On Friday, August 26th and Saturday, August 27th Troy will transform into a place of fashion, fantasy, and science fiction with the Steampunk Festival.
Attendance more than doubled from 2014 to 2015, and 2016 is anticipating even larger crowds this year – here’s what you can expect from this quintessential steampunk event.
Friday, August 26 – Of Then and Beyond – a Steampunk Fashion Show
The two-day event kicks off with a Steampunk Fashion Show at the Troy Public Library. This is a massive runway fashion show, put together in part by 2440 Design Studio. Here, you’ll be able to see steampunk designs from all over the country, and you’ll have a chance to buy what you like the following day.
This year, the designers are: As They Sew in France of Atlanta, GA; Redfield Design of Windsor, CT; and Revive Gifts of Edgewater, CO.
“We’ve partnered with some key players in the fashion and in the maker fields to create a unique experience,” Enchanted City Creator Susan Dunckel said in a statement.
About a third of the designs for the runway are men’s clothing, which is special to this show, as most fashion shows in the area tend to concentrate almost exclusively on women’s clothes.
Saturday, August 27 – The Enchanted City III – A Brave New World
The streets of Troy are transformed into a world where Victorian styles combine with modern technology. Check out music, games, performance, food, historic tours, street performers, and more. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids out for storytelling, dancing, puppet shows, and magic acts.
Now is your chance to buy clothes you saw on the runway the day before at the urban street fair at the Steampunk Boutique Retail Clothing Shop.
From 1pm to 2pm there will be a Tech Wearable Panel Discussion and Presentation with guest Becky Stern, a designer at Instructables. She’ll be presenting a close up look at Tech Wearable Designs and Designers.
There will also be a Costume Competition from 3pm to 4pm at the Enchanted City Main Stage at Monument Square – come dressed in your best steampunk-themed outfit, or as a fairy!
Saturday, August 27 – Mab After Dark
The fun continues on into the evening with this adult-only event following the festival. Come to The Hangar on the Hudson for signature cocktails, catered food, and an overall evening of enchantment. This Way to Egress and Last Day Shining will be performing.
“The Enchanted City is a real life fairy tale that you can experience and even become a character in if you wish,” Dunckel said in a statement.
More information on how to purchase tickets along with a full event schedule can be found at theenchantedcitytroy.com.
