When looking for things to do in Haworth, you can do the classics – Brontë Parsonage Museum, a walk to Top Withins, browse the independent shops, and have a pint at The Black Bull. Don’t get us wrong, these are more than worth experiencing and make the village one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire. However, what if you want something a bit different, a bit wilder, a bit rebellious? Well, may we suggest the Haworth Steampunk Weekend, one of the most creative and eccentric events in the country?
In our guide, we will explore the inspiration behind the Steampunk Weekend in Haworth, what there is to do, when it is taking place, and why it is the perfect event for those looking for quirky fun on their next trip.
Your Guide to the Haworth Steampunk Weekend
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To get you inspired to take the trip to the next Steampunk Weekend in Haworth village, we have answered some of your burning questions:
What is the Haworth Steampunk Weekend?
The Haworth Steampunk Weekend is a charity-based event, held twice a year in Haworth village, West Yorkshire. It is a wonderful two-day celebration of the steampunk genre where people get dressed up in fabulous and creative outfits, listen to live music, take part in wacky competitions, and make new friends.
While you are having fun at the festival, you are also raising money for a good cause. The weekend is in partnership with the local Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospital. This raises vital funds towards expert palliative care and supporting people with life-limiting conditions, along with their families.
What is Steampunk?
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Good question! If you are new to the steampunk genre, you might be wondering what the inspiration for the weekend is.
The beauty of steampunk is that it means different things to different people. To put it in simple terms, it is a highly creative social movement inspired by 19th-century fashion, technology, and industrialism in an anachronistic mix of modern values, science fiction, and a major sense of fun.
For those who attend these kinds of events, self-expression and creativity are the main drivers for becoming involved in steampunk culture. They can portray their individualism, passion, and inventiveness through fashion, art, and literature.
What is there to do?
Whether you are a passionate steampunk fan and going all out with your costume or just a casual visitor, there is so much to see and do for a memorable experience.
Here are just some of the highlights to expect from the Haworth Steampunk Weekend:
Yorkshire Inspired Competitions
The weekend sees incredibly Yorkshire-inspired events such as ‘Yorkshire Pudding Tossing’ and ‘Flatcap Frisbee’, providing fun for all the family.
North Wind Tribal Dancers
These strikingly colourful and energetic dancers perform ‘North Wind Tribal’, which is a variety of tribal belly dancing originating from the US in the 1970s.
Live Music
On the Saturday, there will be live music in two of Haworth Village’s most famous pubs – The Black Bull and the King’s Arms.
Steampunk and Craft Market
You will gain free access to the Steampunk and Craft Market, which is held in the Old School on both Saturday and Sunday from 10am till 5pm and at West Lane Baptist Church on just Saturday. You’ll find independent traders selling steampunk-inspired gifts, jewellery, artwork, and so much more.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
During the weekend, you can step back in time to the golden age of the railways and see magnificent vintage trains, historic locomotives, and extraordinarily preserved carriages. This is all alongside classic transport displays, live music, and nostalgic family entertainment.
Dog Show
For all the dog lovers, this is a great chance to see some beautiful pooches on parade. Our canine friends will be strutting their stuff in the hope of winning titles such as ‘cutest dog’, ‘best dressed dog’, and ‘most obedient dog’.
Enjoy the Steampunk Attire
One of the best and simplest things to do at the Haworth Steampunk Weekend is to admire the spectacular outfits on show. You’ll meet plenty of delightful people dressed in an array of colourful and flamboyant costumes. Of course, you can tunnel your own creativity into an outfit of your own!
As the event is held in the delightful Haworth village, you will also be able to experience the many independent shops, restaurants, pubs, wild moorlands, and museums on your visit.
Looking for more unique and fun things to do in Haworth? Then discover our guide, Weird, Quirky, and Wonderful Things To Do In Haworth.
When is it?
The next instalment of the Haworth Steampunk Weekend is May 2nd to May 3rd 2026. A second instalment will take place in October, from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th. So don’t panic if you can’t make the May dates! If you would like more information and updates on the event, discover their Facebook page here.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Haworth Steampunk Weekend. You won’t regret the rebellious fun and experiences you will have!
Looking for More Things to do in Haworth?
The Haworth Steampunk Weekend is just one of the many incredible things to do in Haworth. It is a village with so much life and soul, no matter what time of year you visit. If you’d like to discover more about why the village is one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire, check out our Haworth archives. You’ll find fascinating reads on the village’s history, places of interest such as the Brontë Parsonage Museum, and why you must visit next Christmas.
For more information about other best places to visit in Yorkshire, explore our travel section today.
Read More: The Small Yorkshire Village That Has One Of The Richest Literary Histories In The Country
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