makerfaire.com: Maker Faire Bay Area 2009: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for
Maker Faire Bay Area 2009

What is MAKE Magazine?
MAKE is a quarterly, project-based magazine, it's also a physical event series called "Maker Faire" a very popular website, a book series, a Maker SHED, a television show - but most of all, it's a community of Makers who share their projects and skills. MAKE is what-you-MAKE-it. It's a growing DIY movement of people who look at things a little differently and who just might spark the next generation of scientists, engineers and makers.

Our mission at Maker Media, a division of O'Reilly Media and home to MAKE Magazine, Maker Faire and the host of other inspirational and instructional Maker Media brands, 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 day(s) and hour(s) will Maker Faire be open to the public?
Saturday, May 30th - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 31st - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to I get to the San Mateo County Expo Center?
The address for the San Mateo County Expo Center is 2495 S. Delaware St, San Mateo, CA 94403.

Maker Faire is very well attended! We strongly suggest you share rides or take alternative transportation instead of driving. Find out more getting to Maker Faire 2009 by Train, Bus, and Bike.

If you are coming by car, please follow the directions to drive and park on our Getting to Bay Area Maker Faire 2009 by Car page.

Where can I park?
Public parking is available at the San Mateo County for $12 per day. Free offsite parking options will also be available at the Franklin Templeton parking lot on Saratoga. You will need to plan for a 15-minute walk. See our Getting to Bay Area Maker Faire 2009 by Car page and Parking at Bay Area Maker Faire 2009 page for more details.

Is public transportation available?
Yes; SamTrans and Caltrain provide convenient and cost-effective service with CalTrains running hourly. Three SamTrans routes provide service to the Expo Center from throughout the county and San Francisco. Route 292 provides direct service. Routes 390 and 391 offer service along El Camino Real with a stop at 25th Avenue, two blocks west of the Expo grounds. Caltrain stops at the Hillsdale station, 0.8 miles from the Expo Center. See the Getting to Maker Faire 2009 by Train, Bus, and Bike page additional information.

Will you have bike parking?
Yes, secure Valet Bicycle Parking is provided by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition.

How much are the tickets?
Retail tickets range in price from $5-$25 for a full day pass. Purchase in advance and save up to $20 for a weekend adult pass and even more for groups over ten. Special discounted prices for online ticket sales are valid through May 20, 2009. Tickets purchased online between May 21st and May 29th, 2009 will be at the full retail price. For more ticket details and prices please see Maker Faire ticket information. If you are ready to purchase your 2009 Maker Faire tickets go to makerfairetickets.com.

Weekends Tickets
	Advance Purchase Until May 20th	On-site After May 20th	Savings
Adult (21 and over)	$30.00	$50.00	$20.00
Student (13 to 20)	$15.00	$30.00	$15.00
Youth (4-12)	$10.00	$20.00	$10.00
Kids (3 and under)	Free	Free	Free

Day Tickets
	Advance Purchase Until May 20th	On-site After May 20th	Savings
Adult (21 and over)	$20.00	$25.00	$ 5.00
Student (13 to 20)	$10.00	$15.00	$ 5.00
Youth (4-12)	$ 5.00	$10.00	$ 5.00
Kids (3 and under)	Free	Free	Free

Where can I buy tickets?
Maker Faire tickets can be purchased online from 5/21/2009 - 5/28/2009. Tickets will be full price and can be picked up onsite at will call. Group discounts are no longer available. For those tickets purchased online May 21st thru May 28th, 2009, please bring printed receipt and enter the ticket holder line onsite.

Purchase Tickets at 75 Local Bay Area Locations*

Discounted Maker Faire tickets aare available at these 75 locations in 28 Bay Area cities until 5/31/2009. Save $5 per ticket, avoid lines on-site and support your local community by visiting one of these great Maker Faire partner locations up through the event for your Maker Faire tickets!

*We have Maker Faire discounted DAY passes only at these local locations. If you would like Maker Faire WEEKEND PASSES (discounts no longer available) you will need to purchase your tickets online or on-site at Maker Faire.

Can I buy Tickets On-site?
Yes. Tickets can be purchased on-site at Maker Faire

Ticket booths open at 9:30am on Saturday, 5/30
Credit Cards (MasterCard/VISA/Discover) and cash accepted
ATM machines available onsite
Maker Faire Hours - Saturday, 5/30 from 10am-8pm & Sunday, 5/31 from 10am-6pm

Will there be ATM machines on-site?
Yes, ATM machines will be on-site. To avoid waiting in line, it is best to bring cash for entrance fees and food.

Can I volunteer at Maker Faire?
Yes. We welcome volunteer participation at Maker Faire. We believe our volunteers make a valuable contribution to the success of Maker Faire! Learn more about the volunteer positions and contribute to the success of Maker Faire.

What is MAKE Play Day?
MAKE Play Day is a great activity for attendees to MAKE things. MAKE Play Day is a huge room full of discarded electronics and goodies for kids to take apart, reassemble, create, and play with.

It is truly impressive and inspirational to see what children can do with a room full of junk, with the help of caring, knowledgeable adults lending a hand. The range of projects and work that happens in this room over the weekend is phenomenal. Make something that works or something just for fun.

What is Swap-O-Rama-Rama?
At Swap-O-Rama-Rama you can join in the communal process of creative reuse! It's time to clean out your closet and get rid of those unloved items! At one of the DIY stations, you can learn to create new from old. Work with skilled designers and modify your finds. Try silk-screening your new clothes, or explore a mass of bows, buttons, decals, and other notions at the decoration stations. Check out some of the creations at the remade fashion show Saturday evening. This event will be located in Cypress Hall at the Maker Faire.

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, 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 got.

What is Bazaar Bizarre?
Bazaar Bizarre is an independent crafts fair within Maker Faire. Crafters are chosen by a jury of rotating guest judges from the greater craft community. Bazaar Bizarre sponsors this area and supports artists and craftspeople that appeal to the aesthetic of the indie art and craft scene and have innovative approaches to traditional craft forms. Shoppers can expect to find the crème de la crème of indie goods: handbags, pottery, letterpress stationary, silk-screened t-shirts, baby clothes, body products and more!

Can I participate in Interactive Activities at Maker Faire?
Yes. We encourage hands-on activity! In order to keep it safe, if you would like to participate in any interactive activity at Maker Faire you will be asked to read and sign a safety waiver. Wristbands will be issued by color/age group to Kids (11 & under), Teens (12 thru 17), and Adults (18 and over), which will allow for interactive participation. Proper identification may be requested for verification.

Will there be food onsite?
Yes. We have worked to provide "healthier" food options. You will find a wide variety of food options at Maker Faire. Outside food or beverages are not permitted through the gates based on the rules of the Expo Center unless you have special medical dietary requirements.

Will you have recycling this year?
Yes. Recycling bins will be available to collect paper, plastic, and glass.

Are there hotels nearby?
Yes. Please see our Travel and Hotel page for details.

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?
No. For the safety and well being of our four-legged friends, please leave your pets at home. There are loud noises, many moveable parts, fire elements, and large crowds, all of which do not create a safe environment for pets.

What if it rains?
The show will go on! Bring rain gear to keep you dry when walking outdoors. Fortunately, we will have many indoor exhibits to keep the family dry.

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