Steampunk
Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that typically features steam-powered machinery, such as steam-powered robots, airships, and other technologies. It is often set in an alternate history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”, in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has maintained mainstream usage. It incorporates elements from the genres of fantasy, horror, historical fiction, and alternate history. Steampunk is celebrating 19th century science fiction fun in the modern world. STEAMPUNKERS are diverse innovators – at the convention many come and make and showcase their own music, stories, art, costumes and creative 19th century paraphernalia in an alternate reality where steam power remains king and where the internal combustion engine never existed.
About Us
So, what is Louisiana’s World Steampunk Exposition and Makers Fair, you ask? We like to think of it as a trade show and celebration for the inventive and creative with a love for all things Victorian and Science Fiction thrown in for good measure. Louisiana’s World Steampunk Exposition and Makers Fair is patterned off the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair or the 1884 World Cotton Exposition that was held in New Orleans. At these events, nation’s from around the world exhibited in their own showcases or pavilions. Each year the World Steampunk Exposition will be uniquely themed as a representation of a showcase that is set in a steampunk alternate Universe.
For 2024, the theme for Louisiana’s World Steampunk Exposition will be Sherlock Holmes and the Terror in Whitechapel. Steampunk Sherlock Holmes is a genre of fiction that combines the classic detective stories of Sherlock Holmes with the aesthetic of the steampunk genre. This often includes a reimagining of the Victorian era with a mix of science fiction and fantasy elements. The stories often feature Holmes and Watson using steampunk-inspired gadgets and inventions to solve their cases. The stories may also feature a variety of steampunk-inspired characters, settings, and themes.
The Second Annual Louisiana’s World Steampunk Exposition and Makers Fair will be held March 22 to March 24, 2024 at Home2 Suites at Parc Lafayette in Lafayette, LA. The event will be open from 5:00 PM to midnight on Friday March 22; 10:00 AM to Midnight on Saturday March 23; and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday March 24, 2024.
Makers
Making things has been around a long time but the Makers Movement is modern. MAKERS are diverse innovators – many come and make and showcase their own work, designs, inventions. By definition, then, most in the steampunk community are also makers. Makers are people who create things, often using technology and tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. They often work in maker spaces, which are shared workspaces where makers can collaborate and share resources. Makers are often involved in the maker movement, which is a movement that encourages people to create and innovate.