Grand Rapids Public Museum prepares for Maker Faire

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire returns August 19–20 to gather all ages for interactive explorations of new ideas.

Content created by our sponsor, Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The Maker Faire is returning to Grand Rapids Public Museum August 19 & 20. Image courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Maker Faire is back in Grand Rapids on August 19 & 20 for its 4th year, once again held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and nearby Grand Valley State University’s Hall of Engineering. Combining a traditional science fair with innovation and engineering, community makers will showcase what they have made and share what they have learned.

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire gathers all-ages to learn and teach about new ideas and collaborations. Interactive stations and inventions will be showcased by tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Visitors to this year’s Grand Rapids Maker Faire can expect to see and interact with more than 150 maker booths.

All images courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Featured Maker

This year the Grand Rapids Maker Faire will see a special Maker, the Chicago Crucible, doing the first ever iron pour on the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s lawn! Visitors are able to purchase a small cast to carve, and see the casts be poured during the event on Saturday, August 19! The casts will cool overnight, and be available for pick up at the event on Sunday, August 20!

The call for makers is now open through July 16. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in this inaugural event should complete the application at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com.

The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 19 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20.

Grand Rapids Maker Faire tickets are on sale now. Kent County residents receive discounted tickets and Museum members. Visit GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com for tickets and more information.

The 4th annual Grand Rapids Maker Faire is sponsored by MAKE, DTE Energy Foundation, JR Automation Technologies LLC, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Kent Intermediate School District, Koops, Inc. and Open Systems Technologies.

Follow Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR and on Facebook at facebook.com/makerfairegr.

Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.

Image courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum.

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