Steampunk Faire Returns to The Domes March 3

GREENDALE, WI - From Milwaukee County Parks: A gadget-filled garden party, known as Gardens & Gears Steampunk Faire, will return to The Domes for its fourth year, March 3, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Mitchell Park Domes is located at 524 S. Layton Blvd.

This year’s faire will put a sci-fi twist on the already twisted world of Alice in Wonderland, the basis for the current garden train display in the Floral Show Dome.

Inspired by technology, metal, and the Victorian era, the faire will feature 14 creative artists offering merchandise and unique entertainment. An eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, and objects of art will be for sale.

To learn more about the steampunk concept, visitors may attend the mini-lecture, “What is Steampunk,” presented at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.

Throughout the day, characters from Alice in Wonderland will give poetry readings, a living statue will startle unsuspecting visitors, and G-scale steam-driven trains will chug along the tracks in the garden train display. Sounds of the locomotives will take visitors back in time to the early days of the railways.

As the trains in the Floral Show Dome travel on the Railroad to Wonderland, they’ll pass the quiet riverbank near Alice’s house, go down the rabbit hole, and speed through the looking glass to the world of the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, and Queen of Hearts. Fifteen scenes along the route highlight chapters from the books Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

A crowd-pleaser among the food and beverage offerings will be steampunk-themed treats. To go with them will be complimentary tea, courtesy of Rishi Tea. Additional food and beverage items will also be available for purchase.

Event-goers are encouraged to wear family-friendly steampunk fashions or to come as their favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland.

The Gardens & Gears Steampunk Faire and Railroad to Wonderland garden train show are included in regular admission to The Domes. Admission fees range from $5 to $8. When presenting IDs for proof of status, Milwaukee County residents, students of all ages, and people with disabilities receive discounted admission. Children age 5 and under are admitted free. No food or beverage carry-ins.

For more information on The Domes, visit mitchellparkdomes.com.

Photo courtesy of Mitchell Park Domes