May 20-22, 2011

The Steampunk World’s Fair was jam packed with musical events, dancing performances and fantastic costumes.

Music played pretty much all day.  The main event room constantly had a band or singer performing in it.  There was also a smaller room that usually had a secondary band playing in it as well.  The crowds really got into the musical acts; sometimes we’d glance into the main event room and see a crowd of steampunkers jumping and dancing with strobe lights flashing all around them.

But there was more than just music on hand.  Literature was also a big presence.  We were really impressed that fair had multiple authors on site, some of whom are pretty well-known.  The authors could be a little pushy when it came to selling their books, but the panels where they talked writing and books and steampunk were fascinating.  These felt more like chats with friends than actual panels.  Other workshops included activities such as the art of Bartitsu fighting.  What else was interesting about this convention was that there were so many impromptu events.  We weren’t sure if they were part of the schedule or just someone getting a group together outside.

Of course, steampunk technology and fashion was the main event all weekend.  Some of the costumes people showed up in were truly impressive.  The vendors’ tables were more like art exhibits than shops, it seemed.

One of the coolest events was the costume contest on Saturday afternoon.  Unlike an anime convention, the costumers didn’t just stand up there and strut their stuff.  Every single one also had a fantastic story to go along with their costume.  It was honestly the most entertaining costume costume we’ve ever seen at a convention.

If there was a downside, it was that the Crowne Plaza hotel was way too small for the event.  We’re counting on them to find a larger venue next year.

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In that same weekend on Sunday we also dropped by Japan Day in Central Park.

May 20, 2011

Japan Day moved to a different part of Central Park as the old location in the park was under restoration this year.

The event scaled back this year because the venue was smaller and split up.  The Japan Day run tied in with the event was also held on earlier day of the month so the event lacked that whole crowd.

The entertainment was pretty bland.  It was really down to a choice between sitting in bleachers or walking around the booths in a separate section.  You couldn’t do both quickly because of the security and layout of the event.  We’re looking forward to going back to the old venue last year and having more to do (fingers crossed).