The top Canadian Maker Faires for DIY fans in 2018

We put together a list last week with the biggest Maker Faires in the US. This time we will take a look at what is worth checking out outside the states, crossing over to the top Canadian Maker Faires.

First a small recap: the first Maker Faire was held back in 2006 in San Mateo, California, and became one of the largest gatherings in the world of all Do It Yourself fans. Created by Dale Dougherty, editor in chief of Make Magazine, this event brings together technophiles, educators, do-it-yourselfers, artists, inventors, students and families. All curious are welcome to discover what today is possible to do in terms of manufacturing, whether with techniques such as carpentry, cooking, DIY but also with technologies such as 3D printing, robotics and virtual reality the Maker faires have it all. Its founder explains: “In the beginning, when we launched the first Maker Faire in 2006, we wanted to allow the Makers to meet. In these fairs, the most crazy personal initiatives cross the most serious projects. The goal is to get people to get started, to be curious and to learn from others’ projects. “

Since its inception, the event has grown far beyond the US borders as it is found all over the world; in 2017, there were more than 240 Maker Faire in 38 countries. The first of the Canadian Maker Faires were held back in 2010. While it isn’t quite as wide spread as in the US it is slowly gaining ground in Canada and steadily increasing in numbers. So lets take a closer look to the Canadian Maker Faires we have seen and what is still to come up in 2018 to encourage the spread of innovation.

Let’s first look to a couple of the Canadian Maker faires we have already enjoyed this year.

Windsor-Essex Mini Maker Faire

The very first of its kind was held in Windsor-Essex this year. In February the 24th they held a Mini Maker Faire at St. Clair 2018. A successful event, this community-focused faire was full of Makers, Exhibitors and Performers all celebrating the DIY creativity and tinkering. the program contained amongst others Pep Corp. that stopped by to teach how to build your own 3D printer as well as Reminder Liner and Guitar Luthiery etc.

Saskatoon Mini Maker Faire

Also Saskatoon launched their 1st edition of the event. It was held the 25th and 26th of May with both established and emerging provincial Makers showcasing their different DIY science and Technology projects. There were educational workshops, robots, hand-made crafts, sci-fi related displays, art and much more to explore. They had CNC Router 101 showing some cool stuff that could be made with their machine along with SKTechWorks creating a sandbox full of colourful LEDs to change colour as you played in it etc.

Sunshine Coast Mini Maker Faire

For the 4th time this year the Sunshine Coast held their yearly event on May the 26th in Dougall Park, Gibson. This Fair is know for their bright side. They encourages “nerds” in all shapes, sizes and ages to come out into the light to show and share their amazing talent and innovations. Creating a venue that opens up to everything from student projects and homegrown drones to space projects, 3D printing & CNC mills and art projects etc. to check out.

We still have a couple of Canadian Maker Faires coming up for you to explore if you happen to be in the neighbourhood.

Prince George Mini Maker Faire

Next up is the Prince George Mini Maker fair holding their 4th edition of the event the 22nd of September. They are ready to showcase the amazing work of Makers of all ages this year, embracing the DIY spirit. Exhibitors will be presenting everything from tech projects, artwork, soap making, lego construction and much more. This along with activities and hands-on demonstrations are sure to make up an exciting and inspiring day.

Maker Faire Ottawa

the biggest of the Canadian Maker Faires this year as well the oldest running is in Ottawa. Starting out as a Mini Maker faire they leveled up in 2015 to become the first Canadian Featured Faire as well. Now holding the 7th edition, this event is going down the 29th and 30th of September. Ones again preparing to rise to the occasion of highlighting the creative spirit, powerful entrepreneurial energy, and incredible curiosity of both the city and its people. They are transforming the Canada Science and Technology Museum into a model Maker City to show human ingenuity and imagination for entertainment, inspirations and informing and updating people around about the innovation going on.

Parkland Mini Maker Faire

Parkland is calling out for people to join at their 2nd Mini Maker Faire being held September the 29th. They are ones again opening up the doors for everyone covering engineers, artists, scientists and crafters and other Makers to showcase their hobbies experiments and projects. They already have lined up various Makers and Exhibits featuring General Maker Enthusiast, A Common thread, All my LEGO and even Trinus with Miniatures and Models in 3D prints. A family-friendly event showcasing invention, creativity and resourcefulness.

Montreal Mini Maker Faire

And last but not least for 2018 is the Montreal Mini Maker Faire, coming up on their 3rd at the 16th and 17th of November. This event is co-presented by Maker Media and Concordia University along with an organisation team drawn from Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology and Montreal Makers. All ensuring a great event welcoming young and old makers from all over to present their projects in the best possible way. They are celebrating Montreal’s rich and diverse maker scene ones again to showcase the most engaging, interactive, playful and inspiring projects of the area, supporting the Maker movement.

Learn more about all of this on the Maker Faire website, here you can find more Canadian Maker Faires, and follow as the schedule for the Canadian Maker Faires of 2019 are being posted. It’s all about finding your inner maker and start exploring.

Watch a short introduction video of the Canadian Maker Faires, here in form of Ottawa a few year back:

What do you think of the Canadian Maker Faires, any highlights you want to add? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! And remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, to get all the latest news in 3D printing send straight to your inbox!