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TUCSON - The Wild West is getting even wilder this weekend with Tucson's first "Steampunk" convention, being held at Old Tucson Studios beginning today.

What is steampunk? "Victorian science fiction," is how it is described by The League of STEAM, the Los Angeles-based group organizing "Wild Wild West," a three-day steampunk convention featuring gunfights, performances, workshops, discussion panels, games, and a "celebration of all things steampunk."

The League of STEAM's commercial for "Wild Wild West"

Goggles, crazy contraptions, elaborate costumes, more goggles, and a general reimagining of modern technology in 19th-century terms is what "Wild Wild West" is all about, according to event organizers.

So where does the steam come in? Old Tucson Studios' website explains:

"Steampunk's steam references more generally signify a world in which steam technology is both dominant and prolific. The changes in society brought on by steam-driven industrialization allowed for the unprecedented developments in sciences, society and goods that came to be associated with the Victorian era. Where does the punk come in? Ironically, it doesn't."

Like the Renaissance Fair, costumes are not required to attend, but are encouraged. Guests will be surrounded by steampunk enthusiasts, and convention staff will help transform the dusty land of the Old West to a unique fantasy world.

The Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention runs through Sunday, Old Tucson General Admission prices are $16.95 for Adults and $10.95 for Children (ages 4-11). Although most of the steampunk activities will be open to the public, selected venues and performances will be reserved for Wild Wild West Con guests only, according to Old Tucson Studios' website.

Click here for more information on the event, and here for Steampunk 101.