If you’re searching for a new and unique way to celebrate Halloween this year, look no further than Fall into Steampunk: The Haunted Hedley. For the past several years, The Enchanted City, a popular steampunk festival, has transformed the streets of Troy, but they’re trying something a little different this year. On Friday, October 25 from 5 pm to 9 pm, The Enchanted City will be hosting a Halloween party at River Street Market, located inside the historic Hedley Building.
Not familiar with steampunk? The science fiction/fantasy genre embraces Victorian aesthetics and steam power, and can trace some of its roots back to the work of H.G. Wells. The 2002 film adaptation of his novella The Time Machine was actually filmed in Troy, making this the perfect setting for a steampunk gathering.
In addition to a Goblin Market, absinthe tastings, displays of “mad machines” from the previous Inventors Challenge, and a dance party featuring DJ Mechno Sferatu, there will also be some other fun scheduled events that you’ll want to attend:
- 5 pm — a Frightening Foods Chef Challenge, featuring River Street Market restaurants.
- 5:30 pm — 45-minute-long Ghost Tours of the Hedley Building, a renovated 1917 factory building, featuring tours of the sub basement’s historic steam equipment and 1950s lab. The first tour begins at 5:30 pm and tours will continue through the evening.
- 6 pm — a Ghastly Ghoul Pageant & Costume Promenade, featuring the annual awards for best “Victorian Vampire Slayer” and “Ghastly Ghoul.”
“It has always been my plan to host multiple events under The Enchanted City umbrella, and I’m so excited to expand our brand into a new Halloween Party format,” said festival organizer Sue Dunckel in a statement. “I can’t wait to introduce the steampunk community to River Street Market, Troy’s newest place in an ‘old’ space.”
Riverside Market opened in the historic Hedley Building this summer as a premiere food court, featuring Sweet Sue’s Copper Pot, Prime Burger and Shakehouse, Hatch Test Kitchen, Stacks Espresso Bar, LuKa’s, and Maria’s Troy. Attendees will be able to purchase food from all of these businesses during the event.
The evening of steampunk-inspired fun is free to the public and open to all ages. Guests are encouraged to either wear steampunk attire or dress up as fairies and ghouls.
The event is also happening at the same time as Troy Night Out, which will be “Mysteries and Mayhem”-themed this month. Spend the whole evening in Troy enjoying both events!
