh anniversary with an art car exhibition in Vallejo

Staff Report | Mar 20, 2019

Imagine an auto showroom run by the Mad Hatter, and that will give you an idea of the scene inside the Temple Art Lofts Gallery in Vallejo, California, where the Victorian fantasy explorers of Obtainium Works have set up shop.

See Us at Clockwork Alchemy 2019

We’ll be presenting the Steampunk Travel Guide and Dining Guide at the SF convention

Staff Report | Mar 6, 2019

The Steampunk Explorer will have an active role at Clockwork Alchemy 2019, which takes place March 22-24 at the Hyatt Regency SFO in Burlingame, California. Editor Stephen Beale is scheduled for three presentations.

Obtainium Works to Host Gallery Show

The steampunk-infused arts organization kicks off the year with a three-week exhibition

Staff Report | Feb 27, 2019

The tinkerers and “steam bohemians” of Obtainium Works will celebrate the group’s 7th anniversary with an exhibition slated for March 8-24 at the Temple Arts Loft Gallery in Vallejo, California. Many of the group’s art cars will be on display.

Clockwork Alchemy Returns to SF

“Carousel of Clockwork” is this year’s theme for the steampunk convention in California

Staff Report | Feb 11, 2019

Singer-songwriter Aurelio Voltaire, steampunk maker David Lee, and authors Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris are the headline guests slated for Clockwork Alchemy, which returns March 22-24 to Burlingame, California.

A Weekend at the Ball

A report and photos from San Francisco’s Edwardian World’s Faire and Edwardian Ball

By Stephen Beale | Jan 31, 2019

Hundreds of revelers packed San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom for the Edwardian World’s Faire and Edwardian Ball, events that combined elements of a circus, music festival, art exhibition, and masquerade party, all with a quirky neo-vintage twist.

A Trip to the Vendor Bazaar

Steampunk was well represented among the vendors at the Edwardian Ball and World’s Faire

By Stephen Beale | Jan 31, 2019

As if the music, costumes, circus acts, and art installations weren’t enough, the Edwardian World’s Faire and Edwardian Ball featured a large, curated Vendor Bazaar with about 50 sellers of (mostly) handmade items. Steampunk was well represented.

Edwardian Ball Set for SF and L.A.

Writer and illustrator Edward Gorey inspired this whimsical arts and entertainment event

Staff Report | Jan 19, 2019

San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom will be transformed into an eccentric, steam-driven fantasyland as the Edwardian World’s Faire and Ball take place Jan. 25-26. The producers then head south for the Los Angeles Edwardian Ball in Hollywood.

Steampunks Invade the Dickens Fair

This annual event transforms San Francisco’s Cow Palace into Victorian London

Staff Report | Dec 18, 2018

A Steam Man, a Time Machine and the dubious inventions of Prof. Phineas J. Flockmocker are among the highlights at the 36th Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party, which finishes its 2018 run this weekend near San Francisco. . .

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 and is currently in public beta (meaning "please excuse our dust"). Read more. . .