Tomorrow, September 12th, downtown Colfax, California transforms into a living SteamPunk postcard, and it’s completely free. Colfax Railroad Days 2026 celebrates the town’s pivotal role as the primary supply terminus during construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, which is exactly the kind of history the Omega7Red Formulae was practically invented to describe. Steam-era industry, dangerous mountain terrain, rival railroad empires racing toward a golden spike: if that isn’t SteamPunk origin lore, I don’t know what is.

The lineup is not messing around: model train displays, a Union Pacific heritage exhibit, a working blacksmith shop, living history re-enactors, the Black Flag Gang and the Pinkertons doing Wild West theatrical performances, free trackless train rides, craft vendors, a beer garden, and a quilt show. (Yes, a quilt show. Don’t laugh. Victorian craftsmanship is on-brand and you know it.) The Sacramento Steampunk Society has run an encampment here in past years with a British Expedition tent, a Traveling Egyptian Exhibition, and a Nautilus Expedition, because of course they did. The Doctor approves, high-5.

If you’re within driving distance of Placer County, roughly 50 miles northeast of Sacramento, there is zero excuse not to show up. Goggles optional but obviously correct. Nothing can beat old age and betrayal, but a working blacksmith and a free beer garden comes close.

Via: Historic Colfax / Colfax Railroad Days

Hand-built sculptural vehicles versus flying monkeys, killer robots, and zombies. On a closed course. Judged by how well the contraption handles the chaos. This is the Obtainium Cup Contraptor’s Rally, produced by Obtainium Works out of Vallejo, California, and the 10th Annual edition just went down on July 28 at Mare Island Art Studios. Ten years of this glorious nonsense. The Doctor approves wholeheartedly.

If you need a scorecard: participants build people-powered (and occasionally motorized) sculptural vehicles out of found objects, hence "obtainium," which is the most SteamPunk word that has ever existed. They then pilot those contraptions around an obstacle course while being assailed by stuffed flying monkeys, confronted by mad robots, and generally menaced by the entire cast of a fever dream. Trophies are awarded for creativity, tenacity, and participation. There is no trophy for dignity, because dignity didn’t show up. Good.

Ten years in, the Obtainium Cup is proof that the maker spirit is alive, greasy, and completely off its rails, in the best possible way. High-5 to every contraption that survived. And a moment of respect for every one that didn’t. Via: The Steampunk Explorer

The good people at Clockwork Alchemy have declared their 2026 theme and it is, frankly, exactly what the Formula ordered: Rogue Makers & Air Pirates. October 16-18, Redwood City, California. Grand Bay Hotel. You show up, you craft wonders that others fear to dream of, you seize the sky by the lapels. That is the entire pitch. That is enough.

If you have been waiting for the universe to give you permission to build a ridiculous aetheric contraption, strap on a flight coat, and demand that the horizon respect you, congratulations: the universe just sent you a formal engraved invitation. Artists’ Bazaar applications are open right now. The Doctor will be watching the attendee photos with great personal interest and mild professional jealousy.

Via: Clockwork Alchemy 2026: Rogue Makers & Air Pirates (theme art by Laura Carns, Gretchen Kisler, Danielle Hill, and Charlie Wong)