(WASHINGTON, NJ) -- This year's Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair in Downtown Washington Borough in Warren County will be the annual event's biggest one ever. Live music, amazing vendors, incredible street performers and interactive demonstrations are all just part of the Washington Business Improvement District's truly unique festival that draws visitors from throughout the region - and beyond.
The Steampunk Fair combines the steam-powered Victorian Era energy of the classic science fiction genre with a punk and rock ‘n’ roll feel that makes for an amazing day of retro-futuristic fun.
This free family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in and around Veteran’s Park at 44 East Washington Avenue (Route 57), Washington, in the center of the Downtown. The Steampunk Fair is rain or shine and runs from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
The eclectic music lineup features headliner the hugely popular band, This Way to the Egress, and Durty Rotten Parrots, Puppy Grease and Dust Bowl Faeries.
The Steampunk Fair brings a scene that you certainly wouldn’t typically see in Warren County, with attendees dressed in “steampunk clothing and gear”, unique games and other assorted activities. But you don’t need to “dress the part” to attend. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the steampunk atmosphere any way they wish.
“There isn't another event in the area like this one,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the Washington Business Improvement District. “It's totally unique to Warren County. You can participate in many of the activities, get dressed up, or just come and enjoy the music and activities and people watch!"
In addition to the live music, the day will consist of many other activities and performers, including Stilt Walker Cheryl Schruefer, Lady Gypsy of Professional Monstrosity Sideshow, The NJ Belly Dancers, Phonofiddler Keith Engle, The Museum of Interesting Things, complimentary steampunk photobooth, and free make and take crafts and hands on activities, all while many downtown businesses will add to the flavor of the day with special sales.
Buttzville Brewing will host an after party with the band A Halo Called Fred.
It is expected that over 70 vendors will participate this year. Some or those confirmed already are Captain Willoby’s Emporium, handmade themed clothing for men and woman with inclusive sizing; Into Leather, Handmade leather goods and accessories; and NW New Jersey Tarot, professional tarot readings. For the kids – and adults – facepainting with Zella Bella Gaggle of Giggles.
2025 Music Lineup:
11:15am: Puppy Grease. An array of musicians, artists, and troubadours telling contemporary mythological folktales through song and dance and audience interaction. The band consists of uke's, mandolins, washtubs, and trombones along with your traditional vocal musings, guitars, and drums.
1:00pm: Durty Rotten Parrots. The Durty Rotten Parrots Pirate Band are a far cry from your average “yo ho ... shiver me timbers” pirate shows. Silly yet historically based original music, all perfectly timed to some of the funniest banter you will ever hear. They are 3 Fat Guys Dressed as Pirates! What more do you need?
3:00pm: Dust Bowl Faeries. A faerie-tale medley of dark cabaret and gothic polka music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. The accordion driven freak-folk ensemble also includes singing saw, piano accordion, lap-steel, electric bass, percussion and acoustic guitar to create an otherworldly sound.
5:00pm: This Way to the Egress. This Way to the Egress is an ole tymey gypsypunk-cabaret band that draws from many influences. They are a tapestry of worldly influences and an alchemy of sounds modern with those of the past. Equal parts unruly vaudeville, ebullient world-beat, and a three-ring circus” that you can’t help but want to dance to!
7:00pm: A Halo Called Fred. The greatest band in all reality and nonreality return to Buttzville Brewing Company for the official Steampunk afterparty. Halo has spent the last two decades making the geekiest sounds ever to spring from guitar, bass, violin, and Tupperware.
2025 Other Entertainment:
All Day: Keith Engle, Phonofiddler. Traditional Irish fiddle music in the Sliabh Luachra style on a unique steampunk style Phono-Fiddle. Catch this accomplished fiddler as he busks around town all day!
All Day/1:45pm Demonstration: The Museum of Interesting Things. This is a traveling interactive demonstration/exhibition of antiques and inventions inspiring innovation and creativity - learning from the past to create a better future.
All Day: Steampunk Photo Booth at KitchenArt. Brought to you by NJ American Water. Have your own fabulous outfit and want to get a photo? Want to try on some Victorian clothing and get in the spirit? Stop by KitchenArt for a FREE photo opportunity!
All Day: Buttzville Brewing Beer Garden. Grab a local craft beer to enjoy while dancing to the band or doing a little shopping! There will be some steampunk inspired beer on tap.
12:00pm-2:00pm: Cheryl Schruefer, Stilt Walker. Look up and marvel at this professional circus performer as she wanders the streets bringing wonder and her amazing talent to town!
12:00pm & 2:30pm: Professional Monstrosity Sideshow. Dangerous feats of skill, tricks to amaze and circus style showmanship that will be both surprising and entertaining!
12:30pm: NJ Belly Dancers. Join them as they demonstrate this traditional middle eastern dance style.
2:00pm-4:00pm: Tea Time at Kathy's Kove. Join fellow tea enthusiasts for a special tea time! $10 per person gets you a pot of tea, a scone and a biscuit in this quaint tea room.
6:40pm: Holly Ween, Angle Grinder Performance. Popular NJ burlesque performer Holly Ween will be donning metal plates and in a marriage between art and power tools will be lighting up the evening with a display of sparks not to be missed!
All Day: FREE Hands On Activities. Art, STEAM, Maker & craft activities will be hosted by the following businesses:
* Bricks, Bots & Beakers: Free STEAM Activities
* Cellar Door: Free Make & Take Crafts
* Confidence Builders: Free Kids Crafts
* M Galleries: Free Art Activities
* NJ School of Woodworking: Free Demonstrations
The Washington Rock ‘n’ Roll and Steampunk Fair is presented by Washington Business Improvement District, a non-profit organization that highlights local businesses in the Borough.
Sponsors include The Roguish Rabbit, Get a Grip & More, Home Instead Senior Care, Swift Print Solutions, Good Impressions Print Communications, Warren Hills Memorial Home, Buttzville Brewing, The Cellar Door, Abilities of Northwest Jersey, West Washington Family Dentistry, Dave Santini, CPA, and Direct Millwork/Builders General Supply.
