Plan Your Trip to Maker Festivals Mesa/Phoenix

There’s nothing like gathering with people who really “get” you. And when it comes to makers, the more the merrier! That was our philosophy when we decided to greatly expand our Maker Festivals events lineup for 2023. We added more locations, and we increased the number of crafts covered at each location. We kicked off this year with our Loveland Maker Festivals event, made the party even bigger at Maker Festivals Milwaukee, and continued the fun at Maker Festivals Lancaster. Next up: Maker Festivals Mesa/Phoenix in Mesa, AZ!

This event combines Yarn Fest, Bead Fest, and Art fest for lots of makerly fun. Workshops run October 24-28 (Tues-Sat), and the Marketplace is open October 26-28 (Thurs-Sat).

There’s so much to look forward to at the Maker Festivals Mesa/Phoenix event. Whether you’re planning to spend the whole weekend at Maker Festivals or just a single, blissful afternoon, I can’t recommend strongly enough that you go in with a game plan. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and let the experience carry you along. While you’ll still have a great time if that happens, you might find yourself feeling some FOMO (fear of missing out) or regrets after the event if you don’t make the most of it.

This guide is to help you think of everything so you can plan to have an awesome time!

Make an Agenda

For however many days you’re going, I recommend making an agenda that breaks down your time by the hour. Ideally, do this before you register for your workshops to make sure you don’t double-book yourself. Then you can fill in the workshops as you register and be sure you leave time to eat, shop, and simply rest. Remember that the Marketplace is open Thursday-Saturday for shopping. You’ll definitely want to leave yourself plenty of time to browse and shop.

Plan Your Workshops

Workshops are offered Wednesday through Saturday at Maker Festivals, and there are so many to choose from—including for media and crafts you might never have tried before! Online registration for workshops is now closed, but you can still add workshops at registration at the event. All registered students will receive a Bead Fest Tote Bag with goodies from participating sponsors, as well as a three-day pass to the Marketplace.

Only you can know what your stamina is for workshops. I encourage you to challenge yourself but also to take care of yourself. Choose a workshop outside of your comfort zone, maybe bookended with some lighter content for a mix of engagement and opportunities to rest your brain.

Don’t forget to learn more about your instructors and follow them on social media! Let them know you’re excited to see them at Yarn Fest and stay connected after the event.

Make & Takes

You make it, you take it! In the Marketplace on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we will have painting, bracelet making, and pom-pom making mini classes. Included in price of admission or a $5 donation to the designated charity. Show up at the time below. Each Make & Take is limited to 10 people and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Marketplace

If you haven’t gotten your Marketplace ticket yet, never fear—you can get your ticket at the door. However, don’t forget that you will receive a free 3-day marketplace admission pass when you register for at least one 3 hour or longer workshop!

In the Marketplace, you will find booths with yarn, beads, jewelry supplies, art supplies, and other craft supplies. You can find a complete vendor list on the website.

Prep for Success

Plan and Budget Your Purchases

You can find out about the vendors who will be there in advance so that you can plan what you’re looking for! Setting a budget is never fun, but it’s a good idea to make sure you don’t overspend and that you leave enough money for your top-priority purchases.

You’ll find links to the vendors websites. Plus, be sure to check them out on social media to see what they’re planning on bringing to the show.

Do Your Homework

If one or more of your workshops has homework, be sure to complete that before you go or on the plane. Your instructor will send you instructions if there’s anything you need to complete before your workshop.

Pack Your Bags

You’ll know you’re almost there when it’s time to pack your bags!

What to Bring

Be sure to double check that supply list for your workshops! You don’t want to be scrambling once you’re there.

At Maker Festivals Mesa

Check In

When you arrive for your first workshop or marketplace day, you can pick up your materials at the registration desk. To receive a tote bag full of goodies, you must purchase at least one workshop. You can also sign up for more workshops at the registration desk.

Then you can take your workshop ticket and supplies directly to your classroom, or head into the Marketplace from Thursday-Saturday.

At the End of the Day

After a long day of learning and shopping, wind down in whatever way makes sense to you. For some, that’s retreating to the hotel room and hoarding your purchases like a dragon—or practicing the new skills you learned in workshops.

For others, that means heading out to one of the many local restaurants and bars in the area and decompressing with new and old friends.

Don’t forget to budget in some time to document your purchases and plan your future makes! You’re sure to be so inspired at the end of your experience that your personal project queue will grow significantly.

Enjoy Yourself

The most important part of the whole experience! Remember, you’re here to have fun, learn, and make new friends. Be friendly, introduce yourself, compliment someone’s sweater—you never know who you’ll meet, from your favorite designer to a new lifelong friend.

Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy an event like Maker Festivals!

Will we see you at Maker Festivals Mesa/Phoenix? Let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments!