By Oakland Local Editorial Team

The Third Annual East Bay Mini Maker Faire will showcase the talent and creativity of the East Bay maker culture. 

This one-day, family-friendly innovation exchange - to be held Sunday, Oct. 14 - will feature a spectacular line up of more than 160 new and returning makers, performers, food vendors and speakers.

The open CALL FOR MAKERS invites pranksters, artists, closet creators, scientists, chemists, engineers, storytellers, fiddlers, tinkerers, show-offs and interdisciplinary hackers to share their stuff in an interactive and experiential way. Entries are accepted from individual and commercial makers, workshop leaders, presentation speakers and performers. 

Deadline for entries is Tuesday, Sept. 12. APPLY HERE

Attracting more than 3,000 attendees in its first year, and nearly doubling in size in 2011, the event is a celebration of do-it-yourself (and do-it-together!) spirit and hands-on making.  It’s appropriate for anyone intrigued by the creativity and ingenuity of the East Bay community, and a don’t-miss day for families, makers, foodies, music-lovers, art-goers and more.

Early bird ticket pricing will run through Sept. 30. Tickets available via ebmakerfaire.com.



Topics we’re looking for in 2012 include: 

Robotics; Kinetic & Installation; Art, Music Performance; Hacks of Any Sort; Homesteader Projects; Workshops and Speakers;

3D Printers & Digital Fabrication; Textile Arts and Crafts; Student Projects; Rockets and RC Toys;

Sustainability; Green Tech; Radios; Vintage Computers and Game Systems; Electronics;

Electric Vehicles; Biology/Biotech and Chemistry Projects; Puppets; Kites;

Bicycles and Human-Powered Machines; Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.);

Unusual Tools or Machines; How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.); and Food and Beverage vendors.  

2012 FAIRE CONFIRMED HIGHLIGHTS so far include:

1. Maker exhibits by local luminaries Flux Foundation, The Crucible, TweetHaus, BioFuel Oasis, MacGyverClass!, Lawrence Hall of Science, Lego Jeep, Manifesto Bicycles, Paul Nosa, Backyard Orchards, Fixit Clinic, Make:SF, PAPER PUNK, One Man Banjo and more than 70 more.
2. Ride the astonishing pedal-powered amusement ride, Cyclofuge - Cyclecide’s largest and most amazing ride.
3. East Bay debut of "Bigfoot - The Musical"Booths to make and launch your own rocket, swipe a screen print, make butter, learn how to solder, as well as our complete textile hacking (and costume-making) room, the Swap-O-Rama-Rama.
4. The return of our Homesteader Stage on DIY domestic arts, including food, spirits, animal keeping and more.
5. The East Bay’s best crafters, selling their lovely wares to those interested in getting a head start on holiday shopping.
6. Food trucks by Bites off Broadway.

A complete list of 2012 activities will be available at ebmakerfaire.com in early October; please check the site for updates or use Facebook or Twitter to follow our planning progress. 

The East Bay Mini Maker Faire is fortunate to have Park Day School as its sponsor and nonprofit beneficiary.  The event is held at the Park Day School campus and the adjacent Studio One Art Center - creating nearly five acres of Maker Faire activity in Oakland’s Temescal district. The main Faire entrance is 360-42nd St., Oakland.

Ticket prices are discounted for early buyers, and are available at ebmakerfaire.com. Prices will go up after Sept. 30,  but tickets will still be available at the regular rates after that date.

If You Go

East Bay Mini Maker Faire

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14

Where: Park Day School Campus, 360-42nd St., Oakland

Website: ebmakerfaire.com

Cost: $7.50 to $20