Fashion show at the 2024 Clockwork Alchemy.
The organizers of Clockwork Alchemy announced dates and a new location for the convention’s next edition. It’s set for Oct. 24-26 at the Grand Bay Hotel San Francisco in Redwood City, California, with “Gaslight Fantasy” as the theme.
Clockwork Alchemy was previously held in spring, most recently at the San Mateo Marriott. That hotel closed shortly after the 2024 convention, forcing the organizers to seek a new venue.
The 2025 theme is tied to Halloween, which takes place the Friday after the convention.
The organizers have not yet announced programming details, but the convention typically includes multiple tracks of panels and workshops along with a fashion show, art gallery, tea dueling, teapot racing, Authors Alley, martial arts demonstrations, and concerts on Friday and Saturday night.
Clockwork Alchemy is our “home convention.” We launched The Steampunk Explorer on the eve of the 2018 convention after attending the previous two years.
Pre-registration begins March 16. See the convention website for more information.
Dueling in San Diego
Two weeks after Clockwork Alchemy, steampunk authors Drake & McTrowell will present Duel at Dusk VII, a one-day event in San Diego featuring four competitions: Nerf dueling, teapot racing, tea dueling, and the “Picnic Basket Battle Royale.”
Most steampunk fans are familiar with the first three, but the Picnic Basket Battle Royale requires some explanation. Participants are challenged to bring picnic baskets filled with “scrumptious delights.” Awards will be presented in three categories: Overall Presentation, Most Creative, and Most Appetizing.
Guests can participate in these activities or cheer on the competitors. Vendors will also be on hand.
It’s set for Sunday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Team Touché Fencing Center, 11468 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite A-1, San Diego CA, 92121.
Early-bird tickets, available through Oct. 31, cost $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3 to 15). If you purchase an adult ticket through Aug. 31, you will receive a $5 voucher redeemable at vendor stands. Advance tickets purchased after Oct. 31 will cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. On-site admission costs $25 for adults and $12 for children. See the website for details.
Clockwork Alchemy and Duel at Dusk are both filling a gap left by the Gaslight Steampunk Expo, a convention held in autumn in San Diego. That event has been on hiatus since 2022 due to a lack of affordable hotels in the area.
