Melissa Donovan
The highly anticipated Maker Faire Orlando returns on November 9-10, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, promising a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of creativity, invention, and community spirit. This year marks the 12th annual event, organized by the non-profit Maker Effect Foundation, where local “Makers”—ranging from tech enthusiasts and scientists to artists and crafters—come together to showcase their projects and share their knowledge with the public.
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 2024
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (both days)
- Location: Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
- Admission:
- Free for children aged two and under
- One-day youth/student (ages 3-17): $15
- One-day adult: $20
- Free admission for first responders, active military, veterans, and educational staff with identification
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available
- Food: A variety of food options will be available for purchase
- Pre-sale Tickets: Attendees can save money and skip the lines by purchasing pre-sale tickets online for a nominal fee at makerfaireorlando.com/attend.
Event Highlights
Over the two-day festival, attendees can expect to see an impressive lineup of over 250 exhibits and activities designed to inspire and engage. With an expected attendance of around 14,000, Maker Faire Orlando offers a diverse array of experiences, including:
- Robot Ruckus: Witness thrilling combat robot competitions where builders test their creations against each other in an action-packed arena, suitable for audiences of all ages.
- Power Racing Series: A unique racing challenge where makers create competitive racers that look like a children’s ride or toy. Participants can spend up to $500 to create their machines, competing for bragging rights in a lively atmosphere.
- Cosplay Makers: Engage with talented cosplay creators who will be demonstrating their craft and showcasing intricate costumes, highlighting the art of character creation.
In addition to these activities, visitors can dive into hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of subjects, from robotics and electronics to crafts and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
New for 2024: Education Day
In an exciting development, Maker Faire Orlando will introduce an Education Day on for more than 200 eighth-grade students from local schools. In partnership with Orange County Public Schools, this day will feature interactive STEAM-related activities, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage with makers and learn about various career paths in themed entertainment, drone technology, and more.
- Universal Creative: Explore career opportunities in the exciting field of themed entertainment.
- Interactive Mural Creation: Join local muralist SKIP to discover how he brings art to life and enhances our community through his projects.
- Drone Zone: Get hands-on experience flying an FPV drone and learn about the various applications of drones in different industries.
- Combat Robotics: Try your hand at driving a combat robot and meet Andrea Gellatly, captain of the renowned Witch Doctor BattleBots team.
- Block Printing: Discover the art of block printing with local artist Warren Hart.
- Make-A-Shirt: Collaborate with the FIRST Robotics team GRA-V to design and create your shirt.
- Professional Maker Exhibits: Explore a variety of exhibits featuring local makers who showcase their professional creations and innovations.
Community Impact
“Maker Faire Orlando is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and love sharing what they can do,” Founder Ian Cole said. “It serves as a venue for makers to showcase their hobbies, experiments, and projects, inspiring others and glimpsing the future.”
Proceeds from ticket sales support The Maker Effect Foundation, a 501(c)(3) educational charity located in Orlando.
Maker Faire Orlando is not just an event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the spirit of invention. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a curious first-timer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more information and to secure your tickets, visit makerfaireorlando.com, and follow along on social media @MakerFaireOrlando with the hashtag #MFO2024.
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