Steampunk Digest - March 28, 2025 | The Steampunk Explorer

Weekly news roundup

Mar 28, 2025

This week: Norovirus outbreak causes early shutdown of WWWC; Writers’ conference video presentations: “Steampunk 101” and “Publicity 101”; Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival preview; More events: Gardens & Gears, Tenby, Heskin Hall, Harborough Market; Kickstarter updates.

WWWC logo

In a development that shocked much of the steampunk world, the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention (WWWC) abruptly shut down Saturday afternoon following an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness that affected some participants.

The convention, scheduled for March 20-23, was held at Casino Del Sol (CDS), a casino resort on Pascua Yaqui tribal land near Tucson, Arizona. The shutdown was ordered by the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Medical Authority, which has jurisdiction over public health measures at the resort.

On Tuesday, after days of vague statements about the illness, CDS identified norovirus as the cause. The resort stated that the shutdown was needed to enable “deep cleaning” and sanitation of potentially contaminated areas.

But WWWC management and attendees have criticized the resort’s handling of the situation. Vendors were given two hours to vacate the premises, and all hotel guests associated with the convention were told to check out. None were permitted to spend the night, the organizers said.

Meanwhile, hotel guests not affiliated with the convention were allowed to stay. The casino and restaurants remained open even though WWWC attendees had frequented those areas during the convention.

A spokesperson for the resort downplayed the incident. “To be frank, this situation has been given far more attention than it warrants,” she told us via email. She even objected to our use of the term “outbreak” to describe what happened, but in doing so, she mischaracterized how the term is defined.

The WWWC organizers said they’re seeking a new venue for next year, and they’re planning to host a free virtual event that will include an evening concert. It’s set for May 16-18.

We’ve posted a 1,750-word story about the ordeal.

Read the full story: WWWC Shuts Down Early Due to Likely Norovirus Outbreak

The Steampunk Explorer participated last weekend in a free virtual conference presented by The Writer’s Workout, a non-profit that provides educational resources and other support for writers. We contributed two videos that can be viewed on YouTube.

The first video serves as a quick “Steampunk 101” course, relying heavily on the work of Mike Perschon, aka The Steampunk Scholar.

The second video begins with an overview of The Steampunk Explorer, including our recent redesign. But most of it could be described as “Publicity 101 for Independent Authors,” summing up best practices for outreach to bloggers, journalists, and other media people in general. Independent creators of all stripes may find it useful.

Events

Steampunk cosplayers

“Bram Stoker vs. Mary Shelley” will be the theme as the third Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival takes place March 29-30 in Pikesville, Maryland, near Baltimore.

Special guests include Dacre Stoker, great grand-nephew of Dracula author Bram Stoker, and actress Debra Ann Miller, who will portray Frankenstein author Mary Shelley.

The program will also feature literary panels, maker workshops, games, storytelling, and a Saturday evening concert by Baltimore-area steampunk band Night Watch Paradox.

eSpec Books will use the convention to unveil An Assembly of Monsters, an anthology consisting of steampunk tales inspired by Dracula and Frankenstein.

We’ve posted a story with additional details.

Read the full story: Weekend Events: Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival, Tenby Steampunk, and More

The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee, aka “The Domes,” will present the Gardens & Gears Steampunk Faire, described as a “gadget-filled garden party with a sci-fi twist.”

Activities include tea dueling, a costume parade, entertainment by DJ Madame Phoole, and a steampunk market with 14 vendors.

It takes place Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held in conjunction with “Golden Age of Steam,” a train show that runs through April 6. It is included with regular admission to the facility. Learn more on the website.

The Tenby Steampunk Festival will return March 28-30 to the seaside town of Tenby, Wales, with traders, music, parades, teapot racing, tea dueling, an art show, and more. Most activities, including the steampunk market and art exhibition, will take place at De Valence Pavilion.

Madam Misfit is slated to perform on Saturday afternoon at St. Mary’s Church House. The organizers will also present a screening of Disney’s 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with an introduction by Mark Lewis.

This will be the second edition of the festival. See the website for more info.

Related: Tenby Steampunk Festival returns to town next weekend (Milford Mercury)

Tenby gears up for spectacular return of Steampunk Festival (The Pembrokeshire Herald)

Heskin Hall in the village of Heskin, Lancashire, will present The Big Spring Steampunk Weekend with traders and live entertainment. It’s set for March 29 and 30.

The venue is a large rural Tudor Manor House that dates to the 16th century. It now hosts events and an antiques centre. It’s approximately 30 miles northeast of Liverpool and northwest of Manchester. Learn more on the website.

The Harborough Indoor Market in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, will present Steampunk 2, featuring steampunk traders and entertainment. It’s set for Sunday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See the website and Facebook page for more info.

See our website for comprehensive event listings, including steampunk events and regional fandom events in Canada, the U.K., Australia/New Zealand, and the New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, South Central, Mountain, and Pacific regions of the U.S.

Crowdfunding

Ongoing Campaigns

Ned Kelly: The 5 Revolvers − A science fiction adventure featuring real-life outlaws from the days when New South Wales served as a penal colony. The campaign has reached its AU$5,050 (US$3,304) funding goal. It runs through April 17.

Quantum − An anthology from Time Bomb Comics that includes steampunk, western horror, and alternate world adventures. The campaign quickly reached its its £500 (US$650) funding goal. It runs through April 1.

Terror in Wonderland − The third and final volume in her YA steampunk fairy tale trilogy by Tabitha Corvin. The campaign quickly reached its US$5,000 funding goal the same day. It runs through April 8.

Le Pantheon – A steampunk comic book series from two industry veterans in France. The campaign is well past its £3,000 (US$3,876) funding goal. It runs through March 31.

The Enchanted Circus of Wonder – A three-part steampunk comic book series about a clash between circus performers and pirates. The campaign has reached its US$4,000 funding goal. It runs through April 10.

Hudson Mudworth Thinks of Something – An illustrated all-ages steampunk mystery adventure novel. The campaign is about 60 percent toward its US$9,000 funding goal. It runs through April 10.

Skull X Bones – An anthology featuring science fiction and fantasy stories about pirates. The campaign quickly reached its US$5,000 funding goal. It runs through March 31.

Tales of The Witch Hunters – A steampunk fantasy comic book series about a group of vigilantes who fight misuse of magic. The campaign has reached 19 percent of its US$5,000 funding goal. It runs through April 3.

Aerathain - The Shards of Souls – A steampunk-themed RPG from Gearwheel Grimoires. The campaign quickly reached its €100 (US$108) funding goal. It runs through April 3.