Juneteenth SteamPunk Ball 2026

The House of Afros, Capes & Curls returns with the SteamPunk Tea Party, inviting you into a bold celebration of Black imagination, creativity, and innovation.

The 2026 theme, “Timekeepers of Timbuktu,” honors the legendary city of scholars and inventors, envisioning a world where African brilliance powers the engines of time. This year’s experience unfolds as a weekend-long interactive journey, blending story, performance, and history in a choose-your-own-adventure format where guests become Keepers of Time, unlocking hidden moments along the way.

The weekend begins on June 13 with the Juneteenth STEAM-Punk Freedom Lab & Family Day, a hands-on, all-ages experience exploring freedom through creativity, science, and storytelling, followed by a 21+ SteamPunk Vaudeville Show + Vendor Market featuring nationally recognized and local artists, handcrafted goods, and the first chapter of the Timekeepers story. On June 14, the celebration culminates with a VIP Soirée & Dinner, featuring a three-course experience by Chef Djamil Bah-Traore of House of Bah, and the Grand Steampunk Ball; an evening of live music, dancing, immersive storytelling, portraits, and a vibrant costume parade. Tickets for VIP experiences are limited so be sure to secure your place in the story.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 12pm-3pm

Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center | 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182

• An interactive, hands-on space where community and families explore the meaning of freedom through creativity, history, science, and imagination.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 7pm-10pm

Church Art House | 3101 S 20th St, Omaha, NE 68108

• Featuring Nationally recognized, regional and local artists
• Handcrafted art, jewelry, vintage costuming, and artifacts, and more
• Attendees receive the first chapter of the “Timekeepers” story and a narrative-linked artifact

Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 6pm - 8pm

Address: 1424 South 13th St, Omaha, NE 68108

• 3-course dinner by Chef Djamil Bah-Traore, from House of Bah African +
• African American fusion food education
• Pre-Ball Dance activities

Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 8pm - 11pm

Address: 1424 South 13th St, Omaha, NE 68108

• Ball Ticket Includes:
• Live Music + Dancing
• Interactive Story + Character-led interactions
• Specialty Desserts
• Portrait Studio
• Curated photography & Costume Parade