The Wild Wild West Con 2026: Shocking Shutdown, New Venue, And The Future Of Steampunk Western

The Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention (WWWC) is America's premier and only Western-style Steampunk festival, but its recent history has been anything but smooth. As of December 14, 2025, the community is still reeling from the shocking and abrupt closure of the 2025 event, which was shut down mid-convention due to a reported "contagious virus." This unprecedented event has dominated discussions within the steampunk community, leading to significant changes for the future of the con.

The good news for enthusiasts of retro-futurism and the Old West is that the convention has announced its triumphant return. The next iteration, Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention 14 (WWWC 14), is officially scheduled for March 19-22, 2026, and will be moving back to its beloved, historic home in Tucson, Arizona. This article dives deep into the controversy, the new venue details, and the unique elements that make this event the ultimate destination for Victorian-era science fiction fans.

The Shocking 2025 Cancellation: What Really Happened at Casino Del Sol?

The Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention 2025, an event anticipated by thousands of enthusiasts, faced a dramatic and unforeseen end. Held at the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, the festivities were suddenly halted.

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The closure came from the Tribal Medical Authority, which cited the presence of a "contagious virus" as the reason for the abrupt shutdown. This decision left attendees—many in elaborate Victorian Science Fiction and Western-themed costumes—frustrated and concerned, with many still waiting for full answers and refunds following the incident.

The cancellation of the convention, which was set to run from March 20–23, 2025, was a significant blow to the Arizona Steampunk Society and the broader community, marking a rare and unfortunate instance of a major fandom event being shut down for health reasons. The incident highlighted the challenges of hosting large gatherings and has undoubtedly influenced the planning and safety protocols for the upcoming 2026 event.

A Return to the Old West: Wild Wild West Con 14 in 2026

In a move that has been met with widespread approval from long-time attendees, the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention 14 is returning to a more familiar and historically significant venue. The 2026 event will take place from March 19–22, 2026, at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.

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The Westward Look Resort, nestled on 80 acres of the beautiful Sonoran Desert foothills, holds a special place in the con's history. Originally established as a hacienda in 1912, the resort's architecture and ambiance perfectly complement the Victorian/Old West aesthetic that defines the convention.

This return is seen by many as a positive step, allowing the convention to fully embrace its identity as America’s only Western-style Steampunk Theme Park. The historic setting provides a more authentic and immersive backdrop for the retro-futuristic fashion, elaborate contraptions, and Western reenactment elements that are the heart of the event.

The Pillars of the Steampunk Western Experience

The Wild Wild West Con is more than just a convention; it is a full, four-day immersive experience that celebrates the intersection of two distinct genres: the Old West and Steampunk. This unique blend creates a rich environment of anachronism and adventure.

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• Retro-Futurism and Fashion: The core appeal is the fashion. Attendees showcase incredible costumes, blending the brass, copper, and gears of Steampunk with the dusters, cowboy hats, and boots of the American West. This Neo-Victorianism aesthetic is a visual spectacle.
• Thematic Immersion: Each year features a distinct theme, such as the past "Magic and Mystery" or "Galactic Steampunk Federation," which guides the entertainment and narrative of the weekend. This adds a layer of depth to the cosplaying and role-playing.
• Events and Entertainment: The convention is known for its diverse programming, which includes concerts, street performers, special events, and educational panels. The Vendor Hall and Artist Alley are major draws, offering unique, hand-crafted goods that cater specifically to the steampunk and Western communities. Past guests have included notable names like Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls and Marquis of Vaudeville.

The Community and History of the WWWC

The success of the convention is deeply rooted in the dedicated Arizona Steampunk community. The event was initially started in 2011 by Ryan McMann. After the first year, the operation was taken over by Jason Drotman and Diana Given, key figures in the Arizona Steampunk Society, ensuring its longevity and connection to the local scene.

The convention's name itself is a clear nod to the classic 1960s television series, The Wild Wild West, which followed Secret Service agents James West and Artemus Gordon during the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant. This foundation in Western fiction, combined with the technological wonder of Steampunk, is what sets WWWC apart from other conventions.

Topical Authority Entities & LSI Keywords

To fully understand the world of the Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention, one must be familiar with the following key entities and concepts that form its topical landscape:

• Locations: Tucson, Arizona, Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa, Casino Del Sol, Sonoran Desert foothills.
• Concepts: Steampunk, Retro-Futurism, Neo-Victorianism, Anachronism, Victorian Science Fiction, Old West, Western Reenactment, Cosplay, Contagious Virus, Tribal Medical Authority.
• Community/Events: Wild Wild West Con (WWWC), Arizona Steampunk Society, Tucson Steampunk Society, Vendor Hall, Artist Alley, Panels, Concerts, Street Performers.
• Historical/Fictional Figures: Ulysses S. Grant, James West, Artemus Gordon, Ryan McMann, Jason Drotman, Diana Given, Amanda Palmer, Marquis of Vaudeville.
• Related Genres: Cyberpunk, Dieselpunk, Clockwork.

The Wild Wild West Con 14 in 2026 is poised to be a major comeback event for the community. Following the difficult 2025 shutdown, the return to the historic Westward Look venue is a powerful statement of resilience. Enthusiasts are already planning their elaborate costumes and preparing to step back into the world where brass meets the frontier, ensuring that the spirit of the Steampunk Old West will ride again.