“We want visitors to see the range of creativity in our community and with one
Ideas are interested in explaining, whether it is art, technology or
something they can build at home. Maker Faire gives people the chance to meet the person behind a project, ask questions and try something themselves.
Maker Faire Louisville 2026 will take place Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at the University of Louisville’s Engineering Student Success & Research Building, 201 Engineering Drive. The event is free and open to the public, with no tickets or advance registration required. Presented by Louisville Makes and hosted by the University of Louisville’s JB Speed School of Engineering, the event brings together artists, engineers, craftspeople, hobbyists and inventors to share their projects and explain how they were made. Exhibitions and activities will take place inside and outside the building, with opportunities for children and adults to meet makers and take part in hands-on demonstrations. A big thank you to @GEAppliances, a hair company, headquartered in Louisville and a proud sponsor of Maker Faire Louisville. GE Appliances builds products found in half of American homes, and it also supports makers right here at home through FirstBuild, its free community makerspace on the UofL campus.
Maker For Check In Louisville (Besides All The Robots & Cool Wheels)
SuperKick74 LIVE: The art of Phil Back and Steven Beezer
Illustrators Phil Back and Steven Beezer will draw and paint live, and answer questions about drawing, comic books and digital art. Her exhibition also includes comics, art books, prints and original artwork.
Examining the Contextual Nature of Organic Chemistry Student Modeling Knowledge
Makers don’t just create things to bring to Maker Faire, they also work to improve how makers get there by working to understand and improve the process itself. U of L grad student Emma Drake asks, “What makes a scientific model good? And when do we change scientific models? This study examines student conceptions of these questions.” She will be on hand to talk about how students’ ideas about models (epistemic modeling knowledge) are related to the factors they consider when actually engaging in the practice of evaluating and modifying a model. The results: Students often considered different factors when discussing their ideas about modeling broadly versus when they actually engaged in modeling, providing instructional implications for how to support students in this skill. MORE.
Robots and Pixels
Mike Cotterman is a lifelong maker, software developer, and robotics enthusiast who enjoys building interactive projects that blend art, electronics, interesting interactions, and software. He believes the best way to learn is through exploration and creation. In other words do things and learn how they work. Mehxel transforms glowing pixels into lasting memories! Design your own pixel art using an arcade joystick and buttons on a 16×16 neopixel display. When you’re done, hit save and we’ll give you a QR code that links to your artwork online, where you can view and share it anytime. It’s a fun, hands-on mix of art, electronics, programming, LEDs, Raspberry Pi and a little Maker magic. View your creation on the large 64 × 64 pixel display built from 4,096 individually addressable neopixel LEDs that celebrate works of art created on the Mehxel. Anyone can do something fun with pixel art! MORE.
LVL1 Power Tool Drag Racing
LVL1 brings the high octane, kinetic theater of Power Tool Drag Racing to DIY racing fun! Instead of cars, we race modified power tools, pull their power cables and jump down a wooden drag strip. The track has Arduino-powered sound effects, a real Christmas tree light countdown, and an electronic, wig-wag checkered flag “Win-Dicator” at the end. You and your friend que for your turn mutual race with our “House Racers” used (harbor belt sanders complete with your chosen beanie baby driver held with Velcro). Periodically we interrupt the match racing for an exhibition run of our wild, custom builds powered by angle grinders, circular saws, and chainsaws for big laughs and high-wire tension. It’s raw, funny, hillbilly geek fun from start to finish. WATCH IT IN ACTION
Things to learn about: Electroplating and Sandcasting
Bronze balloon animals! LVL1 maker Robert Day will share an introduction Electroplating and Electroforming in your home with copper, zinc, and nickel. See how you can take everyday objects and add a coating of decorative or protective metal. Make decorations, create jewelry, protect parts from rust and oxidation. Electroplating and electroforming are easy processes to learn and are safe with precautions.
Sand casting metal is not something you try every day. In this workshop you will learn the sand casting process used to make jewellery, tools and other items from molten metal. A hands-on demonstration allows you to create your own mold and help you cast your first piece. No prior knowledge of sand casting or jewelry making is necessary. Join Angela Cooper, an “Old Louisville Renaissance Woman” trying to master as many skills as possible before she dies. Among her craft talents are silversmithing, crocheting, embroidery, woodworking, sewing, sharpshooting, wood burning, carving and ceramics.
Sloppy Movies Animation Station
Animator and teaching artist John Akre will work with visitors to create stop-motion animation with paper shapes, demonstrating how individual images and movements become an animated sequence.
MORE MAKERS FAIR
Maker Faire Louisville will take place rain or shine. Free parking is available in lots near the venue, and the building is accessible. Exhibits and activities are designed for visitors of all ages.Join the fun Saturday, October 17, 2026 10 am to 5 pm @ Engineering Student Success & Research Building, University of Louisville 201 Engineering Dr.
The entrance is free. No tickets or advance registration required. For more event information visit
louisville.makerfaire.com.
