There’s so much to do!

Cogs & Corsets Steampunk Happening brings you all the fun and frivolity you expect from a Steampunk event, surrounded by the historic architecture of Downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Our event has activities and fun for all ages, and most of it is FREE!

Now heading into our sixth year, Cogs & Corsets just keeps getting better.  This is a night you don’t want to miss!

Keep checking back for information about the 2023 event!

Entertainment

Photo provided by Tom Kirk

Tom Kirk: Home and Studio Tour

The amazing and fantastical work of Tom Kirk must be seen to be believed. Scrap parts nearly come alive into mythical beasts. Discarded machinery is now used to build another world.

Tom Kirk’s home and studio are located at 1905 Garling Dr, Bloomington. You can drive by to see the amazing sculptures outside.


In a second location south of downtown Bloomington, is Tom’s sculpture garden. This is open 24/7 so you can stop by anytime. It is located at 410 S Madison Street. Read more about this endeavor in the Pantagraph.

Contests

Photo by David Huber

The Costume Accessories Contest

The Costume Contest will be back in 2023! Now is the time to find those fabulous little details that make you costume stand out!

Congratulations to the 2022 winners

Best Adult: Levi Xavier Munz
Best Duo: Captain Quaestor and The Mighty Ben
Crowd Favorite: The Haberslasher, Brandon Geerts
Photos by David Huber

Photo by David Huber

Splendid Teapot Racing

Splendid Teapot Racing is the ultimate in remote-control racing. You’ve got RC’s, you’ve got tea, and you’ve got the chasm of doom to leap over. Best of all, you’ve got crowd cheering you on. What more could you ask for?

Check out the official rules and grab your RC to start practicing. Advance online registration in no longer available. Please go to the Registration Desk on the corner of Jefferson and Main Streets to register.

Steampunk Maker Faire

Photo by David Huber

Steampunk Maker Faire

Embrace your inner mad scientist! Grab some widgets and doodads and create something the world has never seen before!

Congratulations to the 2022 winners

Best Accessory: Trena Gagliardo.
Best Invention: The Haberslasher, Brandon Geerts
Photos by David Huber

Family Fun

Photo by David Huber

Nerf Gun Dueling

Join us on the north-west lawn of the Museum of History to try your hand a Nerf Gun Dueling!

Chicagoland Steampunk Society officiates your Nerf Dueling competition. Dueling’s dark history in the 19th century is all too real, but our done in good, safe fun. A signed waiver will be required to participate (available on site).

Photo by David Huber

Dirigible Races

A Cogs & Corsets original! Challenge a friend to see who can move their dirigible the fastest along the airways. Those who wield their bellows the fastest will prevail!

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Free STEAM Activities

Be on the look out for free, family-friendly STEAM activities on Friday and Saturday downtown!