Fifth annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair Set to take over Washington Borough on April 26
WASHINGTON BOROUGH, NJ (Warren County) – The fifth annual Rock & Roll Steampunk Fair will return to Washington Borough on Saturday, April 26, offering a full day of entertainment, artistry, and all-around steampunk flair — and best of all, it’s free to attend with no tickets required.
The streets of Washington Borough will come alive with live music, artisan vendors, street performers, and creative costumes, celebrating the unique fusion of steampunk style and rock-and-roll energy. Organizers have teased big plans and exciting expansions for this year’s event, promising fresh experiences for returning guests and newcomers alike.
In addition to the festival’s stellar musical lineup, attendees can explore local shops, browse handmade wares, and enjoy the day at their own pace. Costumes are welcome but not required — “Come dressed for the occasion or come as you are,” the organizers say.
The fun doesn’t stop when the fair ends. Visitors are encouraged to stick around town for more live music and community spirit throughout the evening. The event is rain or shine, so mark your calendars and get ready for one of the most anticipated community events of the year.
2025 Music Lineup:
- 5:00 pm: 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!
- 3:00 pm: 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.
- 1:00 pm: Durty Rotten Parrots
- 11:15 am: 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.
- 7:00 pm: 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:
- 12pm & 2:30pm: Professional Monstrosity Sideshow
Dangerous feats of skill, tricks to amaze and circus style showmanship that will be both surprising and entertaining!
- 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
The Museum of Interesting Things is a traveling interactive demonstration/exhibition of antiques and inventions inspiring innovation and creativity – learning from the past to create a better future.
- 12pm-2pm: 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!
- 12:30pm: NJ Belly Dancers
Join the NJ Belly Dancers as they demonstrate this traditional middle eastern dance style.
- 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: 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!
- 2pm-4pm: 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.
- 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.
- 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
2025 Local Specials & Activities:
- Buttzville Brewing Company: 30 E. Washington Ave.: Steampunk themed beers on draft & to-go all day. Afterparty with music from A Halo Called Fred starting at 7pm!
- Bricks, Bots & Beakers: 47 E. Washington Ave.: $10 all day open play wristbands (10am-5pm). $40/child “Parents Night Out” kid drop off includes 4 hours of evening supervision, pizza, movie and activities. Pre-registration required. Register Here: https://www.bricksbotsbeakers.com/skylands.
- Cellar Door: 25 E. Washington Ave: Booth sales throughout the store.
- Fliegauf Jewelers:17 E. Washington Ave: 10% off estate jewelry with costume
- Gaia’s Gifts: 16 Broad St: Steampunk tarot deck special & mini readings with their steampunk tarot deck (Fee)
- Get a Grip & More: 37 E. Washington Ave: 10% Off if you come in costume
- Park Avenue Consignment: 36 E. Washington Ave: 10% off OR 20% off if you come in costume
- Serendipity Gift Shop: 40 E. Washington Ave: 15% Off any purchase
- Third Space Vintage: 27 Belvidere Ave: 10% Purchase & Henna Artist (fee)
- Two Country Chicks: 115 E. Washington Ave: 10% Off any purchase
For more information, visit www.washingtonbid.org.
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