Saturday, Sept 26, 2026 Mare Island
Register for the Field Trip using the Button near the bottom of this page while logged into pacamera.com
Maker Faire is a dream event for photographers wanting to overcome their discomfort photographing strangers and those comfortable photographing strangers doing interesting things. Maker Faire exhibitors aren't there to sell you anything - they want to show and tell visitors about what they have made. Items exhibited include: flaming metal sculptures from Burning Man, Steampunk creations, imaginative robots, crafts, physics, chemistry, biology, etc.
Pre-pandemic we had about 30 members go to Maker Faire per year for 2 years. when it was held at the San Mateo Fair grounds.
Bay Area Maker Faire is the original, flagship event of the Maker Faire series held in 55 countries — large festivals celebrating Do it Yourself inventors, tinkerers, artists, engineers, and hobbyists who build things. It’s often called “the greatest show-and-tell on Earth.”
The event mixes high-tech and traditional making: robots and drones, 3D printing and electronics, kinetic sculptures and fire art, woodworking, textiles, food innovation, wearable tech, Tesla coils, art cars, and more. It’s family-friendly and emphasizes play, curiosity, and collaboration over formal competition.
There are over 300 exhibitors at Bay Area Maker Fair.
Directory of Exhibitors
This is an exceptional place to take children aged 4 to 17 to encourage their interest in art, engineering, science, crafts, software computers, etc.. Take your kids or grand kids here to get interesting photos that are lasting memories.
The Plan
- Register for the PACC field trip so you will get emails and messages for the field trip. Register for the Field Trip using the Button near the bottom of this page while logged into pacamera.com
- Reply to the field trip survey form to help organize carpools, exploring the Faire in small groups and gatherings for lunch and post event. Those registered will get this via email by Sept 16.
- Buy admission and parking tickets online in advance so you don't waste time waiting in line to buy tickets. Buy the ticket for the Saturday, Sept 26. Tickets for Friday and Sunday are available as well. Tickets are not refundable but they are transferable. Tickets are either for Youth (Discounted to $28 from $35) or Adult (Discounted to $52 from $65) Purchase Tickets & Parking Online (parking $20)
- Join a carpool and/or small group to tour Maker Faire for a more enjoyable experience.
- Join the Pre-Event Coffee/Breakfast gathering at The Quarters Coffee House, 1015 Walnut Ave, Vallejo (see plan below for details)
| Time |
Action |
Comment |
| 7:30am to 8:30am |
Depart Palo Alto |
Maker Faire opens at 10am. Drive time from Palo Alto is about 90 minutes. Leave time to park and get to the Event Entrance. Leave a bit earlier to join our breakfast/coffee social (see next item in plan).
|
| 8:45am-9:45am |
Pre-Event Social before Faire Opening |
PACC social before the event at a great place for coffee and items for breakfast The Quarters Coffee House, 1015 Walnut Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592. Park in the Maker Faire Parking lot then go to the coffee house. A 6 minute walk to Maker Faire entrance. I expect to arrive at the Quarters Coffee House by 8:45am and depart at 9:45am for the entry gate.
|
10am-10:30am
|
Enter Maker Faire |
Explore & photograph in small groups |
| 11:30am-12:30pm |
Group Lunch |
Specific place to meetup for group lunch to be provided a week before the event. Socialize and exchange what is recommended to see.
|
12:30-5pm
|
Explore |
More exploration and photography |
| 5:00pm |
Maker Faire closes
|
This is the official closing time for the event on Saturday. Event is also open on Sunday (last day) |
| 5:30pm |
PACC Happy Hour gathering
|
Rather than fight traffic let's get together near our parking for some socializing. Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery - 850 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo, CA 94592 |
Below are photos I took in 2016 Maker Faire
Register for the Field Trip using the Button near the bottom of this page while logged into pacamera.com