Steampunk Festival «Mit Zahnrad und Zylinder» Meißen

A Journey Through Time into the World of Jules Verne

The Steampunk Festival «Mit Zahnrad und Zylinder» celebrates the aesthetic world of the Victorian era with contemporary playfulness. Organized by the association of the same name in Meißen, it is one of the largest Steampunk events in Eastern Germany. Costumed visitors in Victorian-fantastic fashion shape the appearance – top hats, corsets, cogwheels, and brass instruments are omnipresent.

Three Days of Music, Fashion, and Makers

The festival is divided into three days: Friday evening opening with initial concerts, Saturday the main program until late at night with a laser show, Sunday an afternoon program with calmer musical accents. An accompanying maker market showcases handmade jewelry, leather goods, goggles, hats, and costumes, alongside stalls for Steampunk literature and games.

Venue: Meißen Cathedral Square

The venue is the Cathedral Square directly adjacent to the Gothic Meißen Cathedral, one of Saxony's oldest episcopal churches. The medieval backdrop harmonizes in a special way with the retro-futuristic aesthetic of Steampunk. From the Cathedral Square, there is a view over the Elbe Valley.

Free Admission in the State of Saxony

Despite its international character, the festival remains freely accessible. It is funded by regional sponsors (Deutsche Bahn, Sparkasse Meißen, local breweries) and membership fees from the organizing association. Meißen, a city in the Meißen district (AGS 14627), state of Saxony, gains a young, costume-affine audience through the festival, often paired with an interest in arts and crafts and fashion.