On October 15, Maker Bench Tempe, Roosevelt Row, Tony Felice PR, MAKE Magazine, and CRAFT magazine will be working together to bring science, art, and engineering together in the Roosevelt Row district in downtown Phoenix.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., local and national crafters will show their creations, demonstrate their skills, and celebrate all-things-DIY in the Phoenix edition of Maker Faire, an event that's been successful in a few other cities, including New York and Detroit.
The event, which first started in San Mateo, California in 2006, is described by organizers as "the family-friendly Burning Man festival" that will host more than 100 exhibitors will bring everything from quirky finger puppets to giant flaming robots to Roosevelt Row.
David Uhlman, event producer for Maker Faire, says this family-friendly event should catch the attention of everyone, regardless of their field of interest or hobbies.
Maker Faire will also be holding creator talks, with Local Motors' CEO Jay Rogers speaking, as well as musical performances by LOrkAS, the Laptop Orchestra of Arizona State.
What we're looking forward to:
Fourteen-year-old Joe Hudy's Extreme Marshmallow Cannon. Hudy, who participated in the World Maker Faire in New York earlier this year, will be demonstrating a cannon that compresses air to shoot a marshmallow up to 176 feet into the air.
Larry Brunner, who goes by the name Laser Larry, of Full Spectrum and Universal Lasers will be doing some laser pumpkin carving just in time for Halloween season.
There will also be a Makers Market, where attendees can learn how to make some of their own crafts such as from makers hoping to sell and teach.
Uhlman says the event serves as a unique way for people passionate about the process of making things from scratch to share that passion with the rest of the Valley.
"We're this pretty large city but everything is pretty spread out," says Uhlman. "This event is located in the center of the city and it's a way for people to mix and meet all the creators in the Phoenix area in one event."
Maker Faire tickets sell for $15 for adults and $12 for children 6 to 18. Volunteer opportunities are still available for those looking to get involved. Visit the event's website for more information.