Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• What is MAKE magazine?
• What is the Maker Faire?
• When is the Maker Faire?
• How much are the tickets?
• Where can I buy tickets?
• Will there be ATM machines onsite?
• Where is the Maker Faire?
• How do I get to the Travis County Fairgrounds?
• Where can I park?
• Will there be food onsite?
• What is Swap-O-Rama-Rama?
• What should I bring to Swap-O-Rama-Rama?
• What is MAKE Play Day?
• Do I have to pre-register for any of the MAKE Play Day activities?
• Will there be recycling?
• Is public transportation available?
• What other local transportation services are available?
• Are there hotels nearby?
• What can I expect?
• What if it rains?
• Can we bring strollers?
• Are backpacks allowed?
• Can we bring dogs on leashes?
• Can we camp?
• Where is the campground?
• What about RVs?
• Is there a deadline for buying camping passes?
• What about food for campers?
• Will campsites be available to purchase onsite?

What is MAKE magazine?

MAKE magazine is a quarterly project-based magazine dedicated to celebrating the "Do-It-Yourself" (DIY) spirit. MAKE was coined the "Martha Stewart For Geeks" by Newsweek's Stephen Levy.

Our mission at MAKE magazine is to unite, inspire, inform, and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative and resourceful people who undertake amazing projects in their backyards, basements, and garages. We call these people "Makers."

What is the Maker Faire?

In a nutshell, Maker Faire is a two-day, public gathering of tech DIY enthusiasts, teachers, students, tinkerers, hobbyists, inventors, science clubs, authors, manufacturers and retailers, print and broadcast media all coming together to share their projects. There will be scheduled performances, demonstrations, and an abundance of hands-on activities, all designed for an amazing and thrilling experience for those who attend!

When is the Maker Faire?

Saturday, October 20, 2007: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 21, 2007: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How much are the tickets?

	Advance Purchase before October 10th	Onsite
	Single Day	Weekend Pass	Single Day
Adult	$20.00	$40.00	$25.00
Student (13 to 21)	$10.00	$15.00	$15.00
Youth (3 to 12)	$5.00	$10.00	$10.00
Kids (under 3)	Free	Free	Free

Where can I buy tickets?

Maker Faire tickets for the general public can be purchased at a reduced rate from the online Maker Store until midnight on October 10, 2007. Onsite purchases at the Travis County Expo Center and Fairgrounds will be cash only. ATMs will be nearby.

Will there be ATM machines onsite?

Yes, ATM machines will be onsite. To avoid waiting in line, it is best to bring cash for entrance fees and food. The on-site Maker Store will accept credit cards for your purchases.

Where is the Maker Faire?

The Travis County Exposition Center and Fairgrounds located at 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, Texas, 78724. Just 10 miles from downtown Austin!

How do I get to the Travis County Fairgrounds?

From the intersection of I-35 and US 290 East in north Austin, go 6 miles east on 290 until you come to the intersection of 290 and Decker Lane (a stop light). Turn right onto Decker Lane and go 3 miles to the front gate of the Expo Center, which will be on your left.

Useful links:

• Travis County Exposition Center
• Site on Google Maps
• Site on Mapquest

Where can I park?

Parking is available (and free!) at the Travis County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. Public entrance will be at Gates 1 and 2.

Will there be food onsite?

Yes, there is food available onsite. Outside food and beverage is not allowed inside the Travis County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. If you have special dietary needs, please make sure you eat before you come. See the camping details for guidelines about food for campers.

What is Swap-O-Rama-Rama?

Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a communal process of creative reuse. It's time to clean out your closet and get rid of all of those unloved items. Dig out the clothes you bought, thinking "I'll fit into it one day," the gifts that made you wonder how well your Aunt Marilyn really knows you, and the stuff you're hanging on to thinking it may come back into fashion. Let it go! Come to the Swap with a bag of unwanted clothing items; once inside, you can look through the piles of clothes there and choose "new" items.

Once you've picked your new favorite duds, bring them over to the "Do It Yourself" (DIY) stations where you can learn to create new from old. Work with skilled designers to modify your finds into something special. Try silk-screening your new clothes, or explore a mass of bows, buttons, decals, and other notions at the decoration stations. Learn mod tricks from the pros in workshops on unique clothing modifications and recycling skills.

This event will be located in the Show Barn at the Maker Faire. To learn more about this experience, visit swaporamarama.org.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama is for boys, girls, men, and women. Any leftover clothing will be donated to local charities.

What should I bring to Swap-O-Rama-Rama?

Old clothes and accessories such as jackets, hats, pants, shirts, skirts, shoes, gloves, belts, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, bags, costumes, lingerie, pajamas, etc. and an empty bag to carry all of the neat things you will accumulate!

Just remember, if you can't wear it, don't bring it! Quantity is not important. Come with a little or a lot, whatever you've got.

What is MAKE Play Day?

After wandering around the Maker Faire and getting inspired by the creative people you've met and the creative projects you've seen, you have the opportunity to be creative yourself. During regular Maker Faire hours, you will have access to used electronic components and construction materials with assistance available to help you turn that creative doodle in your head into something physical.

Do I have to pre-register for any of the MAKE Play Day activities?

No, you will not need to pre-register to participate. Just stop in and start tinkering.

Will there be recycling?

Recycling bins will be available to collect paper, plastic, and glass. As a matter of fact, there will be an area for reuse items that can be used for projects.

Is public transportation available?

Capital Metro Bus Route #37 will drop off at Wentworth and Loyola. The Expo Center and Fairgrounds is about an 8-block walk from the drop-off spot. The bus runs approximately every half hour and the cost is $.50 one-way. Here's a PDF map of the route from downtown at 6th and Brazos

For specific route information, contact 512-474-1200 or 800-474-1201.

What other local transportation services are available?

Yellow Cab: 512-452-9999
Austin Cab: 512-478-2222

SuperShuttle: Austin direct number: 512-258-3826, national number: 1-800-BLUE VAN (258-3826)

Rental Car Companies:
Advantage Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3330
Alamo/National Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3500
Avis Car Rental: 512-530-3400
Budget Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3350
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 512-530-7368
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 512-530-8100
Fox Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3900
Hertz Rent-A-Car: 512-530-3600
Thrifty Car Rental: 512-530-6811

Are there hotels nearby?

The official Maker Faire Hotel:

• The Radisson Hotel & Suites
  Town Lake - Downtown
  111 E. Cesar Chavez
  Austin, Texas 78701
  Reservation Line: 1-800-333-3333
  Hotel Front Desk: 1-512-478-9611

Discount rooms are available with discount code MAKER. Early booking is strongly recommended, as availability is limited.

What can I expect?

To have the time of your life! You'll be surprised and intrigued with every corner that you turn.

What if it rains?

The show will go on! Bring rain gear to keep you dry when walking outdoors.

Can we bring strollers?

Yes.

Are backpacks allowed?

Yes, you can bring in a backpack. Just remember, no food or bottles. There will be onsite security at the gates.

Can we bring dogs on leashes?

No. Dogs are not allowed at the Travis County Exposition Center and Fairgrounds.

Can we camp?

Yes, camping will be available to weekend ticket holders only. The price is $25 per person, over the age of 18. Camping passes for those under 18 are free, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. Camping tickets are available online through the Maker Store. Camping details can be found in this PDF document.

Where is the campground?

The Maker Faire campground will be on the grounds of the Travis County Expo Center. It is a very rustic area with limited facilities. Once you have reserved your camping pass, you will receive a wristband and everyone that enters the camping area will be required to wear their wristband.

What about RVs?

Yes, there are a limited number of RV spaces available at the Travis County Fairgrounds. The fee for Friday and Saturday night RV overnight parking is $200. This includes hook-up for water and 110V power. Should you require additional power, an additional fee will be incurred.

Is there a deadline for buying camping passes?

The deadline for purchasing weekend passes is October 10, 2007. Only weekend pass holders can buy camping passes.

What about food for campers?

As you may know, you can not bring food in to the Maker Faire, but ice chests and food will be allowed for those camping and must remain at your campsite during the Maker Faire.

Will campsites be available to purchase onsite?

No camping passes will be sold onsite. All campsites must be reserved and paid for in advance, as camping is limited.