(This is a quick guide to our programming and attractions. You can always see the full listings on our program page. Don’t forget – if you’re seeing this on or before the wekend of Friday, March 28th-Sunday, March 30th, you can take 75% off your tickets with code “madnessflashsale”. Get tickets here! Vendors: apply here!)
(Also, you’re watching this get updated in realtime. That means we have a bunch of links at the bottom which don’t have graphics and summaries yet. We have THAT MUCH going on.)
Captain Robert Brown, Airship Pirate of Honor
You should have a look at Abney Park, arguably the most influential Steampunk band in this segment of the Universe. Captain Robert, the legendary Robert Brown, born May 27, 1970, in Pullman, Washington, is the unrivaled genius behind Abney Park, the iconic steampunk band he masterminded in 1997. A musical titan, he single-handedly morphed it from goth industrial into a global steampunk phenomenon, dominating as singer, songwriter, and novelist.
Tea Dueling – Wonderplace Alpha
Tea dueling is a quirky, Victorian-inspired game where two players face off with tea and biscuits. Each dunks a biscuit (typically a sturdy type like a ginger snap) into hot tea for exactly five seconds, then lifts it. The first to cleanly eat the soggy biscuit without it crumbling or dripping wins. No licking fingers allowed! It’s a test of timing, nerve, and biscuit integrity—perfect for a playful, eccentric showdown.
Here’s the Brass Screw Consortium on the art of Tea Dueling.
Oddities, Oddities, Oddities – Wonderplace Alpha
“What sort of freak then is man! How novel, how monstrous, how chaotic, how paradoxical, how prodigious! Judge of all things, feeble earthworm, repository of truth, sink of doubt and error, glory and refuse of the universe! He is an oddity beyond comprehension, a creature who deems himself master of all yet stumbles over his own shadow, who seeks the stars while mired in mud, who pens philosophies while forgetting where he parked his horse. This jumble of contradictions is what makes him endlessly fascinating, a riddle wrapped in flesh.”
~Blaise Pascal
The Triumvirate of Eccentric Excellence
The Triumvirate is three contests: The Evil Laugh competition, the Extraordinary Facial Hair competition, and a competition to see who can purchase the most unique cheap item from the Marketplace. (Purchase your items BEFORE the contest.) See the page for rules.
“What IS Steampunk? …the eternal, inevitable panel.”
People have been debating the question of Steampunk’s nature since exactly 1843, according to my time machine. Come join us for a thoughtful exploration and/or vicious, bloodthirsty debate, whichever happens first.
A Rum-Drenched Rabble at the Saloon
Whilst we’ve more entertainment than you could shake the Ululating Adamantine Staff of Umbulto at, sometimes all you want to do is kick back and enjoy a few drinks in the company of your fellow miscreants.
Costumes! Trick-or-treating! A lovely Halloween party led by some of your favorite DJs! Did we mention the candy candy candy candy candy candy candy candy candy candy?
Madeline’s Vastly Over-Eclectic Grand-And-Not-So-Grand Steampunk Ball
A grand Steampunk ball with your favorite Steampunk music! (If you don’t have favorite Steampunk music, you will after this!)
Witling’s Jester: The Geeky and Irreverent Comedy of Lou Perez
Lou Perez is an internationally-known comedian and nerd. Check out his book, “That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore”. We don’t know how we got a comedian of Lou’s stature, but we assume sorcery was involved somewhere.
An improvisational game based on British comedy. Sense of humor required. Or a reasonably sturdy club and some nice brass knuckles, whichever.
VIP Tea Dueling With The Painted Badger
Tea-Dueling is perhaps the most classic Steampunk game on the planet. Two or more parties gather together to fight with phlogiston cannons and/or dunk biscuits in tea, whichever is easiest at the time. This particular variant happens with our Artist Guest of Honor, The Painted Badger, and is reserved specifically for our VIP ticketbuyers.
The Spellbinder Orchestra Illuminates Our Festival – Wonderplace Alpha
Growing from the original repertoire of songstress Alzara Getz and the synergies of many amazing musicians, the group creates a unique blend of original folk rock with elements of classical, world, cabaret, rock, and eastern European. A sprinkling of high energy vintage covers from the 1920s onwards adds another layer of enchantment.
The Business of Cosplay: Tips on how to make money in the Imagination Industry
Alfonso Todd III, entrepreneur, creator, adventurer, co-producer of Wonderplace Alpha, brings you on a journey on how to monetize your artistic visions and how to survive the raptor-eat-raptor jungle that is the strange and wonderful world of alternative and unusual creativity and creation.
Weird Worlds: A Symphony of Abductions, Hauntings, and Tales Beyond Reality – Wonderplace Alpha
“The world was full of locked doors, and I had just found a key that would open a few of them. It was a crude key, a skeleton key of sorts, and it didn’t always work—but when it did, the doors flew open like magic, and I walked into rooms that would have stayed closed to me forever if I hadn’t kicked them in.”
~Dr. Hunter S. Thompson.
We gather an eccentric conglomeration of creative rascals, here to talk about the various roles, themes, and ideas present when one is describing various forms of Villainy in various assorted multifarious magical, strange, and other fantastic worlds.
“Empathy flows free, like a river, like a stream, like dragon’s fire.”
I’m a free-spirited, modern hippie and gypsy soul, expressing myself through diverse art forms. My music flows live, fueled by energy and vibes—impossible to box into one genre. Think a fusion of blues, funk, hip-hop, and jazz, all rolled into my unique sound.
Scream Queens, Artists, Authors, Mad Scientists, and Other Odd Persons Collude: A Panel & Discussion
Featuring scream queens, visionary artists, bold authors, eccentric mad scientists, and other unique personalities, this panel offers a spirited discussion on their craft, inspirations, and the strange intersections of their worlds. Expect a blend of insight, humor, and the delightfully bizarre as these oddball innovators share their stories and ideas.
YenYorkCity Live at Wonderplace Alpha
Yen York is a multifaceted artist and influencer hailing from the vibrant streets of New York City. Yen is the charismatic host of the YenYorkCity Live podcast, a captivating series that shines a spotlight on extraordinary musicians, delving into their achievements, experiences, and insights.In addition to her role as a podcast host, Yen is the lead singer and founding member of the band SkyMuseum.
Endless RPG – Wonderplace Alpha
Endless RPG is a D&D 5e toolset for creating random maps filled with encounters, treasures, traps, and other surprises. The app is designed for both DMs who want to quickly put together an adventure, and with it’s fog-of-war discovery system, is ideal for those who want to play D&D solo or in a small group without a dedicated dungeon master.
What does it take to create truly unique, truly unusual, truly original ideas of new places, times, and Universes?
Explore how we build new worlds in all manner of Art and Creation.
The Chris Cyanide Solo Bass Project
“I play loud and I play fast. I use a pick because it gives me that sharp attack—fingers are too soft for what I want.
-John Entwhistle, bassist for some band or other
A Proclamation of Scribal Majesty: Richard C. White Reigns as Literary Guest of Honor
If you don’t know Richard C. White’s many works, this is the time to study them. Our erudite, witty, fascinating, versatile Literary Guest of Honor brings his unique take and his very unique style of writing to our humble multigenre Faire.
Phlogiston’s Furnace: Smelting Sound from the Unseen Flame
As a writer, I can testify that there’s nothing writer’s like more than explaining the difficulties, challenges, opportunities, and adventures available when writing fantasy and science fiction; no, not one single thing, except, perhaps, selling a book or two.
Aether Riffs: Sky Museum Live and Unleashed – Wonderplace Alpha
Sky Museum, a New York City powerhouse, erupted in 2022 with YenYorkCity’s raw vocals and LunaSoturi’s explosive drums. Fusing grunge, alt rock, and metal, they unleash mind-bending tracks. After three killer singles, they’re charging toward a 2025 album and hunting for bold NYC musicians to join the ride!
Kull’s Quarterstaff Clash: The Way of the Warrior
“The staff is both teacher and lesson.”
-E.E. “Doc” Smith
The Quarterstaff Clash is a high-energy workshop where participants master the art of quarterstaff combat. Led by experts at the art of getting smacked with sticks, it blends ancient techniques with modern flair, teaching agility, precision, and warrior spirit in a thrilling, hands-on experience.
Bawdy Ballads and Backroom Jests
Inspired by Oscar Brand’s classic book, this two-hour romp delivers bawdy folk songs, naughty limericks, and tavern-worthy tales. Expect irreverent humor, lively tunes, and plenty of laughs in a spirited celebration of mischief and mirth!
Kiss Army – The Coolest Band In The World – Wonderplace Alpha
You want the best, YOU’VE GOT IT… it’s KISS ARMY, the greatest KISS tribute in the entire Galaxy! Come see the Kiss show that will blow your mind and get your heart pounding and your fists pumping!
Creating Peculiar Art In An Increasingly Surreal Universe
“I don’t know why people expect art to make sense. They accept the fact that life doesn’t make sense.”
~David Lynch
A panel on how to (and what it’s like to) make art, have artistic vision, and maybe even try to survive as a creator in in our weird, weird world.
Massacre Mansion Display Setup & Exhibition
While we can’t bring all of Massacre Mansion, the Catskills’ most fun independent haunted house, to our event…we are proud and excited to bring you the Massacre Mansion Display & Setup for your spooky edification and amazement!
The Great Garb, Costume and Gear Parade
Come dressed in your finest, strangest, most original, weirdest, or otherwise favorite costume, garb, gear, or cosplay!
All are invited, all are welcome! This is a parade, not a contest, so there’s no judging involved…just parading!
The Night Of Definitely Not Summoning Cthulhu – Wonderplace Alpha
“… and the greatest of these was Cthulhu, whose dreams whispered into the minds of the sensitive.”
~H.P. Lovecraft
We definitely WON’T SUMMON CTHULHU BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE BAD.
The Witch Way Wanderers are a spirited dance troupe known for bringing whimsy and mischief to the streets. Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, they lead the annual Witch Walk SOSA, a lively “dance and pub crawl” benefiting animal rescue charities. Dressed in their witchy finest, they perform flash mob-style dances inspired by the Wolfshager Hexenbrut Witches of Germany, spreading joy and raising funds with every step.
A Toast To All Adventures – Wonderplace Alpha
“To Blazing Trails and Epic Tales!”
“Here’s to the sparks that ignite our souls, to the trails we carve through the wild, and the tales we’ll tell for ages—may our glasses overflow with the fire of adventure! Cheers!”
Join us in the Saloon for a lovely Toast!
The Temple of the Shark – Near Funky Sharky – Wonderplace Alpha
“Sharks are just the ocean’s way of saying, ‘You’re not the top of the food chain today, buddy.’”
— Dave Barry
Jream’s Semi-Traditional Welcoming Goth Night: Brought To You By Darkling – Wonderplace Alpha
“My favorite color is midnight, my favorite scent is rain, and my favorite activity is dramatically staring out windows while sad music plays.”
Bela Lugosi’s dead, but Goth lives…in its own sweet, darkling heart. Jream presents an old-school, friendly, all-are-welcome Goth night. With DJs Mal Havoc and DJ Ozno!
Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – Wonderplace Alpha
Explore the mysterious skies with our presentation on UAPs—objects in our skies that defy explanation. . From the famous Project Blue Book to recent declassifications, we’ll discuss the Lake George UFO sightings from 1955 and the ongoing debate about what these sightings might signify for our understanding of the universe.
“Now, who you jivin’ with that Cosmic Debris?”
~Frank Zappa
One man’s trash is another man’s cosmic space-fuel, necessary to save the Galaxy from the ravages of Dark Lord Zebulork. At any rate, we’re taking a scifi look at trash in the future and throughout time and space.
Fenix Rising – Wonderplace Alpha
Fenix Rising has captured the hearts of music lovers with their original compositions and dynamic cover sets. Their music is a journey through time, blending the raw power of classic rock with the sophisticated layers of jazz and the dramatic flair of theater.
The Zombie Invasion – Wonderplace Alpha
“”I love zombies. If any monster could river dance, it’d be zombies.” – Craig Ferguson
Zombie pains? I have many.
.They can’t eat your brains
If you don’t have any.
The Painting Badger – Artist Guest of Honour! – Wonderplace Alpha
“I think I got a bit carried away with the owl. It’s all this country air. Reminds me of the time I got a badger stuck up my nose.”
~Terry Pratchett
No-one has claimed that The Painting Badger painted the Steampunk Sistine Chapel or the Steampunk Mona Lisa.
D.L. Carter: The Sorceress of Storytelling, The Weaver of Worlds – Wonderplace Alpha
D.L. Carter is an author known for blending humor, romance, and history in her novels. Originally from Australia, she now lives in New Jersey with her family and cats. She writes across genres like Regency romance, paranormal, and fantasy, often featuring strong, witty characters who defy societal norms. Her popular works include Ridiculous, a Regency-era tale of a woman posing as her cousin, and other titles like Crimes of the Brothers and The Use. With a playful, unique style, she’s built a dedicated readership.
The Alchemist’s Son – Wonderplace Alpha
The Alchemist’s Son is an enthralling and very unique in-person Steampunk experience by Robert Secreti. Don’t miss the enthralling and sometimes terrifying time-travelling tale of the one and only Dr. Lothario! Come find out what this unique object does; see Mr. Secreti’s fascinating objects and his curious story!
Don’t miss this – we’ve seen literally hundreds of Steampunk performances, and The Alchemist’s Son is unique.
The Legendary Titan Mal Havock – Wonderplace Alpha
big: Gargantuan, colossus, behemoth, jotun, ettin, cyclopean, gigas, emim, zamzummim, rephaim, fomorian,, goliath, antediluvian, brobdingnagian, hulking, leviathan, monstrous, prodigious, stupendous, thrym, ymir, surtr, hrungnir, bergelmir, skrymir, grendel, cernunnos, bunyip, kapre, oni, rakshasa, epimetheus, rhea, themis, mnemosyne, coeus, crius, iapetus, oceanus, tethys, phaethon, megatherium, dinosauria, teratorn, megalith, monolith, ponderosus, immane, gigantesque.
The Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher
In modern times, it can be difficult to have a real disagreement without resorting to either a block button or teleportation. The fascinatingly argumentative philosopher is both fascinating and argumentative, which is a rare combination in this vale of tears. Treasure him when you find him!
The Photographic Oddities Scavenger Hunt – Wonderplace Alpha
Explore the whimsical blend of medieval charm and Victorian ingenuity as you seek out bizarre contraptions, eccentric costumes, and hidden curiosities. Snap photos of the strangest sights—from gear-laden time travelers to peculiar steam-powered gadgets—and uncover the festival’s most extraordinary treasures. Perfect for adventurers and shutterbugs alike!
Ozno, the Jockey of Discs – Wonderplace Alpha
The Universe’s only Time-Travelling DJ! DJ Ozno, aka Alfonso Todd III, is a time-traveling DJ born from Todd’s graphic novel General T. Osnofla. Once a Miami dancer, he now spins as an open-format DJ, mixing genres with flair and energy. Beyond music, Todd’s a Comic-Con veteran who founded Lehigh Valley ITZ A CON!. DJ Ozno’s persona blends storytelling and beats, captivating crowds with his vibrant sets and dance-floor charm—a true performer living his creative vision.
The Rose Whisperers – Wonderplace Alpha
Introducing the Rose Whisperers, beguiling floral mavens who offer roses for every soul’s desire. Draped in velvet and mystery, they sell blooms to gift friends or woo more-than-friends with a sly smile. Masters of petal and passion, their whispered charms make every rose a token of affection, ready to spark a grin or a blush in Wonderplace Alpha.
Why You Need To Support Authors And Purchase Their Books Or Else The Universe Will Explode Tomorrow
“The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story.”
~Urula K. LeGuin
A lively discussion on the cosmic importance of backing writers. Learn why buying books keeps creativity alive and, just maybe, prevents a universal meltdown. Authors share tales of struggle, triumph, and why your support matters—before it’s too late!
Wherein we ask our Guests of Honor to grant unto us their wisdom in exchange for copious, copious amounts of Rum.
And coffee.
And more rum.
Join the Meditation Labyrinth session, a tranquil journey through winding paths designed to calm the mind and awaken inner peace. Each step invites stillness and clarity, offering a sacred space to breathe, reflect, and simply be. You will probably not be eaten by land sharks.
Dressing For Wonderplace Alpha – A Seminar of Ideas and Assistance – Wonderplace Alpha
A friendly discussion seminar for talking about various ways you might choose to dress for our lovely, multi-genre festival. Just ideas and suggestions! Nobody has attended Wonderplace Alpha from your universe for some 87 years; so we’re all making this up as we go!
Goblin Trainin’ – Wonderplace Alpha
Kids learn important skills like how to think like a mischievous goblin, solve tricky problems, and work together in teams. They might explore basic concepts such as strategy, adaptability, and resourcefulness through games or activities, all while embracing a whimsical goblin theme.
Friday Night Fairyland – Wonderplace Alpha
“The magic of Faërie is not an end in itself, its virtue is in its operations: among these are the satisfaction of certain primordial human desires. One of these desires is to survey the depths of space and time. Another is (as will be seen) to hold communion with other living things.”
~Tolkien
A fun, simple fairy night with pleasant entertainment and lots of Fairy glow.
Eccentrics Meet & Greet – Open To All! – Wonderplace Alpha
“There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in parties.”
~P.G. Wodehouse
Come hang out with other unusual people in a relaxed and casual atmosphere! Spend a little time getting to know your fellow Wonderplace Alphites!
The Jester of Storm and Sense is a whimsical yet wise figure, blending chaos and clarity. Clad in a motley of tempest hues, he dances through life’s tumult with a sharp tongue and sharper mind. Amid thunderous upheaval, he unveils truths with riddles and jests, a paradoxical guide who finds order in disorder.
Mr. Mysterrio and Miss Direction
Mr. Mysterrio and Miss Direction are a dynamic magic duo blending comedy and wonder. Mark, a world-record-holding magician with over 30 years of experience, dazzles with wild humor and big-stage flair, earning him the title ‘the funniest magician on the planet.’ Taylor, a skilled close-up magician and Magic Circle member, brings charm and precision, turning everyday objects into mind-bending marvels. Together, they craft unforgettable, laughter-filled performances.
The Mad Masquerade – Wonderplace Alpha
The Mad Masquerade is a night of untamed revelry where shadows dance and masks hide secrets. Guests don outrageous costumes and slip into a world of pulsing music, daring drinks, and unpredictable antics. It’s a whirlwind of chaos and charm, where the bizarre reigns supreme and every face tells a story—if you can guess who’s behind it.
The Photographic Oddities Scavenger Hunt
The Universe is full of peculiarities. Permit us to reward you for photographing them! Use your cameras and palantirs to shoot our many wonderful weirdnesses, and achieve fame and fortune! Well, fame, at least.
Munchausen Storytelling Game – With the Order of the Saffron Tale
Step into the Munchausen Storytelling Game, where the Order of the Saffron Tale dares you to spin tales across wild genres! One minute you’re a grizzled detective chasing a dragon through neon-lit sprawls, the next a space pirate bartering saffron with a tentacled bard. Interrupt with a rogue’s smirk or a cyborg’s glitch—every yarn’s a mashup of grit, wonder, and cosmic capers, battling for supremacy in a storytelling showdown that defies all worlds!
The Mad Masquerade – Wonderplace Alpha
The Mad Masquerade is a night of untamed revelry where shadows dance and masks hide secrets. Guests don outrageous costumes and slip into a world of pulsing music, daring drinks, and unpredictable antics. It’s a whirlwind of chaos and charm, where the bizarre reigns supreme and every face tells a story—if you can guess who’s behind it.
Multi-Genre Karaoke Cabaret – Wonderplace Alpha
Shane Dykman, Author and Guest – Wonderplace Alpha
Theophanes Avery, Chaos Sprite – Wonderplace Alpha
Princess Training – Wonderplace Alpha
Wonderplace Alpha Kids’ Programming As Proposed By A Soulless But Fairly Clever AI