Where art, technology and innovation come together
MAKER FAIRE PORTO
Maker Faire is the original, worldwide maker event that brings together creators, innovators and DIY enthusiasts to showcase their projects, share ideas and show us the future in action.
Present in cities across Europe — including Rome, Barcelona, Hannover — Maker Faire has been inspiring people of all ages to ask questions, find solutions, collaborate and experiment.
Maker Faire Porto now arrives to Portugal for the first time to introduce this movement to a wider audience. Here, young and adult visitors, families, students and curious minds can explore creative and technological projects, learn by doing and discover new ways of thinking and making.
Join us: Make, Learn, Share.
MAKER FAIRE PORTO GOALS
- Promote maker culture as a driver of learning, creativity, and innovation
- Bring people closer to technology through hands-on experience
- Encourage experimentation and making as a way to learn and create
- Inspire young people and students to explore new fields and develop practical skills
- Foster sharing and collaboration among makers, families, educators, and the community
- Spark curiosity and critical thinking, demonstrating how ideas can shape the future
Who Is Maker Faire Porto For?
Makers & Creators
Inventors, artists, hackers, fab labs, technical schools
- A space to showcase projects, experiment, and share knowledge
- Networking with other makers and the international community
Families
- Hands-on and interactive activities for all ages
- Experiences that combine learning and fun
- An opportunity to explore technology, science, and creativity together
Youth & Students
- Explore new technological and artistic fields
- Discover tools and methodologies for educational projects
- Get inspired for future paths and spark scientific and creative curiosity
Companies & Partners
- Participate in open innovation and creative projects
- Opportunities to identify talent and build collaborations
- Contribute to educational and social impact within the community
EVENT LOCATION
Alfândega do Porto
A historic riverside venue at the heart of the city
Maker Faire Porto takes place at Alfândega do Porto, one of the city’s most iconic cultural and event venues, located along the banks of the Douro River.
Originally built in the 19th century, this former customs house has been carefully transformed into a contemporary event space, combining historic architecture with modern facilities — the perfect setting for creativity, innovation, and hands-on experiences.
Showcase your creativity, inspire others, make the future
Become a maker
Maker Faire Porto is the perfect place for makers of all ages and backgrounds. If you have a technological, artistic, scientific, or creative project, you can showcase it to the public, share knowledge, and learn from fellow creators.
HELP US MAKE MAKER FAIRE PORTO UNFORGETTABLE
Volunteers are an essential part of Maker Faire. You will help organize the event, welcome visitors, assist in workshops, and more, gaining hands-on experience and memorable experiences.
Discover the city, culture, and creativity of Porto
Maker Faire Porto is not just an event — it’s also an opportunity to explore Porto, a city famous for its history, architecture, gastronomy, and vibrant creative community.
Maker Faire Porto is organized by CRU Creative Hub, VivaLab Porto, and the Backstage Agency.
Together, we bring expertise in maker culture, technology, education, and event production to create a unique festival, open to makers, families, students, and curious minds of all ages. Our goal is to inspire, connect, and showcase innovative projects, bringing the Portuguese community closer to the European maker movement.
Collaborate with us to inspire, educate and innovate
Maker Faire Porto offers unique collaboration opportunities for companies, institutions, and organizations. Join us in creating an event that promotes technology, creativity, and learning for young people, families, and makers.
FAQ'S
Visitants
What is Maker Faire Porto?
Maker Faire Porto is a three-day festival celebrating creativity, technology and sustainability through hands-on experiences, workshops and live demonstrations.
When and where is it happening?
18–20 September 2026
Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto, Portugal.
Who is it for?
Maker Faire Porto is for all ages — families, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and curious minds.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The event is family-friendly. Children up to 6 years old have free entry. Some workshops may have age recommendations or require adult supervision.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available online through our official website. Early bird, student and family rates will be announced soon.
Will there be a day for schools?
Yes. One day is dedicated to schools and universities, with curated educational visits.
If you represent a school or educational community, please contact us at hello@makerfaireporto.com.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The venue is fully accessible. Please contact us in advance if you require specific assistance.
What language is the event in?
The maker community is diverse and international. The main program is primarily in Portuguese, with selected sessions in English.
Makers
How do I apply to showcase a project?
All exhibitors must apply through our official Call for Makers. Projects are selected based on innovation, educational value and alignment with sustainability principles.
What kind of projects are you looking for?
We welcome all makers — low-tech and high-tech alike. Categories include:
– Art & Design
– Technology & Electronics (Hardware/Software)
– Sustainability & Ecology
– Traditional and Innovative Crafts
– Maker Education
– DIY
– Innovative Food & Gastronomy
– Other experimental formats
Can I sell my products?
Yes. Commercial makers may sell products if declared in the application and approved during selection.
Is there a participation fee?
Yes. The participation fees will be available soom
Exceptions may apply for social partners, volunteers or special cases — please indicate this clearly in the application form.
Can I propose a workshop or live demo?
Yes. We strongly encourage interactive formats. Workshops and demonstrations can be proposed in the application form.
What do selected makers receive?
– Exhibition space
– Basic infrastructure support
– Visibility in the official program
– Access to a diverse audience
– Networking opportunities
Why participate?
Maker Faire Porto is a platform to test ideas, gain visibility, connect with collaborators and engage directly with real sustainability challenges. It’s where projects grow, partnerships begin and ideas move forward!
Volunteers
How can I become a volunteer?
You can apply by sending an e-mail to hello@makerfaireporto.com We welcome students and community members interested in innovation, sustainability and event production.
What roles are available?
– Maker support
– Workshop assistance
– Visitor guidance
– Registration desk
– Technical and production support
– Media and documentation support
Do volunteers receive training?
Yes. All volunteers receive orientation and role-specific guidance before the event.
What do volunteers gain?
– Free access to the event
– Certificate of participation
– Hands-on experience in an international innovation event
– Networking opportunities
Why volunteer?
Because you’ll be part of building a meaningful platform that connects creativity, technology and sustainability — and experience first-hand how ideas become impact!
Partners
Why sponsor Maker Faire Porto?
Maker Faire Porto positions your organization at the intersection of innovation, education and sustainability. It offers direct engagement with future talent, startups and an ESG-aligned audience.
Who attends the event?
– STEAM students and educators
– Tech and creative professionals
– Startups and innovation teams
– Families and urban middle-class audiences
– Companies and decision-makers
What are the strategic benefits?
– Access to talent and recruitment pipeline
– Open innovation opportunities
– ESG-aligned brand positioning
– Direct engagement with a qualified audience
– Integration into the global Maker network
What sponsorship levels are available?
We offer four partnership tiers, from Title Partner to Community Supporter, with tailored visibility and activation opportunities.
Can we activate our brand on-site?
Yes. Sponsors may have stands of up to 20m² and can host product or service demonstrations, workshops, sponsor stages, launch innovation challenges, run recruitment activations or create branded zones, depending on the partnership level.
Is this an official Maker Faire?
Yes. Maker Faire Porto is independently organized and officially licensed as part of the global Maker Faire network.
The event is developed within the framework of Convocatória Aberta 2025, coordinated by Porto Digital, with institutional and financial support from Câmara Municipal do Porto.
How do we request the sponsorship deck?
Please contact hello@makerfaireporto.com to receive the full sponsorship proposal and discuss tailored partnership opportunities.












