Category: Performance & Pleasures

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Fried Dough & Fried Oreos

Fried dough!

In a shimmering haze of neon-drenched futurescape, where the air hums with the electric pulse of a thousand hovering drones, there exists a sacred alchemy: the Fried Oreo. Imagine, if you will, a cosmos where the fabric of existence is woven from threads of sugar-dusted decadence and molten midnight cream, each bite a supernova of flavor that ignites the soul’s deepest circuitry. The crisp, golden batter—forged in the sizzling cauldrons of some rogue food-tech priest—encases the Oreo like a lover’s embrace, a fragile exoskeleton shielding its tender, cocoa-hearted core from the chaos of a fractured multiverse.

This is no mere snack, but a profane sacrament, a greasy gospel whispered in the back alleys of a cyberpunk New Orleans, where the ghosts of voodoo queens and nanobot hustlers dance in the flickering glow of holo-ads. The first bite ruptures time itself—sweetness floods the tongue like a bioengineered euphoria, the cream liquefying into a silken river of starstuff, while the fried shell crackles like the static of a dying galaxy. It’s the taste of rebellion against sterile perfection, a middle finger to the sleek, sanitized dystopias of tomorrow, where every sensation is rationed and every joy is synthetic.

Fried Oreos are the meaning of life because they are the paradox made flesh—or rather, made dough: chaos and comfort, excess and epiphany, a fleeting, oil-slicked transcendence that reminds us we are alive, messy, and gloriously finite. In their sticky, powdered-sugar aftermath, we glimpse the divine—a universe that doesn’t just permit such reckless beauty, but demands it. To eat one is to mainline the pulse of creation itself, a communion of the absurd and the sublime, served hot and dripping from the fryer of eternity.

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The Chris Cyanide Solo Bass Project

Chris Cyanide/

The Chris Cyanide Bass Solo Project, unleashed in July 2017 by New York’s own Chris Cyanide, is a relentless, bass-fueled journey into the dark heart of industrial metal, shock rock, and horror-inspired theatrics. This one-man sonic assault reimagines the boundaries of solo performance, wielding the bass guitar as both weapon and storyteller. With a sound that’s equal parts manic and melodic, infused with a gritty cyberpunk edge, Chris Cyanide delivers an unforgettable experience that’s captivated audiences across diverse stages—from underground clubs and high-energy festivals to horror conventions and intimate house parties. Each live show is a visceral spectacle, blending raw musical intensity with a flair for the dramatic, leaving fans buzzing long after the final note fades.

The project’s discography kicked off with Bassic Evil in 2018, a debut album that set the tone with its brooding, heavy basslines and unapologetic attitude. This was followed by Don’t Look in the Bassment in 2021, a sophomore release that dives deeper into the abyss, weaving eerie atmospheres with pulsating rhythms. Both albums are available on CD for collectors and streamable on all major digital platforms, showcasing Chris Cyanide’s evolution as an artist who’s as much a composer as he is a performer. Rooted in a passion for pushing creative limits, the Chris Cyanide Bass Solo Project is a bold testament to the power of individuality in music—an electrifying force that continues to grow, shock, and inspire.

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Captain Robert Brown, Airship Pirate of Honor

Captain Robert, Airship Captain and Steampunk creator.

=Where’s the soiled and rusty builders
Welding iron sculptures?
Where’s the clockwork ballerinas,
Circling like vultures?
Where’s the darkened cabaret,
Filled with new nostalgics?
Where has everything I loved gone?
Oh, the loss is tragic!”

~Abney Park, “Blowing Off Steam”

Captain Robert Brown: Steampunk Pirate King


Brethren of the Aetherial Coast, all hail Captain Robert Brown, the world’s most notorious airship pirate, landing at Wonderplace Alpha this May and hopefully not making off with it!

We’d like to tell you a little about Captain Robert, but being who we are, we’re probably going to tell you a LOT about Captain Robert. Because he’s a fascinating fellow.

Who Is Captain Robert?

“But I’m longing for a time I missed,
Nostalgic curse from fantasist,
The present worlds too dark, or is too bland. ”

-Abney Park

(As we often do, we asked the AI for help writing these bits of history down. The A.I. did a TERRIBLE job, which triggered Captain Robert to storm in, and in a tremendous rage, he behead the poor automaton! He then preceded to try to fix as much as he could in this bio, after which is apologized to the mechanic man, and handed it back it’s head with regret.)

Captain Robert’s history is shrouded in the mists of time, which are similar to the mists of Glasgow, Scotland, but slightly thicker. In 2005, Robert steered Abney Park away from its gothic roots, announcing on LiveJournal (March 13, 2005), “As if we just arrived by jet-powered-zeppelin for a midnight dig just outside of Cairo in the 1900’s, exploring a tomb that proved to be a portal to the planet were Vampires are the predominate race, or some other cheezy pulp-theme.”

Some would say that spark—fired by a childhood in Southeast Asia with his anthropologist mom and a 1988 stay near London’s Abney Park Cemetery—helped birth Steampunk itself. “Today satellite photos make the planet seem so small. Where is the adventure in that?” he pondered in Exchanging Fire (June 23, 2010). On Tumblr (August 8, 2012), he wrote, “Steampunk isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a rebellion against fiction over form, profitably over artistry movement” and told Decimononic (April 2012), “I hoped Steampunk could save the world from ‘Profit is the only goal.’”

While she won’t be at this appearance, his first mate is Kristina Erickson, Abney Park’s keyboard virtuoso and his wife since 2006. Together with the rest of the irrepressible Abney Park crew, they’ve unleashed 32 albums and gigs  around the world, in cities like Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Austin, Baltimore, London, Whitby, Leipzig, Paris, Utrecht, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, just to name a few. “It’s a family affair—chaos, creativity, and a shared madness,” he grinned in a Sacramento Bee piece (July 14, 2014). On Steampunk Empire (May 3, 2016), he posted, “Kristina’s the calm to my storm—she keeps the ship flying when I’m rigging explosives.” “Airship Pirate” (2009) bellows, “With a crew of drunken pilots, we’re the only airship pirates / We’re full of hot air and we’re starting to rise,” while “On The Fringe” (2014) croons, “Perhaps I’m happier struggling. Than rotting alone in a cage. Perhaps I’m happier fighting my life, Than dying alone of my rage,”.

His books are sheer literary plunder. The Wrath of Fate (2011), Book 1 of The Airship Pirate Chronicles, starts, “Show me a man who grew up with a happy childhood, no blood or broken glass in his youth, and I’ll show you a man who likely has nothing to contribute to society. They same wounds that can turn a man into a villain, might instead turn a man into a hero, and artist, or a leader. Scars add character. ” It won significant acclaim, as well: Books in Character (2012) cheered, “A fun, lighthearted read that draws you in,” while a Goodreads review (March 15, 2013) gushed, “A rollicking adventure—Brown’s world feels alive!” And earning a Steampunk Chronicle nod (June 2014), “A gritty, thrilling sequel that ups the stakes.”

Gaming is his other triumph. The Airship Pirates RPG (2011) snagged Diehard GameFAN’s “Best New RPG,” hailed as “a breath of fresh helium in a sea of tired tropes.” Its rulebook taunts, “Grab your chronominautilus and rewrite history!” and tempts, “The skies are lawless, and the rum is cheap.” Robert told Steampunk Chronicle (March 2012), “It’s less D&D, more ‘What if Jules Verne ran a bar fight?’” RPG.net (April 2012) raved, “The chronominautilus is bonkers—I sank Atlantis by accident!” Terror of the Skies (2013) packs 73 cards, plexiglass zeppelins, and a Wrath of Fate booster with the “Aether Rifle” (2D6 damage, +1 flair). “It’s about outsmarting the wind and your enemies,” he said in Steampunk Chronicle (October 2013). A 2016 BoardGameGeek review cheered, “Steampunk combat at its finest—fast and furious!”

“This life is filled with many worlds, you can live in any one you want
If you don’t love the world you’re in, choose another world to haunt.”
-Abney Park, “Many Worlds”

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Wonderplace Alpha Presents: Coney Island Saucery – A Culinary Thrillride Unleashed

In the shadow of Brooklyn’s storied shores, where the ghosts of creaking rollercoasters and the tang of salt air linger, a new force emerges from the ashes of Coney Island’s gritty legacy. Coney Island Saucery, born from the fevered mind of Aaron Max Epstein—a graphic designer turned alchemist of spice—arrives at Wonderplace Alpha with a promise: to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, one drop at a time. This isn’t just hot sauce. It’s a pulse-quickening plunge into flavor, a carefully engineered assault on the senses that balances chaos and control, heat and harmony. And now, it’s here—available at nearly every food truck in our Wonderplace Alpha fleet, ready to ignite your next meal with a thrillride all its own.

Picture it: the sizzle of a burger fresh off the grill, the steam rising from a pile of fries, the hum of a crowd beneath our neon-lit canopy. Then, a single bottle of Coney Island Saucery’s finest—perhaps the Trailer Park Boys Green Bastard, with its verde venom of cilantro and serrano, or the Fallout Vault-Tec Industries Hot Sauce, a wasteland survivor’s dream of pineapple and habanero—stands poised to rewrite the script. These aren’t mere condiments; they’re catalysts, each one a small vial of rebellion against the mundane. Crafted in small batches, vegan and gluten-free, they whisper of Epstein’s Brooklyn roots—days spent dodging rickety rides and savoring Nathan’s dogs—while screaming innovation with every fiery note. From the medium kick of Deeecent to the metal-forged fury of Slayer’s Raining Blood, there’s a sauce for every palate, every daredevil, every dreamer.

But we’re not stopping there. Wonderplace Alpha is proud to unveil the Coney Island Saucery Hot Sauce Taste Event—a spectacle as strange and wondrous as the island that inspired it. Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, to a night where the ordinary bends and the extraordinary reigns. On [insert date], beneath the flickering lights of our food truck haven, we’re rolling out the red carpet—or perhaps a checkered tablecloth—for an evening of flavor and frenzy. Sample the full Saucery lineup, from the garlic-laced Louisiana silk of Deeecent to the apocalyptic heat of Raining Blood. Test your limits with curated pairings—think tacos kissed by Green Bastard, or a brahmin burger electrified by Vault-Tec. Our chefs, mad scientists in their own right, will concoct exclusive dishes to showcase these sauces, proving they’re not just toppings but the beating heart of a meal. Expect the unexpected: a live DJ spinning tracks as wild as the flavors, a “Sauce Survivor” challenge for the brave, and maybe even a glimpse of Epstein’s own Coney Island magic, bottled and bold.

This isn’t a one-off. It’s a declaration. Wonderplace Alpha stands as more than a venue—we’re a launchpad, a megaphone, a co-conspirator in Coney Island Saucery’s quest to redefine what hot sauce can be. We’re weaving their creations into the fabric of our food truck empire, ensuring that every bite you take carries the potential for adventure. Our trucks—roaming emissaries of taste—will stock these bottles at every stop, from the bustling streets of [insert city] to the quiet corners of [insert region]. We’re not just offering a product; we’re curating an experience, a movement, a chance for you to join the family Epstein’s built—one that dares you to taste the edge and come back for more.

Why Coney Island Saucery? Because it’s not about heat for heat’s sake. It’s precision, passion, a nod to a place where risk met reward under a Brooklyn sky. Epstein, with his designer’s eye and wizard’s touch, has distilled that spirit into every bottle—a spirit we’ve embraced wholeheartedly. We’re behind him, not just as a promoter but as a partner, ready to amplify his vision with special events that turn sauce into spectacle. This Taste Event is only the beginning. Picture future nights: a Trailer Park Boys watch party with sauce-soaked snacks, a Fallout-themed wasteland feast, a metalhead’s paradise with Slayer riffs and scorching bites. We’re all in, encouraging—no, urging—everyone to try it, to feel the rush, to discover why this isn’t just hot sauce, but a story you taste.

So come hungry. Come curious. Grab a bottle from our trucks, join us for the Taste Event, and let Coney Island Saucery take you somewhere wild, weird, and utterly wonderful. At Wonderplace Alpha, we don’t just serve food—we unleash phenomena. And this, dear friends, is one you won’t survive without tasting.

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Witling’s Jester: The Geeky and Irreverent Comedy of Lou Perez

Get ready for a hilarious brain-bending ride at Wonderplace Alpha with Lou Perez, the comedian, writer, and sketch comedy genius behind That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore: On the Death and Rebirth of Comedy. This nerdy firebrand mixes razor-sharp wit, offbeat observations, and geeky charm, delivering laughs as unique as a rare comic book find at a convention—think Einstein with a mic and a mischievous grin. “I told my Roomba it’s living its best life,” Lou says, “but it just bumped into the couch like, ‘This is my destiny, you nerd.’”

Lou’s sketch comedy is where his wild imagination truly shines. As the co-creator of the sketch duo Greg and Lou, he’s unleashed iconic bits like “Wolverine’s Claws Suck,” racking up over 20 million views online and cementing his status as a comedic alchemist. “I asked Wolverine why he doesn’t just get a manicure,” Lou quips, “and he slashed my couch like it’s my fault he’s got anger issues.” On his website, he touts producing Comedy Is Murder, a sketch series packed with absurd, laugh-out-loud chaos, proving he’s a master of turning nerdy quirks into sketch gold. “My fridge is a graveyard of expired condiments,” he confesses, “but I keep them like they’re rare Pokémon cards.” He was on The Last Glory Hole tour with Scott Thompson from the Kids in the Hall. Former President of the ACLU, Nadine Strossen said, “All great truths begin as blasphemies. The same can be said of jokes…Lou Perez delivers truth and blasphemy with punch lines.”

On Twitter (@thelouperez), he teases debates like whether Batman could outsmart Superman in trivia, showcasing his geeky edge. In That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, Lou dives into comedy’s wild frontier with sharp, hilarious insights, quipping on his website, “All great truths begin as blasphemies. The same can be said of jokes”—a line as clever as his sketches. “I tried meditating once,” he adds, “but my brain turned it into a cage match between Yoda and a Roomba—guess who won?”

Don’t miss Lou at Wonderplace Alpha—he’ll hit you with stand-up comedy brilliance, nerdy one-liners, and laughs that’ll stick with you like a favorite comic panel. “I named my Wi-Fi ‘404-Life-Not-Found,’” he says, “so my neighbors know I’m thriving—at least until the signal drops.” Your funny bone (and inner geek) won’t know what hit it!

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Vendors Wanted (INDOORS SOLD OUT)

VENDORS WANTED! May 2-4, Lake George, New York:

Gentlecreatures and Enigmatic Artisans of the Unfathomable—purveyors of the peculiar and unusual, the marvelous and weird, the strange and arcane, the eccentric and exquisitely bizarre—Wonderplace Alpha is a Steampunk Gothic Renaissance Faire, a dazzling collision of clockwork ingenuity, gothic shadows, and Renaissance opulence, hosted at www.wonderplacealpha.comYour brass-bound contraptions, twilight-drenched relics, and starlit curios are not merely welcome but essential, destined to transform our outdoor stalls into shrines of the uncanny.

INDOOR SPACES ARE, SADLY, SOLD OUT. ALL SPACES ARE 10′ X 10′ OUTDOOR SPOTS IN AREAS WITH EXCELLENT TRAFFIC ATTRACTIONS AND SOME LOVELY GREENERY. (check out some of our attractions, below)

FLASH SALE!

this weekend—Friday, March 21, through Sunday, March 23, 2025—we’re unleashing a flash 50% off sale on vendor spaces. We’re not in the habit of such reckless generosity, and I daresay this may be the final such flourish for this singular show.

Really. We’d like to get some great vendors in now, while we’re doing quite a lot of advertising and can show you/show you off to people.

Apply now at https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSf5A2So33KCA6539HNK5Cz…—don’t let the clockwork of opportunity tick past you.

Oh, and a whisper of advice—don’t dawdle over your tea and scones; the peculiar wait for no one, and neither do we.

**Seeking: Sponsors, Vendors, Performers**

Want to sponsor one of the most unique events of 2025? Contact us today to learn about opportunities!

We’re always seeking volunteers to join our mad, mad, mad little team. Email us!

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Wonderplace Alpha Kids’ Programming As Proposed By A Soulless But Fairly Clever AI

All right, dear friends! We’re working on childrens’ programming and thinking about what you might really enjoy.

Get ready for a fantastical mashup of whirring gears, medieval merriment, and Halloween haunts at our Steampunk Renaissance Halloween event! We’ve cooked up a cauldron of delightful children’s activities that spark creativity and giggles—all included with admission. Perfect for little tinkerers, knights, and ghouls, these are just a sampling of the fun awaiting your family. With our costumed crew leading the charge, kids will dive into a world where steampunk ingenuity meets Renaissance charm and spooky thrills!

1. Cog & Feather Creations

  • What It Is: Kids craft mini steampunk hats or spooky wands using paper, gears, and faux feathers.
  • The Vibe: Picture a Renaissance artisan tweaking a steampunk gadget—or a witch adding flair to her broomstick!
  • How It Happens: We provide paper strips, plastic gears, feathers, and glue sticks. Kids decorate, and our crew tapes them into shape. Cost: a few bucks for bulk supplies from a craft store.
  • Why Kids Love It: They leave with a wearable or wieldable treasure!

2. Pumpkin Gear Toss

  • What It Is: Kids toss lightweight “gears” (cardboard rings) onto pumpkin stems or pegs.
  • The Vibe: A steampunk carnival game with a Halloween twist—think “tune up the pumpkin contraption!”
  • How It Happens: Set up a few real or fake pumpkins (or buckets) with sticks as targets. Cut rings from free cardboard. Cost: nearly zilch if you’ve got boxes lying around!
  • Why Kids Love It: It’s silly, active, and they’ll cheer every wobbly toss.

3. Ghostly Potion Mix-Up

  • What It Is: Kids swirl safe “potions” in cups—vinegar, baking soda, and a dash of color for fizzy fun.
  • The Vibe: An alchemist’s lab gone Halloween wild—beware the “steaming spirit brew!”
  • How It Happens: We set out cups, spoons, and ingredients on a tarp. Kids mix and watch it bubble while our crew hams it up. Cost: about $20 for bulk basics.
  • Why Kids Love It: The fizz and mess feel like real magic!

4. Pin the Cog on the Clockwork Creature

  • What It Is: Kids stick a paper cog onto a drawn steampunk beast or ghostly knight.
  • The Vibe: A Renaissance game of skill meets steampunk whimsy—fix the creature’s gears before it haunts the skies!
  • How It Happens: We draw a big critter on cardboard, hand out paper cogs with tape, and spin kids for a laugh. Cost: free with scrap supplies.
  • Why Kids Love It: Blindfolded chaos and goofy results!

5. Storytime in the Steam Tent

  • What It Is: Our crew reads enchanting tales with a steampunk, Renaissance, or Halloween twist.
  • The Vibe: Gather ‘round for stories of clockwork dragons, haunted castles, or ghostly airships.
  • How It Happens: Kids snuggle on a blanket as we read from books like The Inventor’s Secret by Suzanne Slade (steampunk curiosity), The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola (Renaissance romp), or The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams (Halloween giggles). Cost: free if you borrow from a library!
  • Why Kids Love It: It’s cozy, imaginative, and they might chime in with their own ideas.

Bonus: Costume Cavalcade

  • What It Is: A mini parade where kids show off their steampunk goggles, knightly capes, or spooky masks.
  • The Vibe: Strut like a Renaissance noble, a steampunk pilot, or a Halloween specter!
  • How It Happens: We line ‘em up, play a tune on a phone, and cheer like mad. Cost: a few bucks for candy “medals.”
  • Why Kids Love It: They’re the stars of the show!

Bring the Whole Crew!

This is just a taste of the fun—expect more surprises at the event! Our activities are designed for kids to jump in, get creative, and soak up the steampunk-Renaissance-Halloween spirit, all on a shoestring budget with maximum heart. Got a costume? Wear it! No costume? No worries—imagination’s the key. See you there for a day of wonder and whimsy!

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The Photographic Oddities Scavenger Hunt

The Grand and Wondrous Expedition in Pursuit of Photographic Singularities and Astonishing Curiosities

Here’s an expanded, steampunk-infused rewrite of your photo contest presentation, weaving in deep quotes from real human authors to elevate the tone and inspire the shutterbugs. It’s still rooted in the event’s real, unusual wonders, but now it’s dripping with brass-bound grandeur and a touch of the uncanny.

“The Illustrious and Arduous Campaign to Chronicle the Esoteric Wonders and Photographic Prodigies of the Known World”

Hark, ye dauntless chroniclers of the shadowed and sublime! Heed the clarion call to a quest both perilous and resplendent, where the camera obscura—thy trusty mechanized stallion—shall bear thee through the tangled wilds and clanking corridors of Wonderplace Alpha. From May 2-4, 2025, in the mist-wreathed realm of Lake George, New York, thou art summoned to wield thy lens as a beacon, capturing the fleeting marvels that defy the mundane and mock the ordinary.

Seek the whirring innards of a clockwork beast, its gears gnashing in forgotten workshops, as K.W. Jeter whispers, “The universe was a machine, and I was a broken cog, spinning free into the dark.” Chase the ghostly pirouette of steam beneath a gaslamp’s flicker, where Gail Carriger muses, “My heart is a clockwork thing, wound tight and ticking toward ruin.” Frame the improbable—a flower of brass blooming in a merchant’s stall, or a cyber-wrought specter stalking the Goblin Market—as Nick Harkaway declares, “Every cog fits somewhere, and every soul’s a spark waiting to blaze.” These are no mere phantasms but the tangible oddities of our multiverse fair, ripe for thy shutter’s embrace.

Thy mission: to snare the bizarre, the beautiful, the brazen—real wonders that hum, clatter, and shimmer amidst the event’s sprawl. From the clangorous inventions of mad tinkerers to the velvet hush of a time-lost relic, each photograph shall rise as a testament to thy artistry, a gallery of captured prodigies to dazzle the eyes of all who roam these paths of wonder. As Dexter Palmer intones, “The machine sang, and for once, it was a tune worth dancing to,” so too shall thy images sing, immortalizing the irrepressible spirit of this steampunk-soaked spectacle.

The Charge:

  • Roam the indoor/outdoor expanse, from firelit stages to vendor-haunted nooks.
  • Seek the rare—the improbable contraption, the costumed rogue, the glint of something other.
  • Submit thy finest captures to stand judged by peers and eccentrics alike, with glory and prizes for the boldest visions.

The Reward:
A place in the annals of Wonderplace Alpha, thy work enshrined among the esoteric treasures of 2025, to be gawked at, revered, and whispered of in tales yet untold.

Gear thy cameras, oil thy resolve, and step forth, for as Mark Hodder proclaims, “Invention is the heartbeat of hope, and we’ve got rhythm to spare.” The wonders await—go forth and seize them!

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A Program List For Wonderplace Alpha

(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.

Halloween Revelry!

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.

Mornington Crescent

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.

The Machinations of Mayhem: A Grand Conclave on the Governance, Gallantry, and Grand Larceny of Steampunk’s Splendidly Sinister Souls, Mad Scientists, and Airship Brigands

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 ~ Gypsy Soul Artist

“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.

“Blueprints of the Beyond: Crafting Tomorrow’s Worlds in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Architecture” – Wonderplace Alpha

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

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.

Stardust to Star Dustbin: An Odyssey Through the Overlooked Oceans of Otherworldly Offal – Wonderplace Alpha

“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!

Our Guest of Honor Panel

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.

The Meditation Labyrinth

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

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

Wonderplace Alpha Presents: Coney Island Saucery – A Culinary Thrillride Unleashed – Wonderplace Alpha

Shane Dykman, Author and Guest – Wonderplace Alpha

Theophanes Avery, Chaos Sprite – Wonderplace Alpha

Princess Training – Wonderplace Alpha

Steampunk Queen Victoria (Yes, Really) (Well, She’s Probably An Actress) (Or A Mimic) – Wonderplace Alpha

Wonderplace Alpha Kids’ Programming As Proposed By A Soulless But Fairly Clever AI

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Halloween Revelry!

Anything can happen on Halloween.

Dare to Join the Halloween Revelry at Wonderplace Alpha!
On one fateful, thrilling night, the grounds at Wonderplace Alpha slither into a sprawling, shadowed abyss where Halloween entwines with the dark splendor of a sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk Renaissance Faire! Across over an acre of creeping gloom, bold souls in exquisite costumes—spectral knights, gear-whirring tinkerers, or cosmic phantoms—stalk a realm trembling with the chill of All Hallows’ Eve.

“Here’s a knocking indeed!”—a voice from the crypt might purr, as the night unfurls its sinister delights. Jack-o’-lanterns cast their “ghastly, grim, and ancient” grins, cobwebs veil the void, and “the raven himself is hoarse” beneath a sky of lurking dread. Step into our small yet deliciously diabolical Haunted House, where “the dead rise up” with a shudder, and shadows whisper secrets in a tone only Vincent Price could savor. Roam for classic Trick-or-Treating, plucking treats (or devilish tricks!) from costumed fiends aplenty. Master fiendishly fun Halloween games, then descend into the grand Halloween party—sway to a “tingling, spine-chilling” symphony of ghostly wails and monstrous beats.

The terror mounts with spooky panels, where tales of “ghoulish delight” drip from the lips of our community’s darkest raconteurs. Scream Queens, those “mistresses of the macabre,” reign supreme, their presence a thrill to chill your bones. “Something wicked this way comes”—all conjured with raw, homegrown menace, no lavish tricks needed. “Beware the dark pool at the bottom of our hearts,” intones the night—Wonderplace Alpha beckons you to don your most “exquisitely grotesque” costume, summon your fellow spirits, and plunge into an evening of eerie revelry, wild dancing, and unforgettable frights!