Highlights of Maker Faire Miami 2026: Where Curiosity Becomes Creation
Maker Faire Miami 2026 was a weekend-long celebration of creativity, curiosity, and community, where over 5,000 students, families, educators, and makers came together to build, explore, and imagine whatโs possible.
It all began on Friday with Maker Education Day, where more than 700 students and over 100 teachers & chaperones transformed the Fuchs Pavilion at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center into a living classroom. Students rotated through hands-on activities that brought STEAM to life: building, experimenting, designing, and discovering alongside real makers.
From experimenting with circuits to engaging in design challenges, every moment was an invitation to participate. Teachers watched as students lit up with curiosity – fully immersed, asking questions, and making connections that no textbook could replicate.
What made the experience unforgettable were the makers themselves. Students stepped into the world of the 501st Legion, where storytelling meets craftsmanship, and witnessed the intensity of live demonstrations from Florida Armored Combat, where physics and engineering play out in real time. Maker Celebrity, John Collins (The Paper Airplane Guy), taught the science behind air flight and allowed students to try their hand at creating record-breaking airplane designs. Featured maker Mateo Jarquin, from MateoTechLab, shared his inspiring story from student to award-winning innovator during a lunch and learn with the students.
Across the floor, artisans, engineers, and creators shared not just what they madeโbut how and why they made itโturning every interaction into a moment of inspiration.
Maker Education Day By The Numbers:
700+ Students
100+ Teachers
& Chaperones
28 Classrooms
40+ Activities
Impact By The Numbers:
The Demonstrations and Activities at Education Day Had an Impact on My Students by:
91%
82%
81%
90%
Creating a Sense of Belonging in a STEAM Learning Environment.
Helping Students See Themselves as Engineers, Artists, or Makers
Encouraging Collaboration and Peer-to-Peer Learning
Exposing Students to Tools, Technologies, or Materials they donโt Typically Access
96%
99%
94%
83%
Increasing Student Engagement and Attention
Sparking Curiosity and Interest in STEAM Topics
Aligning with STEM/STEAM Learning Objectives at the School/Org
Demonstrating STEAM Field Career Pathways for Students
Teacher Testimonials:
Moonlighter FabLab STEAM+ Student Showcase
Moonlighter FabLab’s Design Thinking sessions are a part of the City of Miami Beach STEAM+ Partnership program, where cultural anchors facilitate in-school STEAM enrichment programs across Miami Beach feeder pattern school sites. In the 2025-2026 school year, Moonlighter FabLab served over 600 students across 5 schools. Students spent an hour each week with Moonlighter FabLab educators and learned the fundamentals of the design thinking methodology, basic circuitry, 3D design and 3D printing. Five students from each classroom were selected to feature their work at Maker Faire Miami in the student showcase. Each student and their families received free entry to the event and were able to participate in all of the activities.
Maker Faire Miami – Main Event Days
As the weekend opened to the public, that same energy expanded into a full-scale festival of innovation.
Families poured in by the thousands, filling the space with excitementโfrom the roar of combat robots in the Robot Renegades arena to the spectacle of cosplay, live performances, and interactive exhibits around every corner.
Combat Robotics
Palm Beach Bots hosted Robot Renegades where over 30 competing teams across various weight classes battled it out in the arena.
Maker Talks
Maker Talks brought powerful stories to the stage, where creators shared their journeys, their failures, and their breakthroughsโreminding audiences that making is as much about persistence as it is about invention.
The Art of Turning Ideas Into Reality by PLACITECH
Alessandro Placitelli
MateoTechLab | How to Build a Difference
Mateo Jarquin
How to build almost any robot
Alex Stephens – Every Flavor of Robot
New Threads: STEM Education Through Fashion
Christina Ernst
InterlinkKnight
Daniel Richter
Creative Futures: Art, Technology and AI Interfaces
Jadayne Smith
Maker Education Zone – Workshops
Workshops invited attendees of all ages to roll up their sleeves and create something of their own. Whether it was a child building their first project or an adult rediscovering the joy of making, the experience was the same: hands-on, minds-on, and deeply personal.
Play with Robots: Animaquina Interactive Robot Workshop
Luis Pacheco
Build Your Own AI Agent on a Raspberry Pi
hello_miami
Building and Programming Semi-Autonomous Electric Vehicles
Max Ringelheim
Wood Working for Early Learners
David Wells
Voice Acting for Beginners
The Kitchen
Maker Cities Presentations
The Maker Cities Program took to the Maker Talks stage – as students presented bold, community-driven design concepts for the future of public space on Lincoln Road. The Maker Cities Program is an NSF-funded, workforce-driven, hands-on learning experience that brings together design, advanced manufacturing, and civic engagement. Over the course of an intensive studio program at Moonlighter FabLab, participants develop skills in digital fabrication, design thinking, and entrepreneurship while tackling real-world challenges in partnership with local stakeholders.
After thoughtful deliberation by the panel of judges, Agency 4: Lincoln Walls emerged as the winning proposalโrecognized for its creativity, feasibility, and impact. Selected to move forward into full-scale fabrication, the project now enters its next phase as a collaborative design-build effort, bringing studentsโ ideas out of the class and into the real world.
Two NEW Performance Villages:
501st Legion Galactic Empire & Medieval Armored Knights
Cosplay was on full display – from Vacuum Forming experts displaying props, to MH Cosplay showing larger than human scale costumes, to David Alvarez’ life sized Wall-E, BB-8, and Rocky animatronics, to theme-park quality displays by Vida Custom Designs. But the two showstoppers with large footprints on the show floor came from the 501st Legion with a 50′ x 50′ Galactic Empire experience with interactive sets and over a half-dozen live characters you could interact with. Right next to it was the Florida Armored Combat Arena with scheduled Knight Fights all weekend long. It was a high energy experience that had people cheering for their favorite Knights.
Over a Dozen FREE Hands-on Activities
Aside from the dozens of activities offered by makers at their booths, each family received a Maker Passport that encouraged them to try their hand at a dozen FREE maker activities. When a family completed their passport, they would receive a Maker Faire Miami poster and sticker pack! There were also a few low-cost activities including screen printing your own commemorative shirt, Build your own Nerdy Derby, and soldering an LED light up badge.
Throughout the weekend, one thing became clear – Maker Faire Miami is more than an event, itโs a reflection of a growing movement where learning is active, creativity is celebrated, and anyone -regardless of age or background – can become a maker.
From students discovering new passions on Education Day to families creating lasting memories over the weekend, Maker Faire Miami 2026 proved that the future isnโt something we wait for.
Itโs something we make…together!
Maker Faire Miami By The Numbers:
Exhibit Types
Attendance
Interactive Experiences
Testimonials
Event Gallery
Maker Faire Miami is independently organized and operated by Moonlighter FabLab, Inc. under license from Make: Community, LLC. Maker Faire Miami 2026 is part of the annual cultural programs organized by Moonlighter FabLab, and made possible with the support of the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Culture, Cultural Arts Council, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners.
Maker Faire Miami 2026: South Floridaโs Largest Celebration of Creativity, Innovation, and DIY Culture Is Back
April 25 & 26th from 10am – 5pm at Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center – Fuchs Pavilion
For more than 13 years, Maker Faire Miami 2026 has served as South Floridaโs flagship celebration of the global Maker Movementโbringing together engineers, artists, inventors, creators, tinkerers, educators, and families for one unforgettable weekend of innovation and inspiration.
Hosted by Moonlighter FabLab and Mario the Maker, Maker Faire Miami has grown into one of the regionโs most anticipated STEM and creative culture events, drawing thousands of attendees annually to experience the future of making firsthand.
This yearโs event promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, featuring over 250 makers, live performances, competitions, workshops, hands-on activities, and headline featured creators from across the country. It is ALL INDOORS at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center – Fuchs Pavilion – over 49,000 square feet of exhibits!
Whether youโre a lifelong maker, a curious family, an educator, or simply looking for one of the most unique weekends in South Floridaโthis is the event you do not want to miss.
Meet the Featured Makers Headlining Maker Faire Miami 2026
Christina Ernst โ She Builds Robots
Engineer, educator, and creator of She Builds Robots, Christina is a nationally recognized robotics advocate whose mission is to inspire more girls to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Sheโll be showcasing approachable robotics builds and sharing how anyone can start building in tech.ย
Read More about She Builds Robots
John Collins โ The Paper Airplane Guy
World-record holder and globally renowned paper aircraft designer, John Collins will be teaching attendees how to build incredible high-performance paper airplanes all weekend long while sharing the science behind his record-breaking designs.
Read More about John Collins – “The Paper Airplane Guy”
Mateo Jarquin โ MateoTechLab
Young innovator and content creator behind MateoTechLab, Mateo showcases inventive robotics, electronics, and DIY engineering projects that prove the next generation of makers is already changing the world.
Read more about MateoTechLab
Alessandro Placitelli โ Placitech
Known for his creative electronics, mechanical builds, and inventive prototyping, Alessandro combines engineering and interactivity to create projects that inspire curiosity and experimentation.
Read More about PLACITECH
Every Flavor of Robot
A fan-favorite group of robotics creators pushing the boundaries of unconventional robotic design, Every Flavor of Robot brings wildly imaginative robotic creations that blend engineering with entertainment.
Read More about Every Flavor of Robot
Experience the 501st Legion Star Wars Village
Step into a galaxy far, far away with the 501st Legion Star Wars Village, featuring Lucasfilm-recognized cosplayers in movie-accurate costumes from the Star Wars universe.
Meet iconic characters, take photos, and immerse yourself in one of the most beloved fan communities in the world.
Witness Live Medieval Combat with the Armored Knights
Watch full-contact armored combat as the Armored Knights clash in real steel armor using swords, axes, and medieval weapons. Itโs intense, loud, and unlike anything else at Maker Faireโa live-action demonstration of historical craftsmanship and athletic combat.
Learn More.
Explore 250+ Makers, Exhibits, and Interactive Experiences
From robots to drones, cosplay to crafts, art to design, aerospace to AIโMaker Faire Miami features over 250 makers and exhibitors spanning nearly every discipline imaginable.
Expect to encounter:
- Massive robots and kinetic sculptures
- Interactive art installations
- Engineering prototypes and inventions
- Student innovation showcases
- Craft makers and artisan creators
- Cutting-edge fabrication technologies
- Startup and entrepreneurial exhibits
- Science experiments and demonstrations
Every corner of the event offers something new to discover.
Check out all of the Makers!
Combat Robot Competitions All Weekend Long
Hear the sparks fly and the crowd roar as builders from across the region battle it out in live combat robot competitions throughout the weekend.
Custom-built bots enter the arena to clash in thrilling head-to-head matches that showcase strategy, engineering, and destruction.
Dozens of Free Hands-On Activities for All Ages
Maker Faire Miami isnโt just about watching – itโs about doing.
Attendees can participate in over a dozen free hands-on activities and demonstrations, including:
- Block Printing
- Flying a Drone
- Make-A-Button
- Laser Cutting Demonstrations
- Wood Turning Demonstrations
- Ceramics Demonstrations
- Interactive Engineering Challenges
- DIY Craft Stations
- Lapidary Activities
- And much more!
Additional low-cost maker experiences include:
โ Learn to Solder a Light-Up LED Badge
โ Screen Print Your Own Shirt
โ Nerdy Derby & More!
Scheduled Workshops for Deeper Learning
Take your experience further with FREE specialized workshops led by expert makers and educators:
- Build Your Own AI Agent on a Raspberry Pi with Hello_Miami
- Programming a Robotic Arm to Draw with Luis Pacheco
- Build & Program an Electric Kart with Max Ringelheim
- Early Woodworking for Early Learners with David Wells
- Voice Acting for Beginners with TheKitchen
Check out the full schedule: https://miami.makerfaire.com/schedule/
South Floridaโs Most Inspiring Weekend Is Almost Here
Maker Faire Miami is more than an eventโitโs a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the belief that anyone can make something extraordinary.
Thousands will gather to experience:
- World-class featured makers
- Hands-on STEAM activities
- Live competitions and performances
- Incredible exhibits from across the maker spectrum
- Inspiration for makers of every age
The only question isโฆ Will you be there?
Tickets are on sale now. Secure yours before prices increase.
Join the thousands of families, educators, creators, and innovators attending South Floridaโs greatest show-and-tell.
Learn More & Buy Tickets:
https://miami.makerfaire.com
When & Where
–
April 25-26th, 2026 | 10amโ5pm
Miami Dade County Fair & Expo Center – Fuchs Pavilion
SW 109th Avenue & Coral Way, Miami Fl. 33165
Parking available on-site $10 per vehicle
Media Contact:
Moonlighter FabLab / Maker Faire Miami
mario@mariothemaker.com
Meet Featured Maker Mateo Jarquin (MateoTechLab): Building the Future, One Project at a Time
At Maker Faire Miami 2026, we celebrate makers who turn curiosity into actionโand Mateo Jarquin, creator of MateoTechLab, is doing exactly that.
Blending engineering, creativity, and a passion for sharing knowledge, Mateo represents a new generation of makers who are not just learning technology – theyโre redefining how we engage with it.
From Curiosity to Creation
Mateoโs journey is rooted in exploration. Through MateoTechLab, he designs and builds projects that span robotics, electronics, and inventive DIY systems – all driven by a desire to understand how things work and how they can be improved.
His work reflects a fearless approach to making:
- Experiment first, refine later
- Learn by building, not just watching
- Turn challenges into opportunities for innovation
Each project is a glimpse into what happens when creativity meets technical skill.
A Digital Creator Inspiring the Next Generation
On his YouTube channel, Mateo shares his process with a growing audience – breaking down builds, documenting experiments, and inviting others to follow along. What makes his content stand out is its authenticity. You see the wins, the failures, and the iteration in between. Itโs not just about the final product, itโs about the journey of becoming a maker.
For students especially, Mateo is proof that you donโt have to wait to start – you can begin building right now.
Featured Maker Talk: How to Build a Difference
Catch Mateo live in the Maker Talks Zone, where heโll share his journey as a young innovator and how hands-on making has shaped his path.
Talk Time: Saturday April 25th at 2:30pm – Maker Talks Zone
In his talk, youโll discover:
- How he started building and documenting projects
- The tools and techniques behind his creations
- Lessons learned from trial, error, and persistence
- Advice for aspiring makers and student creators
This session is especially powerful for young attendees who want to see whatโs possible when you start early and stay curious.
Explore MateoTechLab Projects at His Booth
Mateoโs booth is where his ideas come to life.
Visitors can expect:
- Interactive builds and working prototypes
- Robotics and electronics projects up close
- Insight into his design and build process
- A chance to connect directly with Mateo and ask questions
Itโs an inspiring space that invites you to not just observe – but to imagine what you could build next.
Mateo represents the spirit of Maker Faire: open, curious, and driven by a love of learning. Heโs part of a growing movement of young creators who are using technology not just to consumeโbut to create, share, and inspire others along the way.
See MateoTechLab Live
Join us at Maker Faire Miami 2026 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) April 25th & 26th to meet Mateo Jarquin and experience MateoTechLab in action.
Come curious. Leave ready to build.
Meet Featured Maker – John Collins, โThe Paper Airplane Guyโ: World-Class Flight, One Sheet at a Time
At Maker Faire Miami 2026, weโre bringing in makers who can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. John Collins, better known as โThe Paper Airplane Guy,โ does exactly that- turning a single sheet of paper into a high-performance flying machine.
If you think paper airplanes are simple, John is about to completely change your perspective.
From Simple Folds to World Records
John Collins is one of the most recognized paper airplane designers in the world. He held the Guinness World Record for paper airplane distance from 2012 to 2022, a testament to the precision, experimentation, and deep understanding of aerodynamics behind his work.
His designs go far beyond the classic dart:
- Long-distance gliders
- Indoor duration flyers
- Planes that loop, spin, and soar
- Designs that blend art, science, and engineering
What starts as a simple fold becomes a masterclass in flight.
A Global Stage: Media, Museums & Major Talks
Johnโs work has captured global attention across television, media, and museums.
Television Appearances Include:
- Conan
- Ripleyโs Believe It or Not
- National Geographic, Discovery, Science Channel
- CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC
- ESPN, NFL Network
Museum & Science Center Collaborations:
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Exploratorium
- The Tech Interactive
- Hiller Aviation Museum
- Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
- Copernicus Science Centre
- Science Centre Singapore
Speaking Engagements Include:
- TEDx Munich
- Google Zeitgeist
- WIRED 25
- Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Rice University
- Maker Faires around the world
His work has also been featured in WIRED, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Gazette, and more – solidifying his place as a leading voice in creative engineering.
Learn to Build Paper Airplanes All Weekend
What makes Johnโs presence at Maker Faire Miami truly special?
At his booth, John will be:
- Leading hands-on paper airplane building sessions all weekend long
- Teaching folding techniques for high-performance designs
- Helping participants test and refine their planes
- Sharing insights one-on-one with makers of all ages
Whether youโre a student, educator, or just someone who hasnโt folded a plane in years, this is your chance to learn from one of the best in the world.
John Collins reminds us that innovation doesnโt always require advanced tools or expensive materials. Sometimes, all you need is a sheet of paper, a curious mind, and the willingness to experiment! His work brings engineering back to its most accessible form – and inspires anyone to start building.
See The Paper Airplane Guy Live
Join us at Maker Faire Miami 2026 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) April 25th and 26th to meet John Collins and experience the magic of flightโฆ one fold at a time.
Come ready to build. Leave ready to soar.
Meet Featured Maker Alessandro Placitelli (Placitech):Where Creativity Meets Code
At Maker Faire Miami 2026, weโre spotlighting makers who donโt just build – they ignite curiosity. Alessandro Placitelli, creator of PLACITECH, is one of those rare innovators who turns complex tech into playful, interactive experiences that pull you in and make you want to explore.
Turning Ideas Into Interactive Experiences
Alessandroโs work lives at the intersection of electronics, programming, and design. His builds arenโt just meant to be seenโtheyโre meant to be touched, tested, and experienced.
Whether itโs a clever mechanism or a custom electronic system, every project reflects a deep curiosity and a hands-on approach to learning. His philosophy is simple: the best way to understand something is to build it!
Featured Maker Talk: The Art of Turning Ideas Into Reality
Donโt miss Alessandro live in the Maker Talks Zone, where heโll share insights into his creative process, prototyping workflow, and how he brings ideas from concept to reality.
Talk Time: Saturday 1pm โ Maker Talks Zone
The Art of Turning Ideas Into Reality
Expect a dynamic session filled with:
- Real-world project breakdowns
- Lessons learned from trial and error
- Tips for turning ideas into working prototypes
- Inspiration for students, educators, and makers alike
This is a must-see talk for anyone interested in electronics, fabrication, or creative engineering.
Meet PLACITECH at His Booth
Beyond the talk, Alessandroโs PLACITECH booth will give you the full hands-on experience.
Hereโs what you can expect:
- See the Modified 1984 OmniBot
- A behind-the-scenes look at how his projects come together
- One-on-one conversations with Alessandro about his process
This is where curiosity turns into inspirationโespecially for young makers seeing whatโs possible for the first time.
PLACITECH embodies what Maker Faire is all about: learning through doing, sharing knowledge openly, and making technology approachable. Alessandro reminds us that innovation doesnโt require a massive labโit starts with an idea, some tools, and the willingness to experiment.
See PLACITECH Live at Maker Faire Miami
Join us at the Maker Faire Miami 2026 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) on April 25th & 26th to experience Alessandro Placitelliโs work firsthand.
Come for the talk. Stay for the hands-on magic. Leave inspired.
Meet Featured Maker โ Every Flavor of Robot: Creativity Without Limits
At Maker Faire Miami 2026, we celebrate makers who push boundaries, surprise us, and remind us that engineering can be just as playful as it is powerful. Every Flavor of Robot is exactly that – a creative force turning robotics into something wildly imaginative, unexpected, and fun. If you think robots are just about precision and function, think again.
Robots With Personality (and a Twist)
Every Flavor of Robot isnโt about building just one kind of robot – itโs about exploring every kind. From quirky concepts to unconventional designs, their work embraces experimentation and creativity in a way that keeps audiences guessing. Each build feels like a question: What if a robot could do this instead? The result? Projects that are equal parts engineering, art, and entertainment.
A Channel That Inspires Through Exploration
Through their YouTube channel, Every Flavor of Robot shares a wide range of builds that highlight the fun side of robotics.
What sets their content apart:
- Bold, unconventional ideas
- A willingness to experiment and iterate
- Entertaining, engaging project storytelling
- A reminder that failure is part of the process
Itโs not just about building robots – itโs about exploring what robots could be.
Featured Maker Talk: How to build almost any robot
Join Every Flavor of Robot in the Maker Talks Zone for a session that challenges how we think about robotics and creativity.
Talk Time: Saturday April 25th at 4pm – Maker Talks Zone
In this talk, youโll experience:
- A behind-the-scenes look at their most unique builds
- Insights into creative ideation and prototyping
- How experimentation leads to innovation
- Inspiration for makers of all ages to think differently
This is a talk for anyone who loves robots – but especially for those ready to break the rules and build something unexpected.
Experience the Robots Up Close
At their booth, Every Flavor of Robot brings their creations into the real world – where you can see, interact, and experience them firsthand.
Expect:
- One-of-a-kind robotic builds
- Interactive demonstrations
- Playful, surprising engineering concepts
- Opportunities to engage directly with one of the creators
Every Flavor of Robot reminds us that innovation doesnโt have to be serious to be impactful.
By blending humor, creativity, and engineering, they open the door for more people, especially students, to see themselves as makers. Their work proves that robotics isnโt just about solving problems – itโs about expressing ideas.
See Every Flavor of Robot Live
Join us at Maker Faire Miami 2026 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) on April 25th and 26th to experience Every Flavor of Robot in action.
Come for the robots. Stay for the creativity. Leave inspired to build something completely your own.
Meet Florida Medieval Armored Combat: Real Knights. Real Armor. Real Battles. All Weekend Long at Maker Faire Miami 2026.
At Maker Faire Miami 2026, engineering wonโt just be displayedโit will clash in epic battles!
Weโre excited to welcomeย Florida Medieval Armored Combat (FAC), bringing the visceral thrill and crafted ingenuity ofย Buhurtโfull-contact medieval tournament fightingโto Maker Faire Miami.
Yes, that meansย real knights in full steel armor battling live all weekend long.
More Than a Show: Medieval Engineering in Motion
While the battles may steal the spotlight, Florida Medieval Armored Combat offers much more than spectacle.
Their exhibit reveals the extraordinary craftsmanship and engineering behind medieval armor and weaponryโshowing how centuries-old design principles still represent incredible feats of mechanical problem solving.
Visitors will explore:
- The physics of force deflectionย and impact absorption
- Mechanical articulation of armor jointsย for mobility in combat
- Metallurgy and material scienceย behind forged steel armor
- Weapon balancing and designย for performance and durability
Itโs engineering, history, and live-action STEM all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
Witness Live Knight Battles All Weekend Long
Throughout Maker Faire Miami, FAC will hostย live armored combat demonstrations, where trained fighters in authentic steel armor battle using swords, axes, and medieval weapons.
These are not choreographed performances.
These areย real competitive matchesย showcasing:
- Strength
- Strategy
- Athleticism
- Craftsmanship under pressure
Itโs one of the most exciting live experiences at Maker Faireโand something you truly have to see in person.
Hands-On Learning for Future Makers
Florida Medieval Armored Combat doesnโt just want attendees to watch – they want them to engage.
Kids and families will have the chance to:
- Feel the weight of real armor and weapons
- Try on gauntlets, helms, and armor pieces
- Learn how armor is designed, fabricated, and maintained
- Speak directly with fighters and armorers about the making process
Itโs a rare opportunity to connect historical craftsmanship with modern engineering thinking in a way thatโs tactile, memorable, and inspiring.
Where Craftsmanship Meets Combat
Every piece of armor tells a story of design iteration, fabrication, and engineering.
FAC members will share how:
- Armor is custom-fit for each fighter
- Designs balance protection with mobility
- Repairs and modifications are made between competitions
- Historical methods inform modern fabrication techniques
For young makers especially, itโs a powerful reminder that engineering has been shaping human innovation for centuries.
Why You Canโt Miss This Exhibit
Florida Medieval Armored Combat is one of those Maker Faire experiences that stops people in their tracks.
It combines:
- Live-action excitement
- Historical craftsmanship
- Mechanical engineering
- Hands-on educational experiences
Whether you come for the battles, the armor, or the engineering behind it allโthis exhibit delivers.
See Florida Medieval Armored Combat Live
Join us atย Maker Faire Miami 2026 April 25-26thย at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) and witness knights battle in steel armor all weekend long.
Come for the combat. Stay for the maker’s stories. Leave inspired by the engineering of the past.
Meet Featured Maker Christina Ernst (She Builds Robots) โ Engineering Confidence, One Robot at a Time
At Maker Faire Miami 2026, weโre proud to feature makers who arenโt just building incredible things – theyโre building pathways for others to follow. Christina Ernst, founder of She Builds Robots, is doing exactly that.
Engineer, educator, content creator, and advocate – Christina is on a mission to make robotics more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for the next generation.
Building Robots – and Breaking Barriers
Christinaโs work goes far beyond circuits and code. Through She Builds Robots, she creates projects that demystify engineering and invite more people, especially girls, into the world of tech.
Her builds range from beginner-friendly robotics to more advanced systems, all designed with one goal in mind: Make engineering feel approachable, creative, and empowering.
Sheโs not just teaching people how to build robots, sheโs helping them see that they belong in the space.
A Recognized Voice in the Maker & Tech Community
Christina has been featured across major maker and tech platforms, earning recognition for both her technical expertise and her impact as an advocate. Her work and voice have appeared in CNN Style, Make: Magazine, Forbes, Entertainment Weekly, CBC, and Popular Science. She was a recurring engineering correspondent on Season 6 of the educational STEM show Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove. She also served as the 2024 Maker-in-Residence at Chicago Public Library. As a speaker, she brings a powerful combination of technical knowledge and personal storytelling – sharing not just how she builds, but why it matters.
A Mission That Matters: More Girls in Tech
At the heart of She Builds Robots is a clear and powerful mission:
to inspire more girls to explore engineering, robotics, and technology.
Christina actively works to:
- Break down stereotypes around who belongs in tech
- Create accessible entry points for beginners
- Share her journey to encourage others to start theirs
- Build confidence through hands-on making
Her message is simple but impactful: You donโt have to fit a mold to be an engineer, you just have to start building.
Featured Maker Talk: New Threads: STEM Education Through Fashion
Catch Christina live in the Maker Talks Zone, where sheโll share her journey, her work, and her mission to expand access to robotics.
Talk Time: Sunday April 26th at 1pm โ Maker Talks Zone
In her talk, expect:
- Her personal path into engineering and robotics
- Lessons from building and teaching in public
- Insights on creating inclusive maker spaces
- Advice for young makers, especially girls, looking to get started
This is more than a talk… itโs a call to action.
See the Self-Twirling Dress at Her Booth
Christinaโs booth brings her work to life, offering a space where visitors can see a robotic dress first-hand. Get inspired by the creativity that unfolds when fashion meets technology.
Christina Ernst represents the future of the maker movement – one that is not only innovative, but inclusive. By combining engineering with advocacy, sheโs helping shape a world where more voices are represented in technology, and where more young people can see themselves as creators, builders, and problem-solvers.
See She Builds Robots Live
Join us at Maker Faire Miami 2026 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) April 25th and 26th to meet Christina Ernst and experience She Builds Robots in action.
Come for the robots (and the Fashion). Leave with the confidence to build your own.
Maker Faire Miami Returns April 25โ26, 2026
The Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth Moves to All-Indoor Venue at Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center โ Fuchs Pavilion!
Creativity takes center stage once again as Maker Faire Miami returns on April 25โ26, 2026 from 10:00 AM โ 5:00 PM, at its exciting new all-indoor home: the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center โ Fuchs Pavilion.
Known as The Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth, Maker Faire Miami is a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of invention, curiosity, and hands-on creativity. From engineers to artists, drone pilots to woodworkers, coders to cosplayers โ this is where Miamiโs makers come to share what they do and inspire the next generation of creators.
And 2026 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before.
What Awaits at Maker Faire Miami 2026?
Attendees will experience:
- Robot Renegades Competition โ A thrilling robotics showdown where teams battle it out in live, action-packed matches.
- Maker Talks โ Inspiring speakers sharing stories of innovation, design, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- Live Demonstrations โ From wood turning and laser cutting to drone flying and digital fabrication.
- Hands-On Activities & Workshops โ A wide selection of free and low-cost opportunities for attendees to build, create, tinker, and experiment.
- Cosplay & Creative Arts โ Costumes, performance, wearable tech, art making, and interactive installations.
Whether youโre flying a drone, soldering your first circuit, turning wood on a lathe, or building a robot โ thereโs something for every age and every interest.
This is not a spectator event. This is a participation event.
Early Bird Tickets Now Available โ Limited Time!
Early Bird pricing for Maker Faire Miami 2026 is officially open โ but only until March 15th at 11:30 PM.
This is your chance to:
- Secure discounted admission
- Guarantee entry to one of Miamiโs most inspiring family events
- Be part of a movement celebrating creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning
After March 15th, ticket prices increase.
Donโt wait. Get your Early Bird tickets now and be part of the maker movement.
Get Tickets At: https://miami.makerfaire.com/tickets/
Maker Education Day โ April 24, 2026 (10:00 AM โ 1:30 PM)
Before doors open to the general public, schools are invited to an exclusive Maker Education Day on Friday, April 24th.
This special field trip experience gives students early access to the Faire, including:
- STEAM-based hands-on activities
- Live demonstrations from makers and engineers
- Robotics and technology showcases
- Opportunities to engage directly with innovators
Schools must pre-register to attend. This dedicated morning program is designed to ignite curiosity, expand career awareness, and give students meaningful exposure to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in action.
Space is limited, and schools are strongly encouraged to reserve their spots early.
Learn More At: https://bit.ly/makerday26
Call for Makers โ Exhibit at Maker Faire Miami 2026
Are you a builder, hacker, engineer, artist, crafter, technologist, student team, startup, or creative experimenter?
We want you.
Maker Faire Miami is now officially accepting applications for makers to exhibit at the 2026 Faire. This is your opportunity to:
- Showcase your invention, prototype, art installation, or interactive project
- Demonstrate your craft or technical skills to thousands of attendees
- Connect with fellow innovators, collaborators, and potential customers
- Inspire the next generation of creators
From robotics to sustainable design, drone technology to wearable tech, woodworking to AI-powered creations โ if you make something amazing, this is your stage.
Apply to exhibit and learn more at:
https://miami.makerfaire.com/participate/exhibit-at-makerfaire-miami/
Spots are limited, and early applications are encouraged.
Call for Volunteers โ Join the Maker Movement
Maker Faire Miami is powered by passionate volunteers who believe in creativity, community, and hands-on learning.
Volunteers who commit to at least one 4-hour shift receive:
- Free admission to the event
- An official Maker Faire Miami t-shirt
- Behind-the-scenes access to one of Miamiโs most inspiring events
- The opportunity to support makers, students, and families in an unforgettable experience
Volunteer roles include check-in support, activity assistants, competition support, stage crew, hospitality, and more.
If you love innovation, teamwork, and being part of something bigger than yourself โ weโd love to have you on the team.
Sign up and learn more at:
https://moonlighterfablab.formstack.com/forms/maker_faire_miami_volunteer_form
Robot Renegades
Think your robot has what it takes to survive the arena? Maker Faire Miami is calling all builders, engineers, and robot enthusiasts to compete in Robot Renegades Competitionย during the event!
Competitors can enter bots in differentย weight classes, including Plastic Ant,ย Ant, Beetle, and Gladiator (Vipers, Skizos, Sportsman), giving builders of all skill levels a chance to battle it out.
Whether youโre a seasoned robot combat veteran or a first-time builder curious about entering the sport, this is your chance to design, build, and test your machine in a thrilling live arena in front of thousands of attendees. Teams must register their robots, review the safety rules, and prepare their bot for competition day.ย
Ready to enter the arena? Sign up and learn more here: https://www.robotcombatevents.com/events/6860
About Maker Faire Miami
Maker Faire Miami is a celebration of makers of all kinds โ tech enthusiasts, crafters, engineers, artists, scientists, students, and entrepreneurs โ who come together to showcase projects, share skills, and inspire curiosity across generations.
Itโs where imagination becomes invention.
Where creativity meets community.
Where the future is built โ by hand.
For tickets, school registration, exhibitor applications, and volunteer sign-up, visit:
https://miami.makerfaire.com
The countdown has begun.
April 25โ26, 2026.
Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center โ Fuchs Pavilion.
Be there. Make something. Get Inspired.
Media Contact:
Mario Cruz
Email: mario @ mariothemaker.com
Website: https://miami.makerfaire.com
Maker Faire Miami 2025 Recap
Maker Faire Miami gathered thousands of creatives for a weekend of hands-on activities, inspiring talks, and over 100 incredible exhibits. This year, Maker Faire Miami took place at the beautiful Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Makers and attendees were immersed in a lush tropical paradise that provided a beautiful backdrop to the projects and technology on display. The event activated various areas of the garden:
The Maker Pavilion – Hands-On Activities, Cosplay, and Design & Engineering Exhibits.
The Garden House – Combat Robots, BattleBots Showcase, AI & ML with Amazon, Retro Computers Exhibit, and Laser Cutting Demonstrations.
Garden Lawn – Maker’s Market, Food Trucks, School Exhibits, Fun & Games, DJ
Maker Faire Miami also highlighted the incredible science and technology research taking place year-round at the garden with Hands-On activities at the Fairchild Growing Beyond Earth Innovation Studio in partnership with NASA and Moonlighter FabLab, tours of the Science Village, STEM Lab, the Wet Labs, DNA Lab, and the Million Orchid Project.
Maker Education Day
The weekend started early with the first ever Maker Faire Miami – Maker Education Day, the Friday before the official event began. We provided full scholarships for Title-1 students to take a field trip to Maker Faire Miami and get a chance to experience some of the hands-on STEAM enrichment activities.
Robot Renegades
Over 44 teams competed all weekend long in the combat robotics competition facilitated by Palm Beach Bots. Student competitors were able to meet professional BattleBots teams Witch Doctor, Hypershock, and Kraken – and see the real 250lb. robots up close.
Maker Talks
We were honored to host distinguished leaders in the maker community to share their stories and inspire our local makers with their knowledge and insights.
Video Highlights
Testimonials
Photo Gallery
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors, Community Partners, and 60+ Volunteers for Making This Possible:
Community Partners
Microsoft | Studio AMLgMATD | FIU Engineers on Wheels | FIU WiCS | FIU EdgeLab | Ratcliffe Incubator | The Scouts of America | FIRST in Florida | RAMTECH at Miami Coral Park | Code/Art | PCBWay | & More!
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