Igniting Creativity and Innovation
made in virginia
RVA MakerFest Resurgence
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the best of Richmond’s maker community. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting your maker journey, RVA Makerfest has something for everyone.
Discover, Create, Innovate
More than 50 local makers, inventors, and entrepreneurs will showcase cutting-edge innovations and traditional crafts. There will be hands-on FIRST® robotics demonstrations, science, art, technology, and interactive workshops for all ages.
For Makers
Network with fellow creators and showcase your handmade goods and projects to thousands of attendees. Inspire the next generation of makers.
For Families
Experience STEAM education activities for kids, take-home projects from hands-on workshops and meet local young inventors and entrepreneurs. Discover career possibilities in technology and creative fields.
About Us
RVA MakerFest is guided by volunteers and community leaders
The collaborative effort of the RVA MakerFest Organizing Committee and volunteers ensure that RVA MakerFest continues to be a vibrant, educational, and inspiring event for the Richmond community, fostering creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
RVA MakerFest focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) experiences through interactive experiences and live demonstrations, including award-winning FIRST robotics teams.
Have a question we don’t have an answer to? Click “Contact Us” to send a message with your questions.
What is RVA MakerFest?
RVA MakerFest was an annual event from 2014-2018 that connected STEAM experiences with attendees at the Science Museum of Virginia in central Richmond, Virginia. The mission of the festival is to bring awareness to local talents and promote Richmond’s makers and artisans while seeding future entrepreneurs and business growth with exposure to hands-on STEAM learning and live demonstrations.
What impact does RVA MakerFest have?
The event has influenced collaborations among regional businesses and institutions, inspired entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses, connected community leaders to residents and even improved class engagement and fostered interests in STEM for K-12 participants.
What age group is RVA MakerFest suitable for?
The previous events attracted thousands of attendees and businesses from all walks of life. From young children to senior makers, the free family-friendly event caters to a wide audience.
Hands-On Live Demonstrations
Get hands-on experience at maker stations and learn about the process of creating.
Support Local Businesses
Join over 40 makers from Virginia and support the local economy.
Learn Trade Skills
Ever wonder how something is made? RVA MakerFest field experts will show you the magic behind each trade.
build community
Meet this year’s Makers
RVA MakerFest is back and better than ever, celebrating the creativity and innovation of Richmond’s vibrant maker community. This year’s theme, “Resurgence,” highlights local makers, tinkerers, and entrepreneurs showcasing their talents in robotics, art, technology, and more.
Attendees can engage in hands-on activities, witness live demonstrations, and explore sustainable technology exhibits. With opportunities to purchase unique handmade goods and participate in interactive workshops, RVA MakerFest promises an inspiring experience for all ages. Don’t miss this chance to connect with local creators and ignite your own creativity!
Meet the Previous Makers
Join us in celebrating creativity, innovation and the power of making by supporting local makers, inventors and entrepreneurs. Click below to view videos from previous RVA MakerFest Makers.
Printmaking
Ashley Hawkins, Executive Director of Studio Two Three, explains the science behind screen-printing, using the designs for RVA MakerFest 2015 posters
Metalworking
Meet Kyle Lucia, a blacksmith who makes homegoods using repurposed materials.
Soapmaking
Meet Mary Murphy, a soapmaker focused in goat milk and beer soaps.
Chocolate-making
Meet Kelly Walker, a fifth-generation chocolatier.
Made in RVA
Meet the innovative makers of Richmond, Virginia that showcased at previous RVA MakerFest events.
Glassblowing
Meet Grant Garmezy, a sculptor specializing in taxidermy glass.
your support will make an impact for generations
Sponsor RVA MakerFest
Support the revival of Richmond’s maker community by becoming a sponsor and help build a sustainable future through making and innovation.
Creator
$3,000 | Silver Sponsor
Reach thousands of engaged attendees passionate about making and technology.
Logo acknowledgement of event support across all digital and printed communications
Dedicated social media promotions as the event Silver Sponsor
Profiled on RVAMakerFest.org
Publicly recognized at Pre-Event celebration and festival
Maker vendor with high traffic placement at RVA MakerFest
Builder
$5,000 | Gold Sponsor
Join us in fostering the maker spirit and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Prominent logo acknowledgement of event support across all digital, printed and media communications
Dedicated social media promotions and highlighted posts as the event Gold Sponsor
Profiled on RVAMakerFest.org
Publicly recognized at Pre-Event celebration and festival
Featured maker vendor with high traffic placement at RVA MakerFest
Visionary
$1,000 | Bronze Sponsor
Support STEM education and workforce development in the Richmond community.
Logo acknowledgement of event support across all digital and printed communications
Profiled on RVAMakerFest.org
Publicly recognized at Pre-Event celebration and festival
Maker vendor at RVA MakerFest
Festival food vouchers
Let’s come together for
RVA MakerFest Resurgence.
RVA MakerFest has been a vital platform for showcasing creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning in the Richmond area since its inception. This event has not only inspired thousands of attendees but has also fostered a community of makers, tinkerers, and entrepreneurs. The future of Central Richmond’s creative and technological landscape depends on our collective action today
