Maker faire Bay Area FAQ

The Fine Print (and the Fun Stuff).

Got questions? You’re in the right place. From tickets and schedules to what to bring and what to expect, this page has everything you need to make the most of Maker Faire. Check back often for updates.

Event Details

When and where is Maker Faire Bay Area 2026?

The world’s greatest showcase of creativity is back. Maker Faire Bay Area takes over the historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard along the scenic Napa River, from September 25–27, 2026.

  • Friday (Field Trip Day): 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

They said the Maker Movement was about hobbyists. They were wrong. It’s about taking back the means of creation: one circuit, one print, one machine at a time. Maker Faire is a sprawling, hands-on insurgency of invention, curiosity, and unapologetic ingenuity.  Microelectronics, 3D printing, physical AI, food hacking, drones, robotics, and more. 

Tickets & Admission

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes, tickets will be available at the door. However, online tickets purchased online and in advance are 20% off.

If you purchased a single-day ticket and need to change your day of attendance, you may request a transfer to another day in the event app. Please email tickets@makerfaire.com for customer service.

Note: Friday Field Trip Day tickets cannot be transferred to Saturday or Sunday.

Yes! We offer discounted rates for groups of 10 or more:

  • 10% off for groups of 10–15
  • 15% off for groups of 16–25
  • 25% off for groups of 26 or more

Group discounts are automatically applied at checkout when you add 10 or more faire admission tickets of the same type to your cart.

Interested in a custom corporate package including tickets, swag, and micro events or expirences? Reach out to us at pr@make.co.

Please check your spam and promotions folder. If you still haven’t received it, you can contact us at tickets@makerfaire.com for help.

Parking & Transportation

Is parking available at the venue?

Yes, there is parking available at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard and can be purchased online, in advance, at a discount in the spring of 2026. Parking passes will also be available for purchase on the day of the event. Please follow on-site signage and staff directions upon arrival.

A special Maker Faire ferry schedule from San Francisco to Mare Island has been arraged. It will be published in the summer of 2026.

At the Vallejo Ferry Terminal on Mare Island, you can find limited open-air bike racks near the terminal. There are no bike lockers or bike share programs at the Mare Island terminal. However, bicycles can be brought on board ferries on a space-available basis. Secure BikeLink lockers are available at the Vallejo Transit Center, a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal.

Field Trip Day (Friday, September 25)

What is Field Trip Day?

Field Trip Day is a special event designed for school groups, featuring hands-on activities and educational exhibits. It runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Students must be accompanied by a chaperone; please follow your school’s chaperone policy.

Yes. Since Field Trip Day serves as a preview of the Maker Faire weekend, general admission tickets for this day are offered at a discounted rate.  Limited Quantities Available.

Exhibitors, Makers & Volunteers

How do I find a maker exhibiting at Maker Faire?

An online directory of exhibitors will be available closer to the event date. You can search by category, name, or project type.

General Information

Can I bring my dog to Maker Faire?

It is best to leave your pup home in a cooler place. Any dogs MUST be well behaved, on a leash at all times, and kept away 20 feet away from all food vendors per Solano County Department of Health policy. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to clean up after their pets. Security enforced.

Join our Maker Faire newsletter and be the first to know about inspiring maker projects and stories from across the globe! Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, our newsletter is packed with creativity, ingenuity, and fun. Let’s Make:!