Iron & Lace: Iconic Steampunk Picnic is History with a Twist
By Brigit Zent and Julie Horner
The Steampunk Picnic was created by Felton resident Brigit Zent. “Our first picnic was in 2016 and we’ve had one every year since, even during Covid when we Zoomed our picnic by each dressing up at home and participating online.” The Picnic is open to all ages and dogs (on leash). Dressing for the day can be simple or quite involved, depending on the individual. “Steampunk is perhaps one of the easiest cosplay events to dress for. All one needs is what could pass for a Victorian or Edwardian outfit. Thrift stores are a great place to put something together,” Brigit said.
But what is steampunk? California science fiction writer K. W. Jeter is credited in the late 1980s with coining the term to describe a genre of speculative fiction that blended scientific concepts with history, time travel, and fantasy. Imagine Victorian-era aesthetics merged with artifacts of the Industrial Revolution. The well dressed individual might sport a wide-brimmed hat, corset, and bustle or a top hat, cravat, and tails all embellished with flight goggles, leather, lace, and various ornate ironworks such as sprockets, gears, buckles, and other shiny bits. Each year the group chooses a theme. “Folks aren’t required to dress to the theme,” Brigit said, “but it is encouraged as it makes it more fun!” Past themes have been “Haunted” (the picnic was held in Evergreen Cemetery), “Steampunk Nautical” (held at Lighthouse Field), and last year, “Steampunk Wild, Wild West” at Henry Cowell Redwoods.
Brigit said, “Each year we also have a steampunk craft contest, which produces some amazing items, each made by the participants. We’ve had steampunk hats, toy boats, items for capturing or repelling ghosts, steampunk picnic baskets, and many others. We also have a game each year, either ‘Battle Croquet’ or ‘Battle Badminton’. The former came to us from British steampunkers and the latter we invented!” Another yearly tradition is “tea dueling.” A time-honored steampunk sport that has two tea drinkers facing off with cookies (biscuits) that are dunked in the tea and held until the cookie crumbles. The cookie that lasts the longest wins.
Steampunk Picnic 2025 celebrates “This Sporting Life” and will be held at Wilder Ranch State Park on Sunday, October 12 at 1pm. This year’s featured sport is Conkers. Adapted from a child’s game in England, two players stand opposite the other and take turns taking swipes at a chestnut dangling on a string held at arms length. Smash your opponent’s conker for the win. The crafting contest consists of creating a game, piece of sporting equipment (or even a sport itself), or a hobby piece that reflects a steampunk ethic. A badminton racket adorned with nuts and bolts, for instance. Creativity is highly encouraged. Appropriate attire for the gents might include a tweed jacket, knickerbockers, leather or canvas gaiters, and a flat cap. Ladies should consider lightweight skirts, thick stockings, stout leather boots, and a sunbonnet. Bring a dish or libation to share if you wish!
Find Steampunk Picnic 2025 “This Sporting Life” on Facebook for more information.
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Photos contributed by Brigit Zent
Featured photo at top of page: Brigit Zent (foreground in the feathered hat) and the Steampunk Picnic revelers at Henry Cowell State Park.
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