Inventors, designers, makers and imaginative minds can discover new ways to create when Tinkerfest returns to the Indiana State Museum on Saturday, September 19.

Now in its seventh year, the popular makers’ fair will fill the museum with interactive experiences, live demonstrations and family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Designed for tinkerers of all ages and abilities, the event encourages visitors to experiment, solve problems and turn their ideas into reality.

As part of the yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, this year’s Tinkerfest will also spotlight 250 years of Hoosier ingenuity. Activities throughout the museum will connect contemporary creativity with Indiana’s long history of invention and innovation.

New this year, community artist Elijah the Cup Guy will use thousands of stackable cups to construct colorful, towering sculptures. Families can build cup creations of their own before joining Elijah to knock everything down at the end of the day.

Returning favorite Team Fahrfunflinger will once again demonstrate its massive 18-foot slingshot by launching pumpkins across the museum’s front lawn. Additional live demonstrations will highlight chemistry experiments, computer gaming and robotics.

More than 30 activity stations will be spread across all three floors of the museum. Visitors can meet community exhibitors representing an array of creative and technical fields, including tradespeople, engineers, teachers, crafters, coders and technology specialists.

Children can strengthen their science, technology, engineering, art and math skills by coding miniature robots, printing designs, experimenting with light refraction and exploring different gadgets. Experienced do-it-yourselfers can learn more about 3D printing, automotive technology, woodworking, virtual welding and high-tech fabrication.

Musicians and artists will also encourage attendees to experiment with different forms of creative expression, illustrating how the spirit of making extends far beyond science and technology.

After exploring Tinkerfest, visitors can continue through the museum’s galleries to see unique creations and learn about the Hoosier inventors and makers whose ideas helped shape Indiana.

Tinkerfest is free for Indiana State Museum members and included with general admission. Tickets are $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and $17 for children ages 3–17. Visitors can learn more and save by purchasing admission in advance at IndianaMuseum.org.