About

The term Steampunk was first used lightheartedly in April 1987 by American author KW Jeter to describe an emerging literary genre that had the edginess of Cyberpunk but with the style, setting, and technology of the Victorian Era. While the name Steampunk was coined in the late 1980’s, the genre itself dates back to the actual 1800’s with the imaginations of authors such as Jules Verne and HG Wells, and today we have fun and folly with a vision of a future that neverwas.

The Steampunk genre’s style has found its way into books, comics, films, music, art, games, fashion, and other aesthetic expressions, but in the early years of the 21st century all of this began to evolve into organized communities of  Steampunk enthusiasts and events!

The Chicago Steampunk Exposition (est. 2019) is a 48 hour non-stop weekend of retro futuristic whimsy featuring some of Steampunk’s best authors, musicians, and artists. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, IL, the Exposition utilizes all 24,000 square feet convention space with a huge variety of programming such as: crafting workshops, literary seminars, outlandish exhibits, debonair vendors, and various spontaneous mirth and mystery.

Chicago Steampunk Exposition