By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Jun 17, 2014 at 9:11 AM

The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and the Milwaukee Makerspace co-host the first free Maker Faire Milwaukee Sept. 27-28, in collaboration with MAKE magazine, at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

The event is the same weekend as the State Fair Park’s annual Harvest Fair.

Maker Faires are family-friendly events that welcome makers – tech enthusiasts, inventors, crafters, educators, tinkerers and hobbyists of all ages – to exhibit their work and share their knowledge and skills with other makers and with the community. Maker Faires also showcase the "maker movement," a growing global community of do-it-yourselfers that is pushing the boundaries of creativity, product development and manufacturing through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Maker Faire Milwaukee is expected to feature more than 100 makers who will demonstrate 3D printing, microcomputers, robotics, lasers, alternative energy, blacksmithing, indie crafts, and more. The event will offer hands-on instructional workshops, competitions and activity areas for visitors of all ages and interests. Admission to the event is free; some activities or attractions may require a fee.

"The Museum has wholly embraced the maker movement, which promotes education, community improvement and economic development," said Fern Shupeck, executive director of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. "We are honored to co-host this event with the Milwaukee Makerspace, and to highlight the educational value of the maker movement – for everyone – and celebrate the do-it-yourself spirit of Milwaukee."

Maker Faires bill their events as "the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth."  For Milwaukee, it's a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning.

Milwaukee Makerspace is a 16,000-square foot collaborative workshop in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood where members (professionals, hobbyists, artists, crafters and others) share tools, knowledge and passion.