Call for Makers! Des Moines Mini Maker Faire 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Apply to be an exhibitor at the 2026 Des Moines Mini Maker Faire here! The application window is open now through March 11th, 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!
Maker booths are free! It is a space to demonstrate or show off your project. Please be aware that the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire does not allow sales of products or services at Maker booths.
All booths are 10’x10′ and are provided one 6 or 8 foot table and 2 chairs.
Who Exhibits at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire?
Maker Faire exhibitors include 3D printing hobbyists, robotics teams, board game designers, cosplay enthusiasts, and all kinds of tinkerers, makers, and creatives. Exhibitors are not required to have a hands-on demonstration or activity, but it is a great way to engage visitors and share your passion with our community.
Who Attends the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire?
Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is an all-ages event open to Science Center of Iowa visitors and members. This will include museum regulars as well as people coming especially to see the creations on display.
Visitors are encouraged to attend workshops, skill stations, and interact with vendors on a drop-in basis.
Other Ways to Engage
Are you interested in running a workshop, helping with a skill station, or volunteering at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire? We’d love to hear from you! Please send an email to makerfaire@sciowa.org letting us know how you’d like to be involved.
Questions?
Send any additional questions to makerfaire@sciowa.org
Save the Date! Des Moines Mini Maker Faire 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
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
Attend the Maker Faire
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!
Workshops
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.
Exhibit at the Maker Faire
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.
Questions about Des Moines Mini Maker Faire?
Send any questions to makerfaire@sciowa.org