TeslaCon 2026 Programing Schedule

Silent Auction - Table Top, Bidding available until 1pm

Let's talk about the origin, history, and culture of steampunk! An introductory presentation for those who are new to steampunk or just want to know more about it.

Before there was Oz, there was an imaginative storyteller whose curiosity and determination forever changed American literature. Together we’ll discover the fascinating life of L. Frank Baum, the experiences that shaped his imagination, the historical world in which he lived, and the remarkable journey that led to one of the most beloved fantasy worlds ever created. Rather than simply exploring the book, attendees will spend time getting to know the man behind the story and discover surprising connections that continue to make his work meaningful today.

What are Magic Lanterns and how did the Victorians use them? See how they kept us entertained in the days before motion pictures. Experience many different styles of visuals from historical locations, funerary imagery and literary examples. But why was there nothing for Oz?

Step behind the curtain and explore how the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition helped shape the imagination of L. Frank Baum. This panel traces the real-world technologies, spectacles, and cultural shifts that influenced Baum’s creation of Oz — from electric marvels and early automatons to utopian city planning and theatrical stagecraft. We’ll examine Baum’s life, his Chicago years, his fascination with emerging technologies, and how these inspirations influenced his work.

An exploration into the history of Absinthe. A tasting of a few different absinthe. How to use Absinthe in Cocktails

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion are modern icons—and Toto, too. But L. Frank Baum created scores of other beloved, befuddling, and bone-chilling characters. Author J. L. Bell and a panel of lifelong readers introduce their favorites and discuss what makes the denizens of Oz and surrounding countries so lively and memorable.

This deep dive into the history of the Worlds Fair will explore the allure of technology showcases throughout the years. From economic drivers to lasting legacies to oddities, this talk will answer what happened to the Worlds Fair and why we should care.

Step back in time for a live, narrated fashion show exploring 200 years of style evolution! From Georgian gowns to Victorian bustles, discover how silhouettes, fabrics, and etiquette shaped each era— and just how many layers it took to achieve the look. Perfect for history lovers, makers, and anyone fascinated by the art of dressing through the ages.

Oz Club president Ryan Bunch introduces you to the Patchwork Girl of Oz. This charming book marked L. Frank Baum's 1913 return to the Oz series and the introduction of Scraps, a character who's been a fan favorite ever since. Critically well received, Baum soon brought it to life in a feature silent film.

Hang out with all of us, and our doll/plushie mascots/companions, Tea & cookies Friendship, silly business, etc

A day in the life of a well-to-do lady in 1894. Yosa will demonstrate dressing in the multiple outfit changes a woman of the late Victorian era would undergo throughout a single day, highlighting how clothing reflected social expectations, time of day, and formality. Let's walk through putting on distinct ensembles—from practical morning wear to more structured daytime attire, then increasingly elaborate dinner and evening gowns— illustrating differences in fabrics, silhouettes, undergarments, and accessories. The presentation emphasizes how layering, corsetry, and precise tailoring shaped the fashionable figure of the time, while also discussing the comfort and practical considerations of wearing this style.

In the 1978 film The Wiz, an ordinary man carried far from home uses imagination, invention, and performance to create the extraordinary Emerald City. For generations, the film’s music, movement, fashion, humor, and unforgettable performances have transformed the familiar story of Oz into a celebration of Black creativity. Songs such as “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and “A Brand New Day” evoke memories of family and community while reminding us of the possibilities The Wiz opened. Placing the Emerald City within a larger tradition of Black worldbuilding, from early Black speculative fiction to Octavia Butler’s complex communities and the Afrofuturist nation of Wakanda, this presentation explores how Black artists have imagined worlds beyond the limitations of the present. It invites audiences to consider how joy, memory, creativity, and community can help us build places where everyone is free to belong, dream, and thrive.

Drinks inspired by the Land of Oz! A Teslacon Exclusive Event!

Teslacon has a lot of collectors. Let's bring items from prior to 1920 to show, tell, and let others interact with. A Singer Treadle Sewing machine and a Stereoscope are coming out for people to try.

Everyone knows the Judy Garland musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, and most everyone knows about Wicked and The Wiz. But these are just three of the over 25 film adaptations of this beloved novel, not to mention numerous stage plays and television shows, plus many related books outside of the official Baum series. In this presentation I'll give a brief overview of the many ways this timeless classic has been adapted, continued, reinterpreted, or riffed on in the 126 years since its publication.

The late 1880s/early 1900s were a time of great change in all areas of life--cities grew, industrialization spread, and technology developed at a never before seen pace. Fiction with fantastical characters, locations and stories became more prevalent during this period, offering the population a way to escape from their everyday problems. Join Professor Lena Foltz-Pendarvis as she explores why people turn to escapism as a way to cope with challenging situations in their world.

Green Witches of Oz come and discover the magic of foraging edibles from your lawn. Identify some common garden herbs and mushrooms that you will want to have on hand for your witches' cauldrons. Learn some common herbs you already have in your kitchen and connect with their enchanting health benefits. We will highlight a few easy recipes for making teas, tinctures and decoctions for your spell book.

Jump, jive, and swing your little monkey heart out to the most raucous electroswing, electrotango, and general electric mayhem you can find this side of Oz. There might even be a time warp.

The British Empire runs on speed, and nothing is faster than a Dragonfly airship at altitude. Commodore Stefan Po of Dragonfly Airship Lines delivers an insider's account of the vessels, routes, and rivalries reshaping global commerce in the age of steam and Ether. Come for the travel times; stay for the stories about life on board from 10,000 feet.

One of the greatest joys of TeslaCon is watching timeless stories come alive through extraordinary creativity. This presentation explores how Oz has been reimagined through Steampunk art, costuming, fashion, literature, performance, craftsmanship, and design. Whenever possible, invited artists, makers, costumers, performers, authors, designers, and other creative guests can join the conversation to discuss their inspiration, creative process, artistic influences, and the people who encouraged them along the way. Together we’ll celebrate how every generation discovers new ways to interpret and celebrate timeless stories.

Discover the fascinating evolution of the corset—from fashion staple to cultural icon. Learn best practices for comfortable wear, and get the inside scoop on outrageous myths and legendary tales. Join us for a lively, eye-opening session that’s sure to tighten your knowledge and loosen your laughter!

The Victorian era ushered in the modern world. Let’s explore some of the technology that changed the world. This saw the electrification of the modern world, transportation, changes in entertainment, and the rise of modern medicine. This will be a general survey and an open discussion. We can talk about Edison vs. Tesla if we must, but they both had their place in history. Or we can talk about really cool people like Charles and Ada.

What to drink when you don't want to/can't drink alcohol!

Believe it or not, there is a way to find Oz without the use of a hot air balloon or a cyclone with a little dog in tow; this presentation looks at various places where the spirit of Oz is alive and well. We'll dive into whole theme parks, attractions, and monuments both past and present showcasing this whimsical world and how it translates from the books and movies. Click your heels three times and say, "there's no place like Oz!", or just jump in your car.

Calling all Crows! Join the Murder to exchange shiny bits and hop about delightedly! Bring a few items to share, like stray beads, bits of trim, shiny rocks, and such - it doesn't matter if your shiny bits are all different! Consider wearing black and bringing things in a bowl or small basket to make it easier to trade. All ages welcome! CAW CAW!

Journey through the Land of Oz! As you follow the Yellow Brick Road to make your way home, you will encounter both friends and enemies. Beware the Winged Monkeys or the Fighting Trees. Gain protection from obstacles by befriending the Cowardly Lion, Tin Woodman, and Scarecrow. The Wicked Witch will try to stall your progress, but just as your friend Dorothy realized in her own journey through Oz, a simple bucket of water will get you back on your way. What happens when you encounter the Wizard or try to make your way through the the Poppy Field? Find out when you get swept away by the Tornado into this mystical land.

Fundamentals of aeronautical engineering as a guide and a springboard for our imaginations.

There's a quote that says the "most dangerous place in Victorian England was not the factory, it was the parlor" and that's the truth. Come listen as we talk about the dangers you know like arsenic green but many others from other dyes, food issues, to flaming crinolines and more.

More than a century after readers first followed the Yellow Brick Road, Oz continues to spark imagination around the world. This presentation turns the spotlight toward the TeslaCon community itself. Through conversation, audience participation, and live Meet and Greets, we’ll explore why attendees embraced this year’s Oz theme, what the story means to them in 2026, how Steampunk allows them to express their own creativity, and why communities like TeslaCon continue to inspire imagination, craftsmanship, friendship, and lifelong learning. Rather than simply reflecting on Oz’s history, we’ll celebrate the people who continue giving the story new life today.

I believe this four-day series fits naturally within TeslaCon’s mission of educating, inspiring, and celebrating creativity while offering attendees a welcoming opportunity to explore Oz from multiple perspectives through history, storytelling, conversation, and community.

I can teach either the original dance with brooms or the one I taught last year, or a new steampunk dance that I just learned.

Join the cast of BrassGear Adventure Radio as we solve the mystery, Death on the Falcon. It's an old time radio production with live sound effects, chills, thrills, and robotic parrots! It's fun for everyone!

Create a Medal for yourself or a friend. Use wood disks, art supplies, collaged words and images to applaud someone in your life. Even if you just “Adulted” today, you deserve a medal!

Steampunk is not a historical reenactment; steampunk is not just about gluing gears. Let's discuss bringing back the punk spirit in steampunk by highlighting its rebellious and anti-establishment roots. Using steampunk stories and art to discuss modern social issues—like class struggle, environmental concerns, and individualism can make the genre fresh and meaningful for a new audience while keeping its punk spirit alive.

A brief presentation on the history and making of GIN! Following that a tasting of many much gins!

$10 Cover (cash only)

This panel explores how steampunk subgenres like chap hop and dark cabaret bring the Victorian imagination to life through wit, theatricality, and a touch of the macabre.

Thinking about having a steampunk themed afternoon tea? Then join us for a brief history (and I mean brief) as well as some ideas on what to serve. Also bring your ideas to share. (I don't have all the answers!) Resources will be talked about as well. i.e. books, magazines and websites. If you have had one, please come and share your ideas. Your Steampunk Chef

Come explore how Baum’s ‘The Patchwork Girl’ reflects the visual and cultural world of the Victorian crazy quilt, from its luxurious materials and ornate embroidery to its role as a status and cultural display object, personal archive, and symbol of feminine artistry and freedom. It also traces how crazy quilt aesthetics survived into modern fashion, fiber art, and Steampunk costuming.

"Memoirs of A Magician" is the untold tale of the wizard of Oz , a snake oil salesman peddling his wares from coast to coast. It is primarily a gazetteer introducing the people encountered along the way, including the author and illustrator of Oz and a famous patent medicine salesman/ former magician who will mount the first stage version of the Wizard of Oz. The down-on-his luck snake oil salesman is given a part that will make him famous.

Go beyond the Yellow Brick Road and into the strange, mechanical heart of Oz! L. Frank Baum’s later books introduced some of literature’s earliest artificial beings — from Tik‑Tok the clockwork man to the Glass Cat with her visible brains — long before the word “robot” existed. This panel explores Baum’s fascination with artificial life, early robotics, and whimsical proto‑steampunk inventions. We’ll examine how these mechanical marvels reflect the technological optimism of the early 20th century, how they shaped modern fantasy and science fiction, and why they still inspire creatives today.