08/22/2026
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects.
Read more from The Orlando Shine.
Maker Faire Orlando returns for its 14th year on Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, at the Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Halls, 4603 W. Colonial Drive. The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, rain or shine, with free onsite parking.
The nonprofit, community-organized event is produced entirely by volunteers under founder Ian Cole and his wife, Candy Cole, through the couple’s Maker Effect Foundation, which also runs the MakerFX makerspace in Orlando. The Faire brings together hundreds of exhibits and hands-on activities spanning science, art, rockets, robots, crafts, technology, and music, along with stage talks, panels, and performances throughout the weekend.
We had a chance to speak with Ian Cole, the co-founder and lead organizer of Maker Faire Orlando, to chat about what it takes to put on the annual event. Cole co-founded Maker Faire Orlando in 2012 and has run it ever since through the nonprofit he leads, the Maker Effect Foundation, which also operates MakerFX Makerspace.
https://orlandoshine.com/7-questions-with-ian-cole-of-maker-faire-orlando/