Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is the Fox Valley Steampunk Festival?
The Fox Valley Steampunk Festival is a family-friendly, one-day celebration of steampunk creativity, history, and community, hosted at the historic Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois. The event is presented by the Fox River Trolley Museum in association with the Chicagoland Steampunk Society.
What is steampunk?
Steampunk is a creative genre and community inspired by Victorian-era aesthetics, retro-futuristic technology, and the spirit of invention. Think gears, goggles, airships, clockwork gadgets, and imaginative reimaginings of history, all with a sense of adventure and fun. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it!
When and where is the festival?
The festival takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Fox River Trolley Museum, located at 365 S. LaFox Street (Illinois Route 31) in South Elgin, Illinois, along the scenic banks of the Fox River.
What are the festival hours?
Festival hours will be announced closer to the event date. Follow us on social media at #FoxValleySteampunkFest for the latest updates.
Activities & Programming
What activities are available at the festival?
There is something for everyone! Festival highlights include:
- Steampunk-Themed Train Rides
- Steampunk Games and Challenges (Teapot Racing, Nerf Gun Duels, Parasol Dueling, Tea Dueling)
- Steampunk Costume Contest
- Museum Heritage Tours
- Steampunk Tea and Social
- Vendor and Maker Marketplace
- Themed Photo Ops
- Storytelling and Steampunk Lore Sessions
- Youth Activities and Scavenger Hunt
- Volunteer and Museum Membership Table
Do I need a costume to attend?
Absolutely not! While costumes are warmly encouraged and celebrated, no costume is required. Come as you are. All are welcome.
Is the festival appropriate for young children?
Yes! The festival is designed to be family-friendly and inclusive for all ages. There are dedicated youth activities, a festival-wide scavenger hunt, craft tables, and plenty of hands-on fun for kids.
What is the Steampunk Costume Contest?
The Steampunk Costume Contest is a family-friendly competition celebrating creative and imaginative steampunk attire, with special recognition for railway-inspired costumes. It is open to all attendees, and no experience is necessary. Judges celebrate creativity, originality, and inclusivity.
What are the steampunk games?
The festival features four beloved steampunk sporting events, each with its own set of rules available on our website:
- Teapot Racing: Navigate a remote-controlled teapot through a creative obstacle course against the clock.
- Steampunk Nerf Gun Duels: A single-elimination dueling tournament with steampunked Nerf pistols, Victorian-style grievances, and dramatic defeats.
- Parasol Dueling: A theatrical, no-contact contest based on Rock, Paper, Scissors, played with parasols.
- Tea Dueling: A battle of nerves and patience to see who can dunk and consume a biscuit most cleanly.
All events are free to enter and open to all ages. Sign up on festival day at each activity station.
What is the Steampunk Tea and Social?
The Steampunk Tea and Social is a Victorian-style outdoor gathering where you can relax, enjoy tea, and meet members of the Chicagoland Steampunk Society. Discussion topics range from “What is Steampunk?” to “Chicago’s Lost Railways.” All are welcome.
Will there be food and beverages available?
Food and beverage details will be announced closer to the event. The festival will include the Steampunk Tea and Social, and additional food options are being planned.
Museum Heritage Tours
Can I tour the Fox River Trolley Museum during the festival?
Yes! Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the museum’s car barn and restoration shop will be available throughout the day, showcasing the work that goes into preserving and operating historic railcars.
Will there be museum experts available to answer questions?
Absolutely. Our historians will be ready to answer questions about Chicago’s electric transport era.
Vendors & Performers
How do I apply to be a vendor?
Applications are open! Visit our vendors page or contact us to access the vendor application form. We welcome artists, makers, and crafters of all kinds.
Is there a fee for vendor booth space?
We strive to keep costs accessible for local artisans and small creators. You can see pricing information on our vendors page.
Volunteering
How can I volunteer at the festival?
Volunteers are a vital part of making this event a success! Sign up through our volunteers page or at the museum. Volunteers receive perks including free admission, a festival t-shirt, and behind-the-scenes access.
What roles are available for volunteers?
Volunteer opportunities include event setup and breakdown, staffing activity stations, guiding museum tours, assisting at the welcome table, supporting vendors, and more.
Getting There & Parking
Where is the Fox River Trolley Museum?
The Fox River Trolley Museum is located at 365 S. LaFox Street (Illinois Route 31) in South Elgin, Illinois, three blocks south of State Street.
How do I get there?
From Chicago and the east, take the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) or US Route 20 west to Elgin, exit McLean Boulevard southbound, and turn left onto Route 31 toward the museum. From the south, take Illinois Route 59 north to Route 64, then head west to Route 31 in St. Charles and take Route 31 north to the museum. By train, take Metra to Elgin on the Milwaukee District West Line, approximately three miles north of the museum.
Is parking available on-site?
Yes, parking will be available at or near the museum. More details to come.
Is the festival accessible for guests with disabilities?
We are committed to making the festival welcoming and accessible for all guests. Please contact us if you have specific accessibility needs or questions.
Supporting the Museum
How does my attendance support the Fox River Trolley Museum?
Your ticket purchase directly supports the Fox River Trolley Museum’s mission to preserve and operate Chicago’s electric railway heritage. You can also support the museum by becoming a member or signing up to volunteer. Ask at the Membership Table on festival day for special festival-only perks!
What is the Fox River Trolley Museum?
The Fox River Trolley Museum is a nonprofit electric railway museum dedicated to preserving and operating vintage electric railcars along the historic Fox River Line in South Elgin, Illinois. Operated by the Fox River Trolley Association, a 501©(3) nonprofit, the museum’s collection includes 30 antique electric trolleys, railroad cars, and locomotives ranging in construction dates from 1887 to 1973. Learn more at foxtrolley.org.
Stay Connected
Where can I find updates about the festival?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #FoxValleySteampunkFest for the latest news, lineup announcements, and event updates.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Reach out to us through our contact page. We are happy to help!