Igniting Creativity and Innovation

Join us for the triumphant return of RVA Makerfest on November 2, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Deep Run High School. The much loved festival, presented by Blue Cheese Robotics and Build, RVA of The Build Forward Foundation, is family-friendly event that celebrates the vibrant maker community surrounding Richmond, Virginia.

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.

learn more

For Makers

Network with fellow creators and showcase your handmade goods and projects to thousands of attendees. Inspire the next generation of makers.

vendor application

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.

RVA MakerFest is guided by volunteers and community leaders

The collaborative effort of the RVA MakerFest Board of Directors and volunteers ensures that RVA MakerFest continues to be a vibrant, educational, and inspiring event for the Richmond community, fostering creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning.

build community

Meet the 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

Watch video

Metalworking

Meet Kyle Lucia, a blacksmith who makes homegoods using repurposed materials.

Watch video

Soapmaking

Meet Mary Murphy, a soapmaker focused in goat milk and beer soaps.

Watch video

Chocolate-making

Meet Kelly Walker, a fifth-generation chocolatier.

watch video

Made in RVA

Meet the innovative makers of Richmond, Virginia that showcased at previous RVA MakerFest events.

watch video

Glassblowing

Meet Grant Garmezy, a sculptor specializing in taxidermy glass.

watch video

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 LEGO robotics teams.

Have a question we don’t have an answer to? Click “Contact Us” to send a message with your questions.

Explore All FAQs

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 was 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, including entrepreneurs ages 12 and up.