East Bay Mini Maker Faire

A phenomenal space in Temescal Oakland for makers and mini makers. Once a year affair, often you get can get discount if you are hooked into the exhibitor scene, or purchase your tickets in advance to get the advanced tix fare.Though it's mainly for children, adults find entertainment just as well, though a tad weird if you are heading there alone sans kids. It reminds me of parks in London where you cannot enter as an adult unless accompanied by children. Though not mandatory here, it just felt odd as this is mainly for children, hence mini maker. Personally, kids over 13 may find it a bit boring, as some of the activities are geared towards younger crowd. A sweet spot is between the age of 5 and 12, you can be thoroughly entertained and you kind of get what's going on around the faire. Ideally, best to show up on the early side to get nicer parking options, if not, then show up after 1:30 because then you can find the parking in nearby streets.There is a mixture of activities that will attract both boys and girls, though having been to this event with both sexes, it felt like that there are some very specific things that make the girl happy that may not make the boy happy, best if you can allocate one parent for each child should that happen or it can be get overwhelming as there are much to do and very little time.It always seem to happen in late October. The years I've been to it, it felt that the weather is generally warm.I'd like to see more middle schools in Oakland coming out to do exhibits. It would be more fun to see what those maker clubs in Oakland schools are doing and have more opportunities to see more true mini makers at the show.

Amazing! As a veteran of maker fair and East bay mini maker fair since day one, I have to say this is something really special. The venue is amazing, and if the big maker fair is too much for you, this is a great alternative. Personally, I wouldn't miss either!If I wasn't typing on my phone I would go on! :D

Definitely a lot to see and do. You should try to get there early if you want to see all of it. Lots of fun and FREE activities for the whole family. Should bring cash, some food trucks only take cash.

The East Bay Mini Maker Fair is so much fun! I love to go every year because each year, the fair keeps some old favorite activities and adds new exciting ones. It is a lot smaller than the Maker Fair but still large enough that one can't possibly do everything the fair has to offer. It is an event that is fun and educational with or without kids.

This event is truly a day well-spent. Especially if you have kids, but for adults without kids too. It'll make your year and make you optimistic about the world around you.... so much creativity and ingenuity right here in our own community.

So much YES! Hands-on learning opportunities for all sort of 21st century craftiness = yes. Engaging interactive activities for kids 5 to 75 = yes. Plus all that in an environment that is large enough to keep the whole family busy for the day, but intimate enough for kids to handle and enjoy. And there's lots of food options and places to chill. We discovered it a couple of years ago and it's on our annual list of must-dos.

This is one of those events that is EVEN BETTER than advertised. If you have never been ... uuuuhhhhh ... C'MON!"Fun for the whole family" is a tired cliche but in this case it is absolutely true. It's the kind of thing that makes me SO PROUD to call the East Bay home. Such an awesome positive vibe, the staff is super friendly, and all the makers are true artists. Can't recommend it enough.

Last year, friends with a 10 yr old and 6 yr old raved about how much fun the whole family had. The kids kept talking about all the things to see and do and they especially loved the "hands-on stuff." Parents really liked that there was something for everyone, no matter the age or interest. Ready for a repeat visit this year, especially because we are told that there are new things every year (as well as old favorites) to look forward to.

If I could give this event more stars, I would. It's super-cool, fun, inspiring -- I'm always amazed at the eye-opening variety of creative, innovative, HANDS-ON projects. I've never managed to see everything, yet it's not so large that it feels overwhelming. We have to pry our 3 kids (now ages 8, 6, and 4) out of there at the end of the day -- they do not want to leave! And they continue to talk about features like the Nerdy Derby all year long (their growing collection of handmade cars lives in their bedrooms). I am so glad some enterprising parents had the idea to create this fabulous faire. It's easily our favorite family event of the year.