More than 250 exhibits of robots, 3D printers, cosplay builds and homemade gadgets are set to take over the Central Florida Fairgrounds the following weekend as Maker Faire Orlando marks its 14th year. The two-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8, at the fairgrounds located at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando.
The event bills itself as a nonprofit, community-organized celebration of local do-it-yourself science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology and music, according to Maker Faire Orlando. As reported by Central Florida Lifestyle, the faire brings artists, engineers, inventors and DIY enthusiasts together across indoor and outdoor spaces, and this year's lineup is expected to top 250 exhibits covering robotics, 3D printing, crafts, cosplay, technology, engineering and art, as Orlando Weekly notes.
Combat Robots and Electric Cars Headline the Competitions
Two of the faire's signature competitions are returning again this year. Robot Ruckus brings custom-built combat robots and their creators together for mechanical competition, per the same Central Florida Lifestyle account, while the Power Racing Series features teams racing modified electric ride-on vehicles. Per Orlando Weekly's description, the racing series specifically involves modified children's electric cars competing against one another on a dedicated track.
Beyond the competitions, the faire's exhibits include cosplay creations, 3D-printed gadgets and the Robot Ruckus contests, according to Orlando Weekly. Attendees will also find presentations tied to gaming and Orlando's theme park industry, a natural fit for a region built around attraction design and engineering.
Stage Programming Spans Three Days and Dozens of Topics
Organizers have built out a sprawling stage lineup to match the exhibit floor. The faire's program document lists 47 events across three days, including six faire-wide events with no assigned stage, according to a program publication on GitHub. Topics will cover theme park making, gaming, cosplay and props, robotics, young makers and the future of 3D printing, Central Florida Lifestyle reports. The same program listing points to a Tea & Theme Park Makers Panel and a live build involving 3D-printed wheelchairs for toddlers, though the official program notes that exhibiting makers and scheduled experiences remain subject to change.
Workshops Built for Kids, Beginners and Curious Adults
Hands-on learning is central to the weekend, with workshops aimed at kids, adults and total beginners covering arts and crafts as well as electronics, per Orlando Weekly. Guests can also participate in hands-on activities and workshops where they can learn new skills and create their own projects, Central Florida Lifestyle notes. Students, teachers and homeschool families get an extra option too: a dedicated Field Trip Day on Friday, Nov. 6, offering a day of hands-on learning ahead of the main public weekend, according to Maker Faire Orlando's event page.
Tickets, Parking and Access Programs
Advance admission starts at $15 for youth and students and $20 for adults, Central Florida Lifestyle reports. Families holding an EBT card can get in for just $5 per person, per day, and on-site parking is free for the entire weekend, according to Maker Faire Orlando. The event is organized by The Maker Effect Foundation, an Orlando-based 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit, with ticket proceeds benefiting the foundation, per Central Florida Lifestyle.
Organizers also note a few ground rules for the weekend: outside food and beverages are not permitted through the gates unless an attendee has a medical, dietary or religious need, and pets are not allowed, though trained service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome, according to Maker Faire Orlando. The faire says it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind.
A Growing Central Florida Tradition
Last year's 13th edition ran Nov. 8-9, 2025, and was expected to draw an estimated 14,000 attendees over the two days, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The event has followed a similar format for years; the 2023 faire, held Nov. 4-5 at the same fairgrounds, also promised more than 250 exhibits and featured attractions like Princesses with Powertools, Star Cosplay and The Royal Trumpets, per ClickOrlando. More details on this year's exhibitors and schedule are available at makerfaireorlando.com.
