The Big River Steampunk Festival is held each Labor Day weekend in historic downtown Hannibal, best known as Mark Twain’s boyhood home. It draws more than 20,000 visitors per year, making it the largest steampunk gathering in the U.S.

Activities include workshops, live performances, teapot racing, tea dueling, parasol dueling, architectural tours, and a fashion show. General admission is free, but some events require paid tickets.

Upcoming

Hannibal, MO, USA

Aug 29 - Sep 1, 2025
Spotlight
Thousands flocked to Hannibal, Missouri for what’s likely the largest steampunk event in the U.S.
The Big River Steampunk Festival returned to Hannibal, Missouri over Labor Day weekend, and once again our Midwest correspondent was there to take photos and file a report. One estimate pegged total attendance at 22,000.
Stories
Preview
The Big River Steampunk Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary as it returns over Labor Day weekend to Hannibal, Missouri. Billed as the largest outdoor steampunk fest in the U.S., it will feature music, comedy, magic, circus acts, and more.
Photo Gallery
This year’s gathering broke attendance records, according to the local visitor’s bureau
The Big River Steampunk Festival took place over Labor Day weekend in Hannibal, Missouri, and our correspondent described it as one of the best yet. It was likely the biggest ever, as the local visitor's bureau pegged total attendance at 21,500.
Preview
Steampunk fans from across the Midwest and points beyond will make their way to Hannibal, Missouri as the Big River Steampunk Festival returns over Labor Day weekend. It’s one of the largest steampunk gatherings in the U.S.
Photo Gallery
Cosplay, tea dueling, dancing, and more at the steampunk festival in Quincy, Illinois
The second annual Big River Time Travelers Convention took place May 19-21 in Quincy, Illinois, and once again our Midwest correspondent was there to take photos and file a report.
Preview
The event, produced by the Big River Steampunk Festival, will make its second run this weekend on the riverfront of Quincy, Illinois, with a program including music, comedy, costume contests, vendors, and more.
Photo Gallery
Scenes from the huge steampunk gathering, held over Labor Day Weekend in Hannibal, Missouri
“If you missed it, you missed the largest outdoor steampunk event—and in my opinion, the best steampunk event—in the Midwest and possibly the entire United States,” our correspondent wrote.
Preview
One of the largest steampunk gatherings in the U.S., it will feature live music, costume contests, teapot racing, tea dueling, nerf dueling, a “tinkers show and tell,” make-and-take workshops, and lots more.
Photo Gallery
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits at this new event from the Big River Steampunk Festival
The Time Traveler’s Convention Spring Faire took place May 20-22 in Quincy, Illinois, and though a rainstorm reduced attendance, our correspondent reported that it was a promising start to what he hopes will be a recurring annual event.
News
The Time Travelers Convention Spring Faire is scheduled for May 20-22 in Quincy’s Clat Adams Park, along with nearby indoor venues. Big River organizer Tammy Riley received a grant from the city to fund the new event.
Photo Gallery
Steampunk fans once again flocked to Hannibal, Missouri for the annual gathering
The Big River Steampunk Festival returned over Labor Day Weekend with a new owner and questions about whether it would be as big and spectacular as past gatherings. Our correspondent has a report and photos.