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Annual Tinkerfest opens Sept. 19 at Indiana State Museum
Inventors, designers, makers and imaginers can explore new creative opportunities during Tinkerfest, the Indiana State Museum’s beloved makers’ fair.
From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 19, this seventh-annual event will feature interactive experiences, engaging demonstrations and family-friendly activities designed to inspire the curiosity of tinkerers of all ages and ability levels. As part of the year-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Tinkerfest will also shine a spotlight on a quarter millennium of Hoosier ingenuity and innovation.
New this year, community artist Elijah the Cup Guy will build colorful, towering sculptures using thousands of stackable cups. Families can join in the fun by making their own cup creations then jump in with Elijah to knock it all down at the end of the day. Among Tinkerfest’s most popular experiences, Team Fahrfunflinger will be back to demonstrate their 18-foot slingshot as they launch pumpkins across the museum's front lawn throughout the day. Additional live demonstrations will include chemistry experiments, computer gaming and robotics.
Visitors can discover more than 30 activity stations across all three floors of the museum and connect with innovative community exhibitors from across Central Indiana — from techno-wizards to tradespeople, engineers to educators, crafters to coders and beyond.
Children can learn new STEAM skills as they code mini bots, print fun designs, play with light refraction and work with gadgets. Experienced do-it-yourselfers can gain insights and inspiration in 3-D printing, automotive technology, woodworking, virtual welding and high-tech making. Plus, musicians and artists will encourage visitors to explore new outlets for expression.
Afterwards, visitors can also stroll through the museum’s galleries to view unique creations and learn more about past generations of Hoosier makers and inventors.
Tinkerfest is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth (ages 3-17), and $21 for seniors. Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org to learn more and save by purchasing admission in advance.
Carla Knapp
Indiana State Museum
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