Ironfest has always been an adventure to attend. To walk into the small town in NSW during the festivities is to immerse yourself in a fun culture filled with creative minds.
With passion and dedication, there is a host of people who have taken a simple idea and turned it into an annual event that is a pleasure to be a part of. With every year that Ironfest is held comes new attractions, new friends, and a chance to experience something wonderful.
A firm favourite on the Steampunk events calendar in Australia, Ironfest is a major production that is well worth the effort to attend!
What’s it like attending Ironfest?
Ironfest is all about creativity and respecting the history of the area and is filled with like-minded people that also want to have a great time! With so much on offer over a few days, this festival is awesome for anyone interested in Steampunk, metalwork, history, and the arts.
If you do a little research before you attend and can get a few ideas of what you’d most like to see in mind, your first Ironfest experience will for sure be a good one!
Do people dress up at Ironfest?
One of the best parts of Ironfest is walking into the mass of people who have taken the time to create some awesome outfits that perfectly capture the vibe of the event.
While it is perfectly fine if you would prefer not to dress up, if you are interested in exploring Cosplay or want to show off your newest pieces, Ironfest is a great place to experiment with style!
For anyone nervous about committing to dressing up, take it from those of us who have had the pleasure of attending before; this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to don your favourite cosplay outfit or to expand your Steampunk wardrobe and dress to make an impression!
If you need some hints or tips on how to dress like a Steampunk gentleman, or are looking for inspiration from previous years, there are a lot of amazing photos and videos available at the event website and social media pages you can check out!
So what’s new this year?
Ironfest 2024 is a new beginning; with the location changing and the new structure in place, this festival is shaping up to be a little different to the Ironfest we’ve seen before.
But new doesn’t have to be scary- in the 2024 Ironfest lineup is a great array of events and attractions that will have you feeling the comforts of the years before as well as the excitement of something new.
Taking place in Portland, NSW in April this year, Ironfest Maker’s Expo is a metal-edge arts festival that will inspire your creative juices. Whether you are an artist yourself or simply love the atmosphere, you’ll be able to enjoy:
- The dancers and musicians in attendance
- LARPers
- Steampunk and Cosplay fun
- Historical reenactments
- Historical machinery and show cars for the rev-heads!
What do I need to attend?
Taking place from the 27th-28th April in Portland NSW, all you need to attend is an eagerness to explore and some comfortable shoes! Free to attend and with a whole range of stalls and attractions from 10am-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday, this event is open to people of all ages with adult supervision required for under 16’s. Check out the Ironfest website for more information and for announcements closer to the event!
Ironfest Event - 2025
When: 26th-27th April 2025
Hours:
- Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Where: George Coates Street Lithgow, NSW 2790
Tickets: $30 - $155 AUD (Kids under 4 free)
Official Website: ironfest.net/
What to Expect at Ironfest 2025
1. Themes and Highlights:
- A unique celebration of history, culture, and creativity.
- Explore the fusion of steampunk, medieval, cosplay, and military reenactments.
2. Entertainment and Activities:
- Live Performances: Watch thrilling jousting tournaments, sword fights, and historical battle reenactments.
- Workshops: Hands-on workshops for crafting, costuming, and more.
- Music and Dance: Enjoy live bands, traditional dances, and unique performances.
- Costume Competitions: Come dressed in your favorite cosplay, Steampunk, or medieval outfit for a chance to win prizes.
3. Market Stalls and Exhibits:
- Artisan markets featuring handcrafted goods, steampunk accessories, and historical memorabilia.
- Exhibitions of medieval armor, steampunk machinery, and more.
4. Food and Beverages:
- Savor local cuisine, specialty food trucks, and themed beverages.
5. Family-Friendly Activities:
- Dedicated kids' zone with fun activities for young adventurers.
Plan Your Visit
Accommodation:
- Stay in Lithgow or nearby areas—book early as accommodations fill up quickly for the festival weekend.
Getting There:
- Lithgow is accessible by car or train, located approximately 2 hours from Sydney.
- Free parking is available at the venue.
Tips for Attendees:
- Wear comfortable footwear; it’s a large venue! Explore our Steampunk shoes collection for stylish options that combine comfort and theme.
- Bring cash for market stalls and food trucks to enjoy unique finds and delicious eats.
- Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Check out our Steampunk-inspired outfits for outfit ideas to match the event's vibe.
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