Photos of last year's Steampunk Tea Party hosted by The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls. Images sourced from The House of Afros. Capes. and Curls.
By Kaydon Webber
The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls’ Juneteenth Steampunk Celebration
June 9th, 2026
Diving into the worlds of Afrofuturism, steampunk, and Victorian-era imagery, The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls is hosting a multi-day Juneteenth celebration. These steampunk events reimagine Black culture and Black history through the lens of steampunk, with many attendees and cosplayers showcasing their own interpretations of the concept.
The Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls, Jade Rogers, said, “We are the largest steampunk event in the country that is Black-led and Black-focused.”
The celebration is meant to highlight Black history and important Black figures from the Victorian era. Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Anna Julia Cooper were all influential Black leaders who made their mark on history during that period. To honor this legacy, The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls is hosting a variety of events, including Freedom Lab & Family Lab, a steampunk-themed vaudeville show, and a Victorian-inspired murder mystery ball to paid homage to the era.
Rogers said, “We really want people to unpack what freedom looked like for our ancestors, what it looks like for us now, and what we want freedom to look like in the future.”
The theme of this year’s Juneteenth celebration is “Timekeepers of Timbuktu,” a reimagined Afrofuturist version of the Kingdom of Mali. Cosplayers and visitors attending the steampunk events are encouraged to dress up, celebrate, and engage with the community.
“To know that it is created by community for our community, and we want it to continue to grow. I really just want more people to come and engage and see,” Rogers finishes.
The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls will host its Juneteenth steampunk events from June 13 to June 14. More information can be found at afroscapescurls.com.
