The 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire will be hosted by the Science Center of Iowa on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This year is all about Empowered Tools – how traditional methods and technological advancements help creatives bring their boldest ideas to life. From handcrafted to high-tech, the tools we use shape the way we build, imagine, and innovate!
Presenting Sponsor: MAKE: & Corteva Agriscience
This all-ages festival showcases makers from across the state and invites visitors to discover their own inner inventor through hands-on experiences. With their daily admission (free for members) visitors are welcome to try out skill stations, dive into workshops, and watch demonstrations by local robotics teams!
Make even more with free workshops available throughout the day, or dive deeper with advanced workshops ($7–$10 per person).
Space is limited for all workshops, so plan to register early when you arrive at SCI.
Registration for each of these workshops will be available onsite at SCI the day of the event.
The official Call for Makers will go out on January 20th, 2026. Follow the Science Center of Iowa on social media to be updated when the application period opens!
The Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is a celebration of creativity and curiosity — a big community show-and-tell where makers share what they build, design, and invent. Exhibitors don’t sell their creations; instead, they engage visitors through hands-on demonstrations, interactive displays, or simple activities that highlight their process and passion. It’s a fun, collaborative atmosphere where everyone, from seasoned engineers to first-time tinkerers, can inspire others to imagine and make.
Send any questions to makerfaire@sciowa.org