The annual Maker Faire Orlando returns this weekend, drawing artisans, makers, self-proclaimed nerds, scientists, and curious knowledge seekers of all ages to the Central Florida Fairgrounds.
The event, held in Central Florida on November 8th and 9th, is in its 13th year and will draw an estimated 14,000 attendees and feature two full days of power races, cosplayers, robot battles, and more than 200 exhibits with a wealth of hands-on activities.
“Maker Faire Orlando has the perfect blend of curiosity and creative spirit – people who love to learn, build and share,” event founder and producer Ian Cole said in a news release. “From engineers and scientists to artists and craftspeople, it is a unique space for makers to showcase their passions and projects, offering a glimpse into the future and inspiring all who attend.”
This year as well, the main stage will feature panel discussions by theme park manufacturers, appearances by young manufacturers, and discussions about cosplay. Interactive exhibits include a drone zone, learn to solder, how to make a shirt, geek derby, giant skee-ball, and more.
Outside, fairgoers can witness power races, experiment with paper rockets, and watch knights in armor battle each other.
A big part of the fun of Maker Faire is seeing exactly how creative inventions in engineering and technology are made.
“There are other creators and people who respect the time and effort that goes into something and are comfortable releasing some of the magic behind what they’re accomplishing,” says Darren Dedeville, one of the founders of MCParks, a group that builds Minecraft theme parks. “We are proof that if you put enough passion into something, you can turn it into more than just a hobby.”
MCParks was founded in 2013 by d’Hedouville with the idea of building one-to-one scale parks in the virtual world of Minecraft. The details, including the elevation and intricate details of the ride, will be built and maintained by a group of 170 volunteers.
“In 2020, when the parks closed and the world kind of shut down, we became everyone’s third space,” he said. “We were experiencing thousands of players coming in every day and trying to get some sense of normalcy.”
On Friday, 3,000 schoolchildren are expected to come on a field trip, where the creators will share the technology and teamwork behind the build.
“We’re very excited because we know we’re really reaching an audience who are ready to absorb everything that’s in front of them for life and career,” said Allen Paschel, president of the Maker Effect Foundation. “We can light a lot of light bulbs for young hearts and young minds.”
He hopes visitors of all ages will leave the event feeling inspired to create something of their own.
“Our makers are interested in how things work and love teaching and sharing how they’re made,” Paschel says. “What I want people to take away from this is that anyone can be a maker. Sometimes it just takes one more step to realize, “I can make this myself.”
Find @PConnPie on Instagram or email pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
If you go
Maker Faire Orlando will be held Nov. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Advance online tickets are $20 for adults and $15 (excluding tax) for students and children ages 3-17. 2-day passes are also available. Parking is free. More information: makerfaireorlando.com
