Books! Paperbacks by local authors.
Books by Brendan Detzner (and some other local authors) including The Orphan Fleet adventure fantasy series.
Click on the banner below to learn more about Brendan Detzner . . .
Presented by Kalpar
The nineteenth century saw the advent of numerous new and strange technologies. The adoption of these new technologies often lead to superstitious beliefs about the technology or opens new questions about the world around us. Learn how science and the supernatural advanced hand in hand in the nineteenth century.
Kalpar – Polymath, historian, ferroequinologist, numismatist, these and other fancy words could be applied to Kalpar with varying degrees of accuracy. Kalpar has a fascination with the technology of the nineteenth century and how it affects our world today.
Presented by Professor Lena Foltz-Pendarvis & Magister Aloysius VonDiesel
The Titanic was not only a bridge between Europe and America but also between the old and the new. It was the most luxurious, opulent ship of its time while also boasting a number of engineering and mechanical advancements. Join Professor Lena Foltz-Pendarvis and Magister Aloysious VonDiesel as they delve into the dichotomy of tradition and technology related to the Titanic.
Professor Lena Foltz-Pendarvis is an independent lecturer on a variety of history topics – ancient, recent, and shockingly, events that have yet to happen. Equally at home on a dig site, in a lecture hall or on the deck of an airship, Foltz-Pendarvis travels the world in search of new discoveries and knowledge. She delves into her extensive trove of interesting facts to enlighten and entertain audiences from London to Sydney and from Tokyo to New York. Just don’t ask her to examine any statuary…..she has a strange aversion to them.
A student of many disciplines, Magister Aloysius VonDiesel has spent decades in the pursuit of knowledge in such diverse fields as engineering, entertainment, illumination, and even the new sport of horseless carriage racing! As a proud Bavarian, VonDiesel has not only distinguished himself in the pursuit of the perfect brew, but helped to inform and entertain Steampunk audiences across the multiverse. It’s even been rumored that he has assisted, on occasion, the seasonal delivery of gifts and trinkets to deserving children, although these rumors are completely unsubstantiated….
We are half way there! Just six months remain until the Chicago Steampunk Exposition once more opens its doors to adventurers, inventors, time travelers, vampires, and more!
To mark this momentous occasion, this week sees the first of a series of clues that will be revealed each week as we draw closer to the “1893 Exposition & the Shadow of Nosferatu.” Collect these clue cards (click on the card to enlarge) for bonus leads in solving the weekend’s vampiric mystery.
Also this week, we were thrilled to add Chicago Goth DJ legend Scary Lady Sarah to our entertainment line up . . . details in the program update link below.
This week we began adding details of our presentations, panels, workshops, and other activities to the Program Page, starting with . . .
We are still looking for more speakers with knowledge of: Gothic Horror, Steampunk, Victoriana, costuming, maker arts, history, etc.
Chicago Steampunk Exposition is able offer Presenters a full weekend badge in exchange for two or more presentations (or relative equivalent).
Most sessions are required to be about 45 minutes in length; gaming sessions and certain workshops may require more time. If your session requires more time, please make a note in “Additional” box at the bottom of the form below to let us know.
If you would like to be part of the 2024 program and give a presentation, please CLICK HERE for our Presenter Application Form.
We continue to announce the latest artists, exhibitors, and vendors joining us in April 2024.
There are many different room types available:
There are three specific blocks from which to choose. Click on block type to book your room.
Anyone wishing to host a room party should book their room in the Noise Friendly Block – CLICK HERE for more details about room parties on “The Row”
Artists, Authors, Exhibitors, & Vendors, please note that there is a separate block for you to which a booking link will be sent out to all successful applicants.
The 1893 Exposition premiered many new advancements in technology, and that year the world’s innovators were engaged in a race to harness electricity to provide power for humanity. In the lead were Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, with Tesla’s alternating current (A/C) concept going up against Edison’s direct current (D/C) system in what is known as the “Battle of the Currents;” a battle that came to a head in Chicago when Tesla was chosen over Edison.
Some speculate that Edison made an alliance with Count Graf Orlock to exact revenge upon Tesla. Others argue that it was the invention of the light bulb that drew the attention of the vampire councils. Whatever the reason, July 1893 secretly witnessed a dark cloud of Victorian Gothic horrors, Penny Dreadfuls come to life, and the looming presence of the Dark Prince fall upon the “White City.”
Tesla quickly realized that it would take more than just his alternating current electricity to protect the Exposition from Nosferatu’s army of darkness; Tesla needed an army of his own. Working hurriedly with Ferris, Professor Truelove, and Ada Lovelace, they managed to open a time and space portal to the year 2024, seeking the help of the most imaginative minds and creative souls who would beckon the call. Many social rebels and analog dreamers, so called “Steampunks,” responded to the plea and came to Tesla’s aid . . . but they were not the only ones to pass through the portal.
April 2024, will you align yourself with Tesla’s fight to protect the Exposition from this nightmare? Or will you join Edison’s alliance of darkness and be one of the creatures that lurk in the shadow of Nosferatu?
PLEASE NOTE that ALL costuming is welcome and does not have to be related to the theme, and you don’t even have to come in costume; 21st Century “Time Tumblers” are welcome to 1893 as well 🙂
The Exposition invites you to immerse yourself into the weekend’s story arc as we solve the Nosferatu mysteries with our Live Action Role Play game Steam & Sorcery.
Our team of “Fixers” has already begun work on the “Shadow of Nosferatu” script and other preparations for April 2024. In addition to solving the mystery of Nosferatu, there will be active competition between the four factions: the Knight Clubs, the Diamond Dogs, the Tarts with Hearts, and the Shadow Spades. Additionally, starting for April 2024 the LARP has joined forces with Chicago’s Otherworld Theatre troupe. In 2019, Otherworld Theatre participated in the first ever Chicago Steampunk Exposition with their Dungeons & Dragons improv show, and for 2024 they will play major parts in our live action role playing game. The recent Exposition offered a preview of the Steam & Sorcery LARP game, and in April 2024 we will bring to you the full immersive version. We are super excited to see what the combined talents and experience of the Exposition LARP Troupe and Otherworld Theatre working together will bring for players in our 2024 immersive game.
The FREE downloadable printer friendly Steam & Sorcery Players’ Guide is now available HERE.
Assemble your team of Smog Runners, get a mission from your Fixer, and run weekend long espionage and investigations into the four Robber Baronies that rule over Chicago in this 1893 timeline. You’ll need a QR code reader on your smartphone, a deck of playing cards, and your wits.
The Exposition is dedicated to providing Steampunk Fans a fun and safe weekend of entertainment, and to do so we need a dedicated Crew of fine volunteers.
If you would like to be part of the Exposition Crew, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form HERE and we will send you an invite to the next Crew Meeting.
Harley Easton’s Extras sells whimsical wands, necklaces, felt animals, blankets, and more.
We handmake dice wands for gamers, gemstone wands for witches, and wonderfully eclectic wands for every type of cosplayer. Our necklaces and pins focus on fandom art and snarky sayings. Pick up one of our adorable felt animals for a cute friend or keep warm with one of our mini-blankets in fun patterns. Whatever brand of fan you are, we have you covered.
Click on the banner below to learn more about Harley Easton’s Extras . . .
This week we began adding details of our presentations, panels, workshops, and other activities to the Program Page, starting with . . .
We are still looking for more speakers with knowledge of: Gothic Horror, Steampunk, Victoriana, costuming, maker arts, history, etc.
Chicago Steampunk Exposition is able offer Presenters a full weekend badge in exchange for two or more presentations (or relative equivalent).
Most sessions are required to be about 45 minutes in length; gaming sessions and certain workshops may require more time. If your session requires more time, please make a note in “Additional” box at the bottom of the form below to let us know.
If you would like to be part of the 2024 program and give a presentation, please CLICK HERE for our Presenter Application Form.
We continue to announce the latest artists, exhibitors, and vendors joining us in April 2024.
There are many different room types available:
There are three specific blocks from which to choose. Click on block type to book your room.
Anyone wishing to host a room party should book their room in the Noise Friendly Block – CLICK HERE for more details about room parties on “The Row”
Artists, Authors, Exhibitors, & Vendors, please note that there is a separate block for you to which a booking link will be sent out to all successful applicants.
The 1893 Exposition premiered many new advancements in technology, and that year the world’s innovators were engaged in a race to harness electricity to provide power for humanity. In the lead were Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, with Tesla’s alternating current (A/C) concept going up against Edison’s direct current (D/C) system in what is known as the “Battle of the Currents;” a battle that came to a head in Chicago when Tesla was chosen over Edison.
Some speculate that Edison made an alliance with Count Graf Orlock to exact revenge upon Tesla. Others argue that it was the invention of the light bulb that drew the attention of the vampire councils. Whatever the reason, July 1893 secretly witnessed a dark cloud of Victorian Gothic horrors, Penny Dreadfuls come to life, and the looming presence of the Dark Prince fall upon the “White City.”
Tesla quickly realized that it would take more than just his alternating current electricity to protect the Exposition from Nosferatu’s army of darkness; Tesla needed an army of his own. Working hurriedly with Ferris, Professor Truelove, and Ada Lovelace, they managed to open a time and space portal to the year 2024, seeking the help of the most imaginative minds and creative souls who would beckon the call. Many social rebels and analog dreamers, so called “Steampunks,” responded to the plea and came to Tesla’s aid . . . but they were not the only ones to pass through the portal.
April 2024, will you align yourself with Tesla’s fight to protect the Exposition from this nightmare? Or will you join Edison’s alliance of darkness and be one of the creatures that lurk in the shadow of Nosferatu?
PLEASE NOTE that ALL costuming is welcome and does not have to be related to the theme, and you don’t even have to come in costume; 21st Century “Time Tumblers” are welcome to 1893 as well 🙂
The Exposition invites you to immerse yourself into the weekend’s story arc as we solve the Nosferatu mysteries with our Live Action Role Play game Steam & Sorcery.
Our team of “Fixers” has already begun work on the “Shadow of Nosferatu” script and other preparations for April 2024. In addition to solving the mystery of Nosferatu, there will be active competition between the four factions: the Knight Clubs, the Diamond Dogs, the Tarts with Hearts, and the Shadow Spades. Additionally, starting for April 2024 the LARP has joined forces with Chicago’s Otherworld Theatre troupe. In 2019, Otherworld Theatre participated in the first ever Chicago Steampunk Exposition with their Dungeons & Dragons improv show, and for 2024 they will play major parts in our live action role playing game. The recent Exposition offered a preview of the Steam & Sorcery LARP game, and in April 2024 we will bring to you the full immersive version. We are super excited to see what the combined talents and experience of the Exposition LARP Troupe and Otherworld Theatre working together will bring for players in our 2024 immersive game.
The FREE downloadable printer friendly Steam & Sorcery Players’ Guide is now available HERE.
Assemble your team of Smog Runners, get a mission from your Fixer, and run weekend long espionage and investigations into the four Robber Baronies that rule over Chicago in this 1893 timeline. You’ll need a QR code reader on your smartphone, a deck of playing cards, and your wits.
The Exposition is dedicated to providing Steampunk Fans a fun and safe weekend of entertainment, and to do so we need a dedicated Crew of fine volunteers.
If you would like to be part of the Exposition Crew, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form HERE and we will send you an invite to the next Crew Meeting.
Presented by Kimberly Gray & Crysta K. Coburn
There are ghosts all over Chicago. From Resurrection Cemetery to the Biograph theater, the Second City has its fair share of spirits. Join the hosts of the Haunted Mitten Podcast as they take a break from discovering the spooky in Michigan to talk about all the weird and haunted places that dot this spectacular city.
Kay Gray has been researching the paranormal for over fifteen years. Together with Crysta K Coburn, she hosts the Haunted Mitten Podcast, going into its fifth season this Fall. She has been published in two Steampunk anthologies, The Queen of Clocks and Other Steampunk Tales, and Fairytales Punk’d. She has always had a love of Chicago, and can’t believe she gets to talk about it professionally! Kay can be found online @kgraywrites on most platforms.
Crysta K. Coburn has been writing award-winning stories for most of her life. Her first short story was published at the age of sixteen after winning runner-up in a local writing contest. She earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Western Michigan University in 2005. She is a journalist, fiction writer, poet, playwright, editor, podcast co-host, and one-time rock lyricist. She served as editor for The Queen of Clocks and Other Steampunk Tales; Cogs, Crowns, and Carriages; and Gears, Ghouls, and Gauges (the latter two with Phoebe Darqueling). Find her online at crystakcoburn.com as well as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @CrystaKCoburn.
A whole range of steampunk/sci-fi/fantasy art, ranging from the inanely cute to the slightly deranged. Specific products (all made or designed by the artist) include one-of-a-kind decoctions and potion bottles, steampunk spellbooks, over 120 print designs, and a range of art and children’s books. Guaranteed to have something to catch anyone’s eye!
A whole range of steampunk/sci-fi/fantasy art, ranging from the inanely cute to the slightly deranged! Specific products (all made or designed by the artist) include the following:
– Stickers ($2) of dapper animals and various characters
– Original bookmarks ($4)
– Clear acrylic and wooden pins ($12)
– Over 100 sci-fi, fantasy, and fan art print designs in 8×10, 11×14, and/or 17×22-inches ($10 to $35)
– Self-published art and children’s books, including The Alphabet of Gentlemen Animals ($20 to $45)
– Cutting boards engraved with illustrated cryptid butchery cut diagrams ($50)
– Over 250 original drawings and paintings of various sizes ($10 to $150)
– Stationary sets ($15) and greeting cards ($4-$12)
– Steampunk potion bottles ($12-$60) and sketchbooks ($50)
– Awesomeness
Click on the banner below to learn more about DragonCrest Studios . . .
Many plots and schemes are unfolding in the shadows of the Exposition, and very soon we shall be able to shed some light on all the delights and dangers that you can expect in April 2024!
We continue to announce the latest artists, exhibitors, and vendors joining us in April 2024.
There are many different room types available:
There are three specific blocks from which to choose. Click on block type to book your room.
Anyone wishing to host a room party should book their room in the Noise Friendly Block – CLICK HERE for more details about room parties on “The Row”
Artists, Authors, Exhibitors, & Vendors, please note that there is a separate block for you to which a booking link will be sent out to all successful applicants.
The 1893 Exposition premiered many new advancements in technology, and that year the world’s innovators were engaged in a race to harness electricity to provide power for humanity. In the lead were Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, with Tesla’s alternating current (A/C) concept going up against Edison’s direct current (D/C) system in what is known as the “Battle of the Currents;” a battle that came to a head in Chicago when Tesla was chosen over Edison.
Some speculate that Edison made an alliance with Count Graf Orlock to exact revenge upon Tesla. Others argue that it was the invention of the light bulb that drew the attention of the vampire councils. Whatever the reason, July 1893 secretly witnessed a dark cloud of Victorian Gothic horrors, Penny Dreadfuls come to life, and the looming presence of the Dark Prince fall upon the “White City.”
Tesla quickly realized that it would take more than just his alternating current electricity to protect the Exposition from Nosferatu’s army of darkness; Tesla needed an army of his own. Working hurriedly with Ferris, Professor Truelove, and Ada Lovelace, they managed to open a time and space portal to the year 2024, seeking the help of the most imaginative minds and creative souls who would beckon the call. Many social rebels and analog dreamers, so called “Steampunks,” responded to the plea and came to Tesla’s aid . . . but they were not the only ones to pass through the portal.
April 2024, will you align yourself with Tesla’s fight to protect the Exposition from this nightmare? Or will you join Edison’s alliance of darkness and be one of the creatures that lurk in the shadow of Nosferatu?
PLEASE NOTE that ALL costuming is welcome and does not have to be related to the theme, and you don’t even have to come in costume; 21st Century “Time Tumblers” are welcome to 1893 as well 🙂
The Exposition invites you to immerse yourself into the weekend’s story arc as we solve the Nosferatu mysteries with our Live Action Role Play game Steam & Sorcery.
Our team of “Fixers” has already begun work on the “Shadow of Nosferatu” script and other preparations for April 2024. In addition to solving the mystery of Nosferatu, there will be active competition between the four factions: the Knight Clubs, the Diamond Dogs, the Tarts with Hearts, and the Shadow Spades. Additionally, starting for April 2024 the LARP has joined forces with Chicago’s Otherworld Theatre troupe. In 2019, Otherworld Theatre participated in the first ever Chicago Steampunk Exposition with their Dungeons & Dragons improv show, and for 2024 they will play major parts in our live action role playing game. The recent Exposition offered a preview of the Steam & Sorcery LARP game, and in April 2024 we will bring to you the full immersive version. We are super excited to see what the combined talents and experience of the Exposition LARP Troupe and Otherworld Theatre working together will bring for players in our 2024 immersive game.
The FREE downloadable printer friendly Steam & Sorcery Players’ Guide is now available HERE.
Assemble your team of Smog Runners, get a mission from your Fixer, and run weekend long espionage and investigations into the four Robber Baronies that rule over Chicago in this 1893 timeline. You’ll need a QR code reader on your smartphone, a deck of playing cards, and your wits.
We are currently looking for speakers with knowledge of: Gothic Horror, Steampunk, Victoriana, costuming, maker arts, history, etc.
Chicago Steampunk Exposition is able offer Presenters a full weekend badge in exchange for two or more presentations (or relative equivalent).
Most sessions are required to be about 45 minutes in length; gaming sessions and certain workshops may require more time. If your session requires more time, please make a note in “Additional” box at the bottom of the form below to let us know.
If you would like to be part of the 2024 program and give a presentation, please CLICK HERE for our Presenter Application Form.
The Exposition is dedicated to providing Steampunk Fans a fun and safe weekend of entertainment, and to do so we need a dedicated Crew of fine volunteers.
If you would like to be part of the Exposition Crew, please fill out our Volunteer Application Form HERE and we will send you an invite to the next Crew Meeting.
Megan Mackie, an author who sells good books from UF/cyberpunk, post post zombie apocalypse, YA superhero, mid grade science fiction, returns to the Exposition this April.
Beyond the smashing success of her inaugural, Amazon bestseller, The Finder of the Lucky Devil, Megan Mackie is the author of The Lucky Devil series (urban fantasy/cyberpunk), the Dead World series (Post Post Zombie Apocalypse), The Adventures of Pavlov’s Dog and Schrodinger’s Cat (Mid-grade science fiction) and the Working Mask series (wannabe superhero).
Her other work can be found on the Yonder app, where she has published three web novels, Cookbooks and Demons (paranormal demon romance), Star Courier (speculative Firefly-like fiction), and Novantis (steampunk political intrigue with sky pirates—think Bridgerton meets Black Sails).
Click on the banner below to learn more about Megan Mackie . . .