Maker Faire Orange County can’t happen without YOU!

2025 Signup and not yet opened, but please save the date!

Join us Saturday, September 13th & Sunday, September 14th at the OC Fair & Event Center and share your projects with thousands of people.  There is no fee for makers who want to have a “Show and Tell” exhibit.  There is a $150 seller fee for individuals and lifestyle businesses to sell products you make at the event. Established companies and those looking to advertise are encouraged to become a sponsor which includes sponsor benefits.  If you are a startup and unsure where you fit, contact us at makerfaireoc@ocreate.org.

This year we will again have the biggest building at the fairgrounds and a grass area for outdoor space.

Who or What is a Maker?

A Maker is a person that likes to make things.  DIYers who love the process of creation.  Many makers are hobbyists, enthusiasts or students (amateurs!)–but they are also a wellspring of innovation, creating new products and producing value in the community. Some makers do become entrepreneurs and start companies.  A maker loves the process, not just the end product, and often want to share that process with other interested individuals.

Show and Tell vs Selling Maker

A show and tell maker is our entry point to participating. In this category makers show off their projects, educate others on how it’s done, and often have a hands-on activity or demonstration to show off the process. Our attendees love the process almost as much as the end product. So even if you simply are a garage hobbyist, this category is designed so you can participate too!

A selling maker is someone that would like to open up the opportunity to promote and sell their projects and products onsite at the event. A selling maker is an extension of the show and tell maker and simply opens up the sales opportunity. We still highly recommend having a hands-on activity or demonstration. Keeps people at your booth longer.

My Project isn’t finished, should I still exhibit?

YES! Everyone coming to a Maker Faire love the process of making. We want to see what you are working on, know how you did it, what stumbling blocks you have hit, and see your progress regardless of stage. It helps emphasize “making” is a journey, not necessarily a destination.

Exhibit Applications for Makers

Interested in applying? We’d love to have you. We classify maker applications into two categories. The standard maker booth category is focused on show and tell efforts. In this category you can show off your creations, teach something, have a hands on activity or all three.

The second category is called the Selling Maker. This category is for those that have moved beyond hobby or pure educational status. If you are an individual, startup, or lifestyle business that sells on sites like Etsy or in person at popup shops, this category is for you.

See the Makers Manual for more information.

What You Will Need to Apply

• Maker / Maker Group Information – Name, Image (logo or pic), website, social media pages, etc.
• Exhibit Information – Name, description, images, website, social media pages, etc.
• Exhibit Requirements – Power, water, light levels, sound levels, safety, time needed to setup, etc.

Exhibits are not approved in the order received, and it may be several weeks before we get to your application. We will contact you via the email provided in the exhibit application if we need more information or when your application has been approved or rejected. We are an all-volunteer team and we appreciate your patience as we process hundreds of applications.

Unfortunately, we do not have space at the event for all exhibit applications. Please ensure that you highlight your exhibit with good photos / video / description when you submit. We also maintain a balance between selling / non-selling exhibits and a good mix of the type of exhibits.