Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for
Maker Faire Bay Area 2011

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 21st – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 22nd – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where is Maker Faire?

San Mateo Event Center
2495 South Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94403

How to I get to the San Mateo County Event Center?
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 Bay Area 2011 by Train, Bus, and Bike.

If you are coming by car, please follow the directions to drive and park on our Getting to Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 by Car page.

Where can I park?
Public parking is available at the San Mateo County Event Center. Parking will be $17 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 Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 by Car page and Parking 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 Event 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 Event Center grounds. Caltrain stops at the Hillsdale station, 0.8 miles from the Event Center. See the Getting to Maker Faire Bay Area 2011 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 11, 2011. Tickets purchased online between May 12 and May 22, 2011 will be at the full retail price. Buy your tickets now at Maker Faire tickets.

Day Tickets
	Advance Purchase Until May 11th	On-site After May 12th	Savings
Adult (21 and over)	$20.00	$25.00	$ 5.00
Student (13 to 21, over 21 requires photo ID)	$10.00	$15.00	$ 5.00
Youth (4 to 12)	$ 5.00	$10.00	$ 5.00
Kids (3 and under)	Free	Free	Free
Weekend Tickets
	Advance Purchase Until May 11th	On-site After May 12th	Savings
Adult (21 and over)	$30.00	$50.00	$20.00
Student (13 to 21, over 21 requires photo ID)	$15.00	$30.00	$15.00
Youth (4 to 12)	$10.00	$20.00	$10.00
Kids (3 and under)	Free	Free	Free

 

Who can buy Group Discount tickets? A group of 10, a team, a school or other educational groups can contact for more information about discounted group tickets. This 25% discount cannot be combined with any other offer and will be applied to the onsite ticket price.

Where can I buy tickets?

Discounted Maker Faire One Day Tickets will be available at various locations throughout the Bay Area. Save $5 per ticket, avoid lines onsite and support your local community by visiting Maker Faire partner locations up through the event for your Maker Faire tickets!

Whole Foods: San Mateo, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Haight in San Francisco, San Rafael, Novato and Oakland, CA

Technology Credit Unions: San Jose at 3 locations, Sunnyvale, Mountain View , Cupertino, Dublin, Fremont and Milpitas, CA

Exploratorium: San Francisco, CA

Cartoon Art Museum: San Francisco, CA

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

• Ticket booths open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 21st
• Credit Cards (MasterCard/VISA/Discover) and cash accepted
• ATM machines available onsite
• Maker Faire Hours - Saturday, May 21st – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. & Sunday, May 22nd – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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 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.

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 Event 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 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.