Shakesbeer Steampunk Festival

A One-Day Immersive Festival

Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 10 AM–10 PM • Orleans County Fairgrounds

A celebration of Victorian-inspired creativity, bold invention, live entertainment, artisan goods, food, and spirited fun.

Welcome, Curious Minds

Step Into a World of Imagination

Step into a world where gears grind, tea steams, and imagination rules. Shakesbeer brings Elizabethan drama together with Victorian style and imaginative invention for a day of performances, handmade curiosities, food, specialty drinks, storytelling, and playful exploration.

Costumes are highly encouraged, but not required!

A REIMANGINED TRADITION

Where Shakespeare Meets Steampunk

Shakesbeer is a newly reimagined celebration blending the theatrical flair of the Shakespearean era with the inventive, retro-futuristic world of steampunk. It honors the beloved steampunk festival hosted by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery from 2011 to 2019 while introducing a fresh creative twist inspired by classic literature, performance, and fantasy.

The vision is to build an expanding community event that becomes more immersive each year—an invented universe filled with brass gears, airships, goggles, craftsmanship, storytelling, and room for everyone’s imagination.

No history lesson required. This world does not have to be historically exact. Renaissance flair, literary characters, fantastical inventions, and original creations are all welcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A Full Day of Curiosities & Entertainment

Live Performances

Enjoy band performances and entertainment throughout the festival, with the full musical lineup to be announced.

Artisan Market

Browse unique handmade creations, art, accessories, and curiosities from artisan vendors.

Interactive Challenges

Join the costume contest, try the delightfully serious art of tea dueling, and test your wits in The Noon-Tide Contest of Cunning.

Food & Drinks

Refuel with food trucks, craft beer, and specialty drinks available during the festival.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Make a Day—and Night—of It

Come early to explore the market, then stay as music and entertainment take center stage. Individual activity times will be added as they are confirmed.

Vendor Market

Meet makers and browse handmade art, goods, and steampunk curiosities.

10 AM - 5 PM

Music & Entertainment

Settle in for an evening of live performances and festival entertainment.

10 AM - 10 PM

Steampunk Costume Contest · Main Stage Let your creativity tinker. Show off your goggles, gears, gadgets, corsets, capes, and clockwork creations. The best entry in each category will receive a GO ART! gift card.

REGISTER: 10 AM - 3:30 PM
CONTEST: 4pm

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Plan Your Festival Visit

We look forward to welcoming you for a full day of invention, artistry, and entertainment in Albion.

Location

Orleans County Fairgrounds

12690 NY State Route 31 Albion, NY 14411

Admission

FREE

There is no cost to attend this festival

Guests must be 21+ years of age and present valid identification to sample, consume or purchase craft beers.

Outside alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the festival grounds.

This event is supported by a grant from Empire State Development, and I LOVE NY