SteamPunk is a relatively recent name for an older idea of
retrofuturism or science fiction through a Victorian's eyes.
One of the fun features of SteamPunk is that if you locked a dozen self described SteamPunks in a room and asked them to define what SteamPunk is you would receive approximately 64.1415 answers which would change five minutes later depending on how many decided to stay and continue the debate after they pick they pick the lock.
SteamPunk covers a very wide spectrum post apocalyptic wastelanders through some fairly hardcore Victorian era living history reenactors. They might be wearing amusing thrift store finds or carrying beautiful antique jewelry, pocket watches, and weapons.
This fandom movement has no real organization or leadership even though a few folks have tried desperately to establish themselves as elite expert by authorship. This vacuum may actually be attracting participants since it frees them to express themselves. There are local groups, sometimes called "airships", that come together to help each other do more.
As for what all is SteamPunk the list is long and includes things like: airships, octopi, corsets, pocket watches, time machines, games, goggles, vests, pirates, NERF guns, top hats, canes, wrenches, tesla coils, absinthe, cargo pants, etc....... Like the old saying goes: "I can't tell you what all is SteamPunk but I know it when I see it." SP has developed its own music, games, comics, and novels among other things.
So why would a reenactor want to go to a SP gathering? Fun. Escapism. Not being "on stage" every minute like at a formal living history event but still being able to make use of your historical knowledge and collected gear. There is not much of a place for authenticity police but organizers will have plenty to do. Recruiting.
