Steampunk The Thames 2026
Steampunk The Thames is one of New Zealand’s largest steampunk festivals, held over four days each November in the historic goldmining town of Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula. The 11th festival runs from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November 2026, when the town fills with Victorian-futurist costume, invention and imagination.
Key takeaways
- Dates: Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November 2026, at venues across central Thames.
- Free highlights: the March of Time and Steam parade on Pollen Street (Saturday, 11am) and the Sunday finale at Victoria Park.
- Tickets: the high tea, quiz, fashion show and Twilight Ball are ticketed through Humanitix.
- Book early: the festival draws steampunk fans from around New Zealand, so accommodation fills up.
What is on at Steampunk The Thames 2026?
| Day | Event | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 12 Nov | The Timeshift Social (free) | 5pm to 7pm | Thames Bowling Club |
| Fri 13 Nov | Steampunk Market | 9am to 3pm | Two halls in central Thames |
| Fri 13 Nov | Timekeeper Soirée High Tea (ticketed) | 2pm to 4pm | Thames Civic Centre |
| Fri 13 Nov | The Clockwork Conundrum quiz (ticketed) | 7pm | Thames Bowling Club |
| Sat 14 Nov | Steampunk Market | 9am to 3pm | Two halls in central Thames |
| Sat 14 Nov | The March of Time and Steam parade (free) | 11am | Pollen Street |
| Sat 14 Nov | Clockwise Couture fashion show (ticketed) | 2pm to 4pm | Thames Civic Centre |
| Sat 14 Nov | The Gilded Timepiece Twilight Ball (ticketed) | 7pm to late | Thames Civic Centre |
| Sat 14 Nov | Pumphouse Party | 7pm to late | Bella Street Pumphouse |
| Sun 15 Nov | Unwound & Unplugged finale (free) | 10am to 3pm | Victoria Park |
Programme from the official Steampunk The Thames website, which also lists tickets for the paid events. Times can change, so check it before you travel.
What to expect
- A costume parade down Pollen Street on the Saturday morning
- Evening events, from the Twilight Ball at the Civic Centre to a party at the historic Bella Street Pumphouse
- A steampunk market with makers and vendors across the weekend
- Sunday competitions and games, including Punk My Pet and teapot racing
Is Steampunk The Thames good for families?
Yes. The Thursday social, the Saturday parade and the whole Sunday finale at Victoria Park are free. Sunday is the best day for children, with Punk My Pet, hobby horse racing and circus skills sessions, plus the new Clockwork Mascot Exhibition.
Plan your festival visit
See all upcoming happenings on our Thames events page, and plan your trip with guides to where to stay, where to eat and drink and the best things to do in Thames.
Frequently asked questions
When is Steampunk The Thames 2026?
Steampunk The Thames 2026 runs from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November 2026 in Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula. The parade is on Saturday 14 November at 11am on Pollen Street.
Is Steampunk The Thames free?
Many events are free, including the Thursday social, the Saturday parade and the Sunday finale at Victoria Park. The high tea, quiz, fashion show and Twilight Ball are ticketed through Humanitix.
Is Steampunk The Thames family friendly?
Yes. The Sunday finale at Victoria Park has Punk My Pet, hobby horse racing and circus skills sessions, and the Saturday parade is free to watch.
Do I need a costume for Steampunk The Thames?
No costume is required to attend, but many visitors dress in steampunk or Victorian style to join the fun.