FAQs

Q. When is this year’s festival?

A. Steampunk NZ Festival is held annually on King’s Birthday Weekend. In 2025 it is Thursday 29 May to Monday 2 June.

Q. When will the programme be released?

A. The main programme with the major events will be released before the end of 2024 – with smaller events and pop-up events to follow. Keep watching our Facebook page for announcements.

Q. When do tickets go on sale?

A. Tickets are expected to go on sale 10pm Friday, 4 April 2025.

Q. What is the theme for this year?

A. The theme for 2025 is ‘Circus in Time’ - come one, come all! We anticipate a riot of colourful steampunk attire. Please note: There will be one event with a strict dress code of Black and White – ‘The Night Circus’ - based on the aesthetic of Erin Morgenstern’s book of the same name. More details released before the end of 2024.

Q. What are the competitions for this year?

A. In 2025 the creative opportunities are:

The Cabinet of Curiosity: participants will purchase a specified container in which to create their own segment of a larger Cabinet of Curiosity. All entries will be joined together at the Festival. Details of the sizes and conditions will be released shortly.

Snake Oil: Create your special miracle potion - be it ‘Tincture of Cog’ or ‘Potion of Steam Beetle’ – and bring the potion in its enticing bottle. Entrants will have an opportunity to ‘sell’ their potion, so practice your banter - or get someone else to do this bit for you!

Q. Will there be a theme for the Fashion Show in 2025?

A. The Fashion Show theme is the theme for the Festival – Circus in Time – however, classic steampunk elements are still the over-riding key! Please note also that the Fashion Show will move to the Sunday afternoon for 2025, with entrants required to attend a brief Saturday morning registration/check in. Registrations open in January and entries will be limited!

Q. Will there be a Trinket Swap opportunity in 2025?

A. Absolutely – we will be adding some additional opportunities to swap trinkets.