The steampunk festival Cogs & Corsets: A Central IL Steampunk Happening is back June 1–3 for its second year in historic downtown Bloomington. Steampunk is a worldwide trend that is often described as Victorian science fiction, bringing together elaborate costuming, outrageous gadgetry, and explorations of history (both real and imagined). Last year’s inaugural event drew estimated crowds of 500–600 people from around the Midwest, as well as locals of all ages. The outdoor festival offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, a large Steampunk Market vendor area, tours, teas, and evening festivities.
Taking a cue from authors like Jules Verne, Steampunk is often described as “a world of ‘what-ifs’ in history, fashion, engineering and science.” Fans enjoy creating elaborate costumes, gadgets and personas by combining elements of the Victorian Era, modern Sci-Fi and historical tall tales. “We have some truly wonderful activities and performers for year two,” says Melanie Shellito, one of the volunteers organizing the event. “You can have your tintype portrait taken on a camera from the 1860s, using all the same techniques and watch it being developed right in front of you — and it’ll last 100 years. Also, we are so excited to have Professor Vitruvius Pike (aka Kevin Geiselman) coming here as our headliner. He’s a well-known presenter at major Steampunk conventions all over the country and his talks are as fun as they are informative. He’ll be doing three presentations: War of the Worlds, Victorian spacecraft, and the technology of the airship. Even if you’ve never heard of Steampunk, you’ll love his talks.”
The Cogs & Corsets festival will kick off Friday, June 1 at 5pm as part of the downtown’s June First Friday event. The retail shops and galleries will be open, as well as approximately 30 Steampunk-related vendors on the corner of Center and Jefferson St. An opening promenade of costumed attendees through the downtown is planned, and as the sun sets visitors can once again witness the free Tesla Coil Demonstration sending arcs of lightning from the roof of the Market St. parking garage. Later that evening, professional sideshow circus performers will entertain guests at Reality on Monroe (ticketed event).
Saturday brings the ever-popular Costume Contest, Maker’s Faire, Splendid Teapot Races, Facial Hair Contest, a World’s Fair Formal Tea with the Tea Ladies (held at the Vrooman Mansion), a mechanicals-focused tour of the David Davis Mansion, a Murder Mystery dinner, workshops and presentations, a tea room, steampunk vendors, and more. The Children’s Discovery Museum has partnered with the Museum of History to offer hands-on activities for kids, and sidewalk entertainment is planned throughout the day. Several workshops will be offered in advance at Inside Out Accessible Art Co-op and the McLean County Museum of History to help participants learn about steampunk and get ready for the festival. Everyone is encouraged to create and submit their own inventions, costumes and Splendid teapot racers! Contest details, entry forms and schedule details can be found at www.cogsandcorsetsil.com.
This year, Sunday will also have a full schedule of events, with more workshops and presentations, vendors, Sunday brunch at the Vrooman Mansion, croquet on the Museum lawn, and a totally new competition: Airship races!
“Last year we had no idea what to expect, and we were absolutely astonished at the turnout,” says Shellito. “This year, we’ve already had tickets sold as far away as New Jersey, Florida, Oklahoma… Word spread fast in the Steampunk community that this was a well-run event with a lot to offer, so I’d say it’s entirely likely our attendance may double.” While most activities are free to the public, there are premium events that do require tickets, which can be purchased via the Cogs & Corsets website. “My advice for locals? Get your tickets soon for the activities that need them. Most events sold out last year, and will likely sell out even faster this year.”
Quick list of free activities:
• Teslacoil demonstration (sponsored by Red Raccoon Games)
• Friday Opening Promenade
• Steampunk Market (vendors)
• Workshops and presentations (unless a materials fee is noted)
• Childrens’ activities (sponsored by McLean County Museum of History & Children’s Discovery Museum)
• Saturday’s Carnival Epsilon street performance
• Costume Contest
• Makers’ Faire (sponsored by Inside Out Accessible Art)
• Splendid Teapot Racing
• Selfie Photo op stations
• Saturday Promenade on the Square
• Mustache/Facial Hair Contest (sponsored by The Stashe)
• Airship Races
• Croquet on the Museum Square
• All History Museum exhibits
• Open gaming at Red Raccoon Games
Ticketed ‘Premium’ Events
• Sideshow Soiree
• Lady Jarden’s Tea Room
• David Davis Mansion Mechanicals Tour
• Chicago World’s Fair Formal Tea with the Tea Ladies (sponsored by the Vrooman Mansion)
• ‘Metal Murder’ Mystery & Dinner
• Vrooman Mansion Sunday Brunch
A limited number of all-inclusive ‘Ticket to Ride’ tickets are also available, which include extra perks and special merchandise. All tickets can be purchased through the website: www.CogsAndCorsetsIL.com
Sponsorship opportunities are still available to help offset costs of keeping much of the festival free to the public. Email info@cogsandcorsetsil.com if you are interested in becoming an event sponsor. Volunteers are also needed for short shifts throughout the weekend: www.cogsandcorsetsil.com/volunteer
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Downtown Bloomington Association, Area Arts Round Table and the continuation and growth of Cogs & Corsets IL for the benefit of downtown Bloomington, Bloomington residents and the community at large.
