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Ōamaru, New Zealand, transformed into a hub of Victorian-era science fiction as it hosted its 17th annual steampunk festival. Thousands of visitors flocked to the small town, drawn by the event's unique celebration of an imagined age of steam. The festival is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its participants, who craft fantastical personas and elaborate outfits. Attendees, often describing themselves as shy in their daily lives as bricklayers, engineers, or farmers, embrace the opportunity to express themselves through cosplay and DIY projects.

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I am Lady Sarsaparilla Ovabyte, of the Coventry Ovabytes,” she said. “We are purveyors of fine cordials.

The event fosters a strong sense of community and encourages participants to hone skills in sewing, metalworking, and mechanics. This year's festival featured a range of quirky competitions, including a cookie-dunking race and a parasol-dueling contest that showcased participants' speed and style. Michele Cotten won the fashion show with a Star Trek-themed steampunk creation, highlighting the genre's limitless imagination. The whimsical teapot racing, where remote-controlled vehicles navigate an obstacle course, added another layer of playful competition.

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Captain Bob McSpoon, inventrepreneur.

Ross McKay, a creator of teapot racing, shared that the sport, dreamed up with his late wife and a friend, has been introduced to steampunk events globally. He jokingly noted that judges are open to bribes, adding to the festival's lighthearted atmosphere. The Ōamaru steampunk festival has become a globally recognized event, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this distinctive subculture that blends historical aesthetics with futuristic fantasy.

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The first time you dress up and go out in public is really scary and then people get such a buzz out of it. It’s so cool that you take on a different personality.