If you are looking for a truly unique Ontario festival where imagination, creativity and a little bit of eccentricity come together, mark your calendar for Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days in Orillia & Lake Country.
Set in the charming village of Coldwater, this one-of-a-kind event invites visitors to step into a world of gears, goggles, corsets, top hats, curiosities and incredible creativity. Whether you are a dedicated Steampunk enthusiast or simply looking for something different to experience, this is an event worth dressing up for.
What to Expect at Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days
Steampunk is a genre inspired by Victorian-era fashion, technology and imagination, and at Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days, you will see it brought vividly to life.
Expect to encounter elaborate costumes, giant stilt walkers, Penny Farthing riders and silk rope aerialists, along with thousands of visitors embracing their own take on Steampunk & Oddity style. From beautifully crafted hats and goggles to corsets, accessories and fantastical outfits, simply walking through the festival becomes part of the experience.
The event is being organized by Coldwater’s only Steampunk artist, who was inspired to create the celebration after years of requests from the community to bring this unique experience back to Coldwater. The goal is to create an atmosphere that celebrates creativity and makes Steampunk & Oddity accessible and entertaining for visitors of all ages.
With approximately 80 vendors, there will be plenty to browse, including unique creations, art, curiosities, food and more. Add live music and a Steampunk costume contest, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable day in Coldwater.
There’s plenty happening throughout the day at Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days, with performers, musicians and roaming entertainment bringing the streets of Coldwater to life.
Entertainment & Festival Highlights
9:00 AM — Festival Opens
Start your day exploring the festival, meeting vendors and checking out the unique Steampunk creations. Caricaturist Linda LeForge and drum maker Hilton will be set up along Main Street, while costume contest registration opens at the Steam Team Booth.
9:30 AM — Johnathan Siglegs
Keep your eyes peeled for Johnathan Siglegs, a wandering juggler, unicyclist and balloon twister bringing plenty of fun and unexpected entertainment to the streets.
10:30 AM — Live Music & Stilt Walkers
Enjoy live music from Matt Playne on Main Street while the Barrie Circus Company stilt walkers roam through the festival.
11:00 AM — Acrobatics & Magic
Catch the Youth Acrobatics performance on Main Street, then keep an eye out for wandering magician James Harrison.
12:00 PM — Steampunk Costume Contest
One of the festival’s highlights! Head to Mill Street to see the creativity and imagination of the Steampunk community come together for the Costume Contest.
5:00 PM — Festival Closes
Come dressed for the occasion! Whether you create an elaborate Steampunk costume or simply add a top hat, goggles, corset or vintage-inspired accessory, dressing up is part of the fun. You never know what fantastical characters you’ll encounter wandering the streets of Coldwater.
Dress the Part & Make a Day of It
One of the best ways to experience Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days is to join in. You do not have to be a Steampunk expert or have an elaborate costume. Add a top hat, goggles, vintage-inspired clothing or a few creative accessories and have fun with it.
For visitors travelling from Toronto, Barrie, Orillia and beyond, this is a great excuse to gather your friends, get dressed up and make a day of exploring Coldwater and Orillia & Lake Country.
The region offers much more to discover, from beautiful lakes and waterfronts to museums, arts and culture, shows, antiques, local shops, markets and outdoor adventures. Why not turn your festival visit into a weekend getaway?
For event details and updates, visit Coldwater Steampunk & Oddity Days.
