Inaugural Maker Faire Happy Valley Brings Together Science and Crafts for Weekend of Fun

Maker Faire Happy Valley will debut this weekend with a free, fun and hands-on celebration of creativity and ingenuity.

Hosted by Discovery Space and The Rivet, and sponsored by Avail Technologies and PNC Bank, the event will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Axemann Brewery, 2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte. Admission and most activities are free.

Maker Faire is a global showcase of invention and resourcefulness launched in 2006 for everyone from tech enthusiasts to crafters to scientists to tinkerers to show and share what they are making and learning.

Since its launch in California, Maker Faire events have been held around the U.S. and throughout the world.

A science fair and craft festival rolled into one, the inaugural Happy Valley Maker Faire will bring together people of all ages to try things hands-on, watch demonstrations and meet makers, artists and inventors from the local community and beyond.

“We’ve seen incredible creativity and curiosity in our community through Discovery Space and The Rivet,” Executive Director Michele Crowl said. “Bringing Maker Faire to Happy Valley is a natural next step—a way to elevate and celebrate the makers and innovators who help our region thrive.”

Some of the highlights will include:

• Create your own mixed media encaustic wax art 
• See a coffee roasting demonstration 
• Join in improv games with the Blue Brick Theatre
• Make a simple puppet, then watch a puppet show
• Try tufting and even bring a “project gone wrong” to get advice from experts
• For younger kids: launch straw rockets, build and race LEGO cars and meet a K’Nex product designer
• Learn the science behind boomerangs 
• Try your hand at soldering (no experience needed)
• Meet RustyBot, a robot made from vintage materials with modern electronics
• Experience 3D-printed, Arduino-controlled, interactive artwork
• Cheer on a mini combat robot competition
• Peek inside a real pinball machine to see how it works
• Shop local makers’ work: blacksmithing and blade smithing, textile creations, jewelry, plushies, quilts, paintings and more.

Visitors can also enjoy food and drinks and take a behind-the-scenes brewery tour.

A free shuttle will run continuously from Axemann Brewery to Walmart on Benner Pike and the 100 block of South Fraser Street in downtown State College between noon and 4 p.m. each day. Parking on-site at Axemann may fill quickly.

For the full schedule of activities and exhibits, visit happyvalley.makerfaire.com.