Central Nova News

Inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, and curious minds will gather on Sunday, October 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the debut of Maker Faire NoVa at Alexandria City High School and Chinquapin Park. The event will take place regardless of weather conditions.

The City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts and Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) has partnered with Nova Labs to co-produce Maker Faire NoVa in Alexandria this fall. This marks the return of Northern Virginia's Maker Faire for the first time since 2019. Visitors from the DMV area and beyond are invited to join this family-friendly gathering that celebrates learning and sharing talents. Over 100 makers will participate, offering hands-on projects, demonstrations, workshops, and a speaker series covering topics such as engineering, science, art, robotics, drones, biology, and 3D printing.

The event will feature several activities including NBC4's Tommy McFly as Master of Ceremonies and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate ALX275 at Maker Faire. Attendees can also experience drone flying with Virginia Tech, engage with artists from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, participate in hands-on activities with George Mason University and American University, learn about the history of inventors with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, attend a Maker Educator Meetup for educators and librarians, and view exhibitions featuring ALX275 Anniversary Grant Recipients.

Visitors are encouraged to use free DASH Bus transportation or Capital Bikeshare to reach the event. On-site valet services will be available for those who wish to park their bikes, scooters, or strollers. More information on alternative transit options can be found at alexandriava.gov/GOAlex.

For those driving to the event, parking is available at Alexandria City High School (3330 King St.), Chinquapin Recreation Center (3210 King St), and The Alexandria Scottish Rite Temple (1430 West Braddock Road).

Tickets are currently on sale online. Advance tickets are available until Monday, October 14; general admission prices apply starting October 15. A family ticket option is offered for groups of five entering together. Further details about the Faire can be found at alexandriava.gov/arts/makerfaire.

For reasonable disability accommodations or communication in another language through interpretation and translation services contact daniel.guzman@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-5419; Virginia Relay 711 is also available.

Maker Faire NoVa is independently organized by the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts along with Nova Labs under license from Maker Media Inc.

The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts serves as its designated Local Arts Agency (LAA), committed to promoting arts value by supporting artists' contributions within Alexandria's community.

Nova Labs operates as a community-based makerspace in Fairfax since 2011 aimed at empowering individuals through innovation resources inspiring future scientists and entrepreneurs.