The Jewelry City Steampunk Festival Steams into Attleboro

Autumn in New England brings out all the festivals, from art shows to zombie nights. Attleboro, in Massachusetts, is about to host a new free-for-the-public event that will most certainly turn your gears – The Jewelry City Steampunk Festival!

On Saturday, October 28, downtown Attleboro will be a round-the-clock showcase of arts, entertainment and education for all ages with its own non-profit steampunk-themed event. To those new to the subgenre, steampunk is a clash-of-eras science fiction style that incorporates Victorian attire with industrial-era steam-powered machinery. From clothing and jewelry to music and live performances, it’s a world of pure mechanical imagination.

The engine for this event was turned on last year by founder and festival director Heather Rockwood. After attending a similar event, Waltham’s Watch City Steampunk Festival, Heather walked the streets of Attleboro and found the once “Jewelry Capital of the World” was a perfect setting for its own attraction. With a grant from the Attleboro and Massachusetts Cultural Councils and fueled by the enthusiasm of the local community, the building blocks began to lock into place.

Speaking exclusively with Heather, or dare I say “the Cog of the Carnival,” she shared many great secrets kept under wraps to be unveiled on their Facebook event page. But fret not, for I have some information I can divulge. Starting at 10am, all are welcome to the Ezekial Bates Masonic Lodge for introductions before browsing the buskers and vaudeville vendors who’ll be selling all sorts of wares.

Then it’s on to the Attleboro Public Library for a plethora of presentations and panel discussions. All-day-dining will be available in the adjacent parking lot with a feast of food trucks.

Parents bringing along their children will take great interest in the Balfour Riverwalk Park’s activities that include a bit of reading and education. For a greater thrill, the Athena School of Arms will be giving sword demonstrations and lessons for kids and adults. In the mix, one can watch Hatters drive each other mad in the Splendid Teapot Racing event, pitting the best RC-teapot-cars against one another.

If in need of a break, only a couple of blocks away will be the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum hosting free-entry, paid-tours and a variety of excellent programs. Next door, Patterson Creations will be open to all for a showcase of art for sale and the Steampunk Teddy Bear Tea Party.

That is the day, but what of the night? The biggest kept secret thus far is the Steampunk Soiree – a crescendo of performance art from musicians to dancers to masters of “fiery feats.” Though much is awaiting revelation, we can confirm goth-rockers The Dirge Carolers will be performing at the festival.

It’s not too late to bring your tinkering to the table! Jewelry City Steampunk Festival has its door open ever so slightly for last-minute performers and presenters. If you want to participate or just be a patron, jewelrycitysteampunk.com has all the information and educational blogs about the steampunk world. Heather has confirmed that their Facebook event page will have the exclusive news and announcements: facebook.com/jewelrycitysteampunk.