Experience Interactive Innovation at Tinkerfest

A daylong celebration of curiosity and creativity awaits as Tinkerfest returns to the Indiana State Museum.

Happening from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, this family-favorite event invites makers, inventors, builders and imaginers of all ages to enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, demonstrations, hands-on activities and more — all designed to engage and inspire.

Now in its sixth year, Tinkerfest will feature more than 45 activity stations hosted by innovative community exhibitors from across Central Indiana — from techno-wizards to tradespeople, engineers to educators, crafters to coders and beyond. Stations are spread across all three floors of the museum, designed to engage tinkerers of all interests and ability levels.

Among the most popular experiences, Team Fahrfunflinger will be back to demonstrate their giant slingshot by launching pumpkins across the museum's front lawn throughout the day. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of chemistry experiments, computer gaming and robotics.

Experienced do-it-yourselfers can gain inspiration from demonstrations in 3-D printing, automotive technology, woodworking, virtual welding and high-tech making. Children will enjoy coding mini bots, printing fun designs and working with gadgets. Plus, musicians and artists will encourage visitors to explore new outlets for expression.

Afterward, visitors can stroll through the museum galleries to view creations made by past generations of Hoosier makers and inventors.

Tinkerfest is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth (ages 3-17), and $21 for seniors. Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org to learn more and save by purchasing admission in advance.