April 20 to 21, 2024

DoubleTree
Baltimore North/
Pikesville

Tell-Tale Steampunk

Steamcordia

Polo Lounge & Bar

Steamcordia ("STEAM as in water, CORD as in rope, IA as in I, A") is a one-man Steampunk musical act. Stephen Cornelius, the man behind the music, uses the instruments he has lying around his apartment to regale listeners with melodic Steampunk stories featuring both mirth and mayhem. What started as a few songs turned […]

Character Makeup

Rue Morgue Panel Room

This panel will give you the knowledge, tips and tricks needed to create your most creative characters through the art of Makeup, along side learning how to include props like headpieces and prosthetics to take your look even further! @keshokage Andromeda Alien mini tutorial! I have to shoutout @pinkyparadiseofficial Cyberdoll Purple contacts @indi beat cosmetics […]

Author Round Table – What’s the Big Ef Deal?

Poe's Parlour

Meet the author of the French paranormal steampunk novel Esprit de Corpse and chat about the writing life, the joys of doing the research for steampunk fiction, and her plans for the continuing adventures of Jacqueline and Angélique, the Twins of Bellesfées.

Leather FAQ

House of Usher

What type of leather do I have? Can I change the color of my leather? Can you sew leather with a sewing machine? What tools do I need? All these questions and more can be answered by our expert panel of leather workers. Panelist are: Leah Blaydon & Steve Blaydon, Silverwolf Donald Dodson from Dodson […]

Maker’s Costume Contest

Main Ballroom

This year’s costume contest is for amateur costumers, who make, create, sew, up-cycle and create their own costumes. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative! Judges are: Brian and Sheila Fadrosh from Building Steam Austin Vestal from Corsets and Cogs

Make Some Tea with B&C!

House of Usher

Join the B&C Emporium of Tea to make an ounce of your very own tea blend!

$12.00

Beyond The Oblong Box Podcast taping

Main Ballroom

Beyond The Oblong Box is a podcast born of a need to eliminate misinformation about Edgar Allan Poe. Join your hosts Levi Leland and Virginia Poe as they discuss the loves, life, works, and the world in which Poe once resided.

Author Round Table – Writing Steampunk in the Wild West and Around the World

Poe's Parlour

David Lee Summers often sets his steampunk in the western United States of the late 1800s where many cultures were meeting and colliding. Join him for a discussion of why the region appeals to him and the opportunities it presents for telling multicultural steampunk stories. Photo credit: Ken Hendrix

Build a Beard Workshop

Tell-Tale Heart Workshop Room

All genders are welcome to come make a custom leather beard so you too can sport this very steampunk style (and hopefully join the League of Bearded Ladies).

$15.00

Costuming Q& A with the Ravens

Rue Morgue Panel Room

Join the flock for a Question and Answer session on all things Costume Design featuring The Ravens! There’s so much more to design than ruffled feathers, piles of trimming, and hours of meticulous sewing, so we invite you to pose your favorite questions to the professional designer and technician behind this group of dark victorian […]

Steamcordia

Main Ballroom

Steamcordia ("STEAM as in water, CORD as in rope, IA as in I, A") is a one-man Steampunk musical act. Stephen Cornelius, the man behind the music, uses the instruments he has lying around his apartment to regale listeners with melodic Steampunk stories featuring both mirth and mayhem. What started as a few songs turned […]

Goombah The Strange and Unusual Side Show

Main Ballroom

Have you ever meet a steampunk goblin? Have you ever seen a goblin do stupid goblin tricks? Well if you answered no, here is your chance to meet Goombah the Steampunk Goblin. Goombah The Strange and Unusual Side Show and wandering performer to make You smile and step out of your comfort zone

A Cast of Crows: Poe-Inspired Steampunk Book Opening

Rue Morgue Panel Room

Come celebrate the launch of A Cast of Crows, the premiere volume in the Forgotten Lore series, edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail and featuring stories by David Lee Summers, Michelle D. Sonnier, Judi Fleming, Aaron Rosenberg, Ef Deal, Dana Fraedrich, Jessica Lucci, Doc Coleman, and Danielle Ackley-McPhail. Also launching: Grimm Machinations and Grease Monkeys. Contributing authors […]

Clipper City Band

Main Ballroom

The traditional size and makeup of a 1940's big band with a twist! They don't just play traditional big band music. Their library consists of music from the 1920's to the 2000's. They play everything from Frank Sinatra standards, to oldies, disco, funk, country and more. All with that full horn sound.

Victorian Past-Times Both Morbid and Mundane

Tell-Tale Heart Workshop Room

Take a brief journey into the fun and unusual ways Victorians entertained themselves. Speakers Nancy Lasco-Smith and Heather Rachiele. Victorian Hair Weaving  

Bearded Lady Shindig & Costume Swap!

Poe's Parlour

Come join the league of bearded ladies! Everyone is welcome, beards real or not so real encouraged! Hang out, talk about the glory of facial hair and twirl your mustache in a cynical manner!  

Leather Tooling Demo

Tell-Tale Heart Workshop Room

Leather is an ancient material used for a number of goods and products for over 7,000 years. Since leather is a durable material and lasts craftsmen began finding a number of ways to decorate leather over the years and created the art of tooling. Tooling is the art of engraving leather with an image, patterns, […]

Tea Dueling with the Baroness

Main Ballroom

Join the Baroness Alexandra" (aka Donna McClaren) for tea dueling! What is tea dueling do you ask? Tea Dueling, the main sport of the Steampunk world, is not what it sounds like.  A game that involves nerves of steel, patience, and a willingness to be part of the fun is all you need - that […]

Seeing Things For What They’re Not

Main Ballroom

A fresh approach to rediscovering artifacts and solidifying “one man’s junk into another man’s treasure.From picking to assembling, this fun presentation is meant to inspire the creativity in everyone. No matter the size of your budget, with a little imagination, good old fashioned elbow grease, and a pinch of ingenuity anyone can identify and create […]

Author Round Table – Audiobooks for Indie Authors

Poe's Parlour

Dana Fraedrich has explored every audiobook creation route so you don't have to. From DIY to hiring a professional voice actor, ACX to Findaway, and more. Come with your audiobook creation questions and allow Dana to demystify this daunting (and rapidly growing) corner of the market for you.

More than Gears and Goggles

Poe's Parlour

Join a round table, intimate discussion with writer, editor and publisher Danielle Ackley-McPhail. She will discuss suggestions for taking your writing, crafting, or costuming to the next level by paying attention to the relevant details.  

Nevermore Vials Workshop with Kolleen Kilduff

Tell-Tale Heart Workshop Room

A Poe themed take on a wish bottle! In this free workshop you will be provided everything you need to decorate, fill and and make wishes come true or nightmares go away! Create a bottle in one of the following themes: NEVERMORE Nevermore will I …be scared of spiders …get stuck in Ohio…have a broken […]

Closing Ceremonies

Main Ballroom

Come and say goodbyes and find out what next year's theme will be!

Friday Night Happy Hour (free to entry for everyone!)

Join our vibrant community for an unforgettable evening at our free happy hour event on Friday, April 19th at 7 pm! Dive into the enchanting world of Steampunk as we gather together to celebrate creativity, camaraderie, and good times. Prepare to be delighted by live music that will transport you to another era, marvel at […]

Nat 20- Dice Making (Part One)

221 Baker Street (Workshop Room)

This is an exciting new class where you can learn how to create your own dice for table top gaming! The molds are hand-made by Kristen Neathery and available for purchase after the class if you so desire. You can learn different pouring techniques for different looks and effects with combinations of alcohol inks, mica […]

$60.00

Lights Out with Building Steam

Rue Morgue Panel Room

What's the T is a Q&A with dynamic duo makers Brian and Sheila Fradosh from Building Steam. Sip on some hot tea and pick the brains of this crafty couple! Brian and Sheila Fadrosh are the dynamic steampunk cosplay duo behind the YouTube channel Building Steam. This award-winning couple are self-taught cosplay creators and love […]

Who was Jack the Ripper really?

Main Ballroom

An interactive panel detailing the crimes of Jack the Ripper, the possible suspects. Debunking some of the rumors and how Jack the Ripper has been portrayed in media.

Needling With Deadly Intent – Poisons of Arthur Conan Doyle

Each guest will receive an embroidery kit with everything they need to create this pattern made exclusively for Tell Tale. Nanci will give instruction on the stitches needed to complete the design. With addition times to sit and stitch through out the weekend. Nanci will give additional ideas on how to display your finished piece.

$25.00

Tea & Tarot with The Baroness

Embark on a mystical journey through time and tradition with The Baroness Alexandria in an enchanting exploration of tea leaves and tarot – an ancient practice known as Tasseography or Tasseomancy. Derived from the French word 'tasse,' meaning cup, and the Greek root 'mancy,' signifying divination, this art offers a fascinating glimpse into the unseen. […]

Leather Pouch Making Workshop

221 Baker Street (Workshop Room)

I am very pleased to announce that TellTale Steampunk has given Starboard Sky Industries permission to do a hands on leather pouch making panel at this year's convention! The date and time of the class are still TBD. We will have a minimum of 1 hour to complete our pouches. Although the general public will […]

$45.00

Newtonian Teacup Derby Workshop Dr. Gus

Build and decorate a box car then race them Sunday for fame and glory! Prizes will be awarded during the race. All supplies will be provided.

$15.00

Ultimate Hounds of Baskerville (aka Ultimate Werewolf)

The game is certainly afoot in Devon, a small town in rural England that has seen several deaths as of late. These killings seem to be the work of wild animals of unknown origin. There are rumors that the fabled Hound of the Baskervilles from one of Sherlock Holmes' most famous cases was not killed, […]

Pictionary Airship

Sherlock's Parlour (Salon 3)

Steampunk themed pictionary

Build Your Own Dice Tower

221 Baker Street (Workshop Room)

"It really is elementary my dear Watson..." Construct your very own Dice Tower using this custom Kit created by Gadgetometers. These functional Dice Towers are perfect for your personal gaming or as a gift for fellow gamers who can use them on their next gaming adventures. Choose from the default castle tower pictured above, or […]

$25.00

Victorian Cane Defense

Main Ballroom

A primer on the use of the cane as a defense in the Victorian era. Victorian Cane Defense with Kevin M Houghton 2:45 - 3:45 pm

Real Steampunk: masters in metal and mayhem. A century of perfecting infernal devices

Professor Moriarty's Classroom (Salon #1)

Want to go down a rabbit hole of technological change? My panel is for the arms enthusiasts interested in the weapons of the Victorian era. I'm a collector specialising in firearms technology and have a comprehensive collection of antiques which show that not all steampunk is just fantasy. In one century we went from flintlock […]

The Quick and the Dad

Dad, people who wish to participate will face off against each other best 2 our of 3 per round, jokes will be judged by me for fairness and by the audience for hilarity, with the winner advancing until they are deemed the top dad. The winner will receive a starboard Sky watch (to be shipped […]

Free Mini Workshop sponsored by Poly-Props US Paints and Primers

221 Baker Street (Workshop Room)

Come try out Poly-Prop paints on a foam eye patch, workshop is free but limited to the first 30 participants. Welcome to Poly-Props US, your ultimate destination for top-quality coatings, primers, and paints designed to elevate your creative projects! Unleash your creativity with Hex Flex Paints – where innovation meets imagination! Our revolutionary paint line offers […]

“Why do you think me Mad Libs.” (Tell-Tale Heart)

Sherlock's Parlour (Salon 3)

Don't be nervous! Join our cast of crows (aka authors) for a madcap game of Mad Libs. The authors will take you on a wild ride of steampunk, Poe, and pure madness with stories that need some help from the audience to finish. Why do we insist they're mad? Yell out while the crazy, creative, […]

Fashion Promenade and Makers Challenge

Have you spent months putting together the perfect outfit or making your costume? Strut your stuff at our Fashion Promenade and be the envy of all Steam Punks by winning Tell Tale’s Fashion Challenge as either a stylist or a maker. Remember—just because you didn’t make your outfit does not mean it isn’t super fabulous. […]

“Just A Minute” at Tell-Tale Steampunk

Josh Widdowson will guide four panelists through a game of verbal dexterity and improvisation as they speak on various topics for sixty seconds at a time. The problem is that the panel must refrain from hesitation, repetition or deviation. The game sounds impossibly simple, but when you try to play it, it's simply impossible! Panel […]

How to Self-Lace Your Corset

Red Lamp Salon (Salon 2)

You're staring at 10 yards of ribbon. This shouldn’t be this hard, right? Pull laces, tie knot. Right? Don’t let the panic set in. Bring your favorite corset buddy to hang out with Corsets and Cogs and lace each other up! Bring your own Corsets and Cogs corset or try on one of ours. Masculine […]

Copper Flower Workshop

Learn to design, cut, texture, color, and assemble a copper flower (planned flower is a peony but may be subject to change for time constraints) Copper Flower Workshop w/Samantha Elliott from Metal Mixologist

$55.00

Poetry Salon

Sherlock's Parlour (Salon 3)

An interactive poetry reading encouraging original poetry or poetry by Poe. Arrive early to sign up and get on the schedule. Each participant will be limited to 3 poems or 5 minutes. Audience members encouraged. Come hear spoken word, it adds a new dimension to poetry if you've never experienced it.

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

Professor Moriarty's Classroom (Salon #1)

Take on the role of a Bakerstreet Irregular in this mystery solving game. It is you and your fellow detectives against the mind of Sherlock himself. You will have an hour to try and solve a case, be it a murder, a theft, or one of Sherlock's many cases. If you and your team can […]

Paranormal Investigation: From Intuition to Hands-On Tools, a How-to Discussion

Join local author and paranormal investigator Lennon Gross for a discussion of the history of paranormal fascination since the rise of spiritualism as well as tips, tricks, and live demonstrations of intuitive practices. While we won't be conducting a live seance, you will leave with a firm understanding of how to improve your ghost-hunting game.

Handmade Small Chore Broom Workshop

Make a small chore broom for all your tiny cleaning needs: keyboards, tabletops, counters, etc. Add a cute steampunky charm to the handle if you desire. Hang it from your belt and be prepared for all emergency cleaning situations.

$17.00

A Cry of Hounds Book Opening

Sherlock's Parlour (Salon 3)

The Tell-Tale Steampunk Festival and eSpec Books cordially invite you to attend the launch debut of A Cry of Hounds—centerpiece of the literary scavenger hunt—as well as Echoes of the Divine, Other Aether, The Chaos Clock, and Sherman’s Last Round-Up. Time: 7pm to 9pm Place: Panel Rooms 2 & 3 Enjoy food, fun, and prizes as our authors regale […]

Seance with Paranormalist Vince Wilson

Paranormalist Vince Wilson is the #1 Authority in the US on séances and paranormal entertainment and a recognized international expert on the supernatural. You will feel the presence of spirits from the past!

Night Watch Paradox

The musical equivalent of reading “Treasure Island,” Night Watch Paradox brings the audience along on a participatory journey of musical performance and storytelling as they travel in their imaginary, steam-powered airship through time and space.

Bearded Lady Meet Up and Free Flea Market

Join the illustrious League of Bearded Ladies for a morning meetup! All are welcome, ladies, gents, theys and thems...just make sure to wear your facial follicles proudly. Natural or nonnatural beard are welcome, we do not discriminate! Plus, you can promenade and peruse at a Free Flea Market! Bring items to share with the community. […]

Fun with Electronics

Professor Moriarty's Classroom (Salon #1)

The panel begins with an introduction into basic electronic tools and techniques. The remainder of the panel focuses on repurposing electronics from inexpensive toys and decorations to add LED lights and easily-programmed LED arrays to props and costumes.

Turning your Broken Repurposed Items Into Steampunk Accessories

221 Baker Street (Workshop Room)

Repurposing odds and ends of jewelry into steampunk pins, barrettes and other accessories. Tools and some supplies will be provided. Participants may also bring their own treasures to recycle.  

$30.00

Tea Dueling with The Baroness

Sherlock's Parlour (Salon 3)

So what is Tea Dueling? Tea Dueling , the main sport of the Steampunk world, is not what it sounds like.  A game that involves nerves of steel, patience, and a willingness to be part of the fun is all you need - that and a pot of tea and a plate of biscuits!

Intro to Victorian Hair Art & Tutorial

Participants be introduced to a brief history of Victorian hair art, types of Victorian hair art, and then will be guided on how to make some of the flowers found in Victorian hair wreaths using the gimp work/wire work method. After creating a sprig of hair flowers, they will then be guided on using them […]

$20.00

COMICS: Getting Started in Self Publishing

Main Ballroom

Join Michael Bracco (The Creators, Adam Wreck, Novo, The Monuments) as he shares his experiences with comic making and self publishing. In this panel we will explore the basics of making comics on your own or with a team, as well as the basics to promoting, printing, and selling your books in stores, at conventions, […]

Murder mystery

Sherlock's Parlour (Salon 3)

In the mid-19th century, England experienced an influx of Irish immigrants, who swelled the populations of England’s major cities, including the East End of London. From 1882, Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe and Tsarist Russia moved into the same area. The civil parish of Whitechapel in London’s East End became increasingly overcrowded. Work and housing […]

Specialized Restoration

Professor Moriarty's Classroom (Salon #1)

Amazing restoration are possible! Tindell's Restoration Studios specializes in the conservation and restoration of various artworks and precious items including oil paintings, works on paper, maps, books, textiles, graphics, photos, frames, sculptures, figurines, crystal, glass, as well as rare and unusual items. They will talk about preserving and restoring lost treasures and images. www.TindellsRestorationStudios.com   […]

Nat 20- Dice Making (Part Two)

This is an exciting new class where you can learn how to create your own dice for table top gaming! The molds are hand-made by Kristen Neathery and available for purchase after the class if you so desire. You can learn different pouring techniques for different looks and effects with combinations of alcohol inks, mica […]

Real Steampunk: masters in metal and mayhem. A century of perfecting infernal devices

Professor Moriarty's Classroom (Salon #1)

Want to go down a rabbit hole of technological change? My panel is for the arms enthusiasts interested in the weapons of the Victorian era. I'm a collector specialising in firearms technology and have a comprehensive collection of antiques which show that not all steampunk is just fantasy. In one century we went from flintlock […]