We get a lot of great questions about our annual Dover Mini Maker Faire every year, so we thought we’d gather all the answers in one place here on the blog!
Let’s start with the basics…
WHAT: Dover Mini Maker Faire
WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2016
WHO: Anyone can come to the Faire! It’s not just for kids and families.
WHERE: The Faire takes place in Dover, NH and is spread out across four locations: inside the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, outside the museum in both upper and lower Henry Law Park and across the river at One Washington Mill. There are TWO entrances to the Faire…one directly by the big blue crab that guards the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and outside the entrance to One Washington Mill.
HOW MUCH: If you buy tickets online before midnight on Friday, August 26, tickets are $10/person. Tickets at the door for the general public are $12. Kids 5 and under get in for free. Children’s Museum of NH Members pay only $7 IF they show their Membership card.
WHAT: The Dover Mini Maker Faire is a one-day festival where “Makers” of all kinds gather to show what they are making and share what they are learning. It’s a chance for anyone interested in the “Do-It-Yourself” movement to learn new things and go home inspired. Makers are spread across the 4 locations and offer hands-on, interactive demonstrations and workshops throughout the day.
And now for the more in-depth Q&A!
Q. Where do I park?
A. Metered parking is FREE on the weekends in Dover, or there are lots of parking spots in the 45 Orchard Street parking garage (which costs $0.75/hour). Learn more about parking in Dover here.
Q. How do I get there?
A. Driving in downtown Dover can be a bit confusing. We suggest using 10 Henry Law Ave as the address if you are using a GPS. Or, if you want to go straight to the parking garage, use 45 Orchard Street. Learn more about driving to the Children’s Museum of NH in Dover here.
Q. Will it be crowded?
A. The Faire is so spread out across the 4 locations that even though we had 1600 people attend last year, it didn’t feel crowded. The most crowded areas are inside the museum.
Q. Can I bring my kids to play in the Children’s Museum of NH during the Faire?
A. No. The Children’s Museum of NH’s exhibits will be full of Makers and the staff is completely occupied with the Faire, so we are closed for regular museum visits on Saturday, August 27. However, we hope you’ll consider bringing your kids to the Dover Mini Maker Faire since it is a very family friendly event with lots to see and do.
Q. Will there be food to purchase?
A. Yes! This year there are 8 food vendors: Boogalow’s Island BBQ, Hot Potato, Juice Burger, Kona Ice, People’s Popcorn, Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt, Terra Cotta Pasta and Vagabond Coffee Car. There are also many downtown dover restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the Faire.
Q. Is the Faire handicap accessible?
A. Yes, the entire Faire is handicap accessible.
Q. Can I bring food into the Faire?
A. Yes, feel free to bring water and food into the Faire and eat it outside in Henry Law Park. There isn’t a space inside the museum to eat.
Q. What if I have a food allergy?
A. Please convey any food allergy concerns to each food vendor and use your best judgement.
Q. I have a friend or family member who is a Maker. Can I get in for free?
A. Congrats on having such creative friends and family! Makers can invite their friends and family, but unless you are a volunteer, you will have to pay admission into the Faire.
Q. I forgot to buy tickets online. Can I buy them at the Faire?
A. Of course! Come to one of the two entrances and use cash or credit to pay for your tickets.
Q. I want to learn more about next year’s Dover Mini Maker Faire. How do I keep in touch?
A. Sign up for our Dover Mini Maker Faire e-newsletter and we’ll keep you up-to-date throughout the year and give you sneak peaks about all the great things we have planned.
Q. You didn’t answer my question! How do I get in touch with someone?
A. You can always call the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire at 603-742-2002 or email [email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions.
