Clash of the Eras: Jewelry City Steampunk Festival returns to Attleboro

The former Jewelry Capital of the World is about to turn back time for the third annual Jewelry City Steampunk Festival. On Saturday, October 27, the heart of Attleboro will be filled with a clash-of-eras science fiction style that incorporates Victorian attire with industrial-era steam-powered machinery. All ages are welcome to join and learn about the history of the city and its cultural influence.

The non-profit festival kicks off with the welcome tea party at 9:30am, then expands across the city. Panel discussions will take place at the Attleboro Public Library and the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum. Indoor and outdoor vendor tables with be set up at the Ezekiel Bates A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge. The popular remote-controlled teapot races will take place at Balfour Riverwalk Park, and live performances will take place at the Park Street Ale House & Eatery. The Centenary United Methodist Church will also play host to additional programs and performances to be announced.

Those 21+ can end the day with a grand finale — the Steampunk After Hours Bash — which takes place at the masonic lodge. Featured performers include musical acts Victor and the Bully (U.K.) and The King’s Busketeers, along with belly dancing troupe Amalilia Lotus and Friends.

How does one navigate the sprawling festival? Festival director and founder, Heather Rockwood, revealed the festival has teamed up with sponsors Attleboro Jewelers to arrange a dedicated trolley that will aid all attendees in traveling between locations. “We’re trying to improve [the festival] every year,” said Rockwood. “And with the trolley, you’ll get a better chance to catch more this year than last year.”

The schedule is still being assembled, and Motif was given the exclusive by Rockwood on some of big names and groups participating, including the famous international steampunk guru Bruce Rosenbaum. Also attending will be members of Watch City Steampunk Festival, Splendid Teapot, Tiny Box Theater and the literary collective Citizens of Antiford. Also on display will be pieces from the closed Women At Work Museum and Mount Washington Cog Railway’s own Peppersass (the first ever mountain-climbing train).

For more information and updates, search Facebook or visit jewelrycitysteampunk.com