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“Tinkerfest” at Chabot Space & Science Center (May 17-18)

Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Cost: $25*
*Children under 2 are free

Chabot Space & Science Center | 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

Event Details

Tinkerfest is a two-day festival that celebrates the creative, curious, and inventive spirit in all of us. Tinkerfest will bring together makers, artists, and tinkerers to showcase their work and invite attendees of all ages to join in on the DIY fun. Activities are geared towards a family audience, but we welcome all visitors to experiment and learn with guest speakers, demonstrations, and fun hands-on activities!

Our 2025 partners include the Friends of the Oakland Tool Lending Library, Scraper Bike Team, Rogue Making, Rock the Bike, Museum of Childrens Art, Black Girls Code, San Francisco High Altitude Balloons (SF-HAB), Society of American Military Engineers, SF BrightWorks, Play-Well TEKnologies, Tiny Techs Club, NASA Ames, and more!

Other activities throughout the day include Cardboardia, building landscapes with cardboard and tape, Live Science and Planetarium shows, Tech Takeapart, and a community-built art installation activity in our Skybridge!

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: $25*
*Children under 2 are free
Categories: Art & Museums, Fairs & Festivals, Fun & Games, Geek Event, In Person, Kids & Families
Venue: Chabot Space & Science Center
Address: 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland

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