Many out there have probably pegged the steampunk phenomenon as a passing fad. But the subculture actually seems to be growing all of the time, fueled by the gaming scene and the endless flow of sci-fi/fantasy films and TV shows cranked out by Hollywood and streaming studios. Physical proof of the vibrancy of the steampunk sensation will be in evidence when the Gilt & Fanfare Magical Market sets up at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham for the weekend of April 8-10.
Organized by New Jersey promoter Jeff Mach (“the creator of the first steampunk opera, “Absinthe Heroes”), the three-day tribal gathering promises a vast cast of vendors and artisans offering “absolutely unbelievable clothes, decorations, art, tools, games, books, lotions, potions, swords, gameboards, posters, foods, spices, and everything else.” Also on the part of the program is a “steampunk circus faerie festival,” games of chance, dancing, and “glasses of the good stuff” at the Blackthorne’s bar.
The Gilt & Fanfare Magical Market will take place at the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham from April 8 at 3pm through April 10 at 6pm. Tickets are $10-$175. Limited lodging is still available as of this writing. Visit the event’s Facebook page for further information.
This article appears in March 2022.
