Why this Arizona geek convention is ending after 15 years

Arizona’s largest steampunk gathering is gearing up for a ride into the sunset.

Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention, a Tucson-based event devoted to retro-futuristic fandom, announced on Monday that its 2026 edition will be its last.

Owners Jason and Deena Jo Drotman said in a social media post that their decision to end the con followed “a lot of thought, long conversations and no small amount of emotion.”

“We do want to be clear that there was no single event or reason that brought us to this decision,” the Drotmans wrote in their post. “It’s a recognition that the level of care, time and real effort this convention deserves is no longer something we can sustainably carry year after year.”

The final Wild Wild West Steampunk Con will take place March 19 to 22 at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa in Tucson. It marks the end of an event that has become a fixture of Arizona’s steampunk community.

Arizona’s longest-running steampunk event

Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention launched in 2011 by Tucson resident Ryan McMann and became a hub for the retro-futuristic fandom in Arizona.

Early editions were held at Old Tucson Studios, the historic attraction and film set that provided a natural Wild West backdrop for the event. The convention moved to Tucson hotels due to the pandemic shutting down Old Tucson.

Wild Wild West became known for its themed programming, special guests and emphasis on attendee participation.

A ‘grand finale’ and not a ‘quiet goodbye’

The couple stated in Monday’s social media post that Wild Wild West’s 2026 edition will proceed as planned with a full schedule of programming.

Additional details about programming for the 2026 event are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

The con’s final year will not be treated as a reduced or transitional event, the couple stated.

“WWWC is a celebration. A grand finale. A last ride,” they wrote. “Our wonderful team is working together and pouring everything we have into making this the strongest, most joyful, most memorable WWWC ever.”