Free event in Mississauga and Brampton features coding with robots, 3D design, woodburning, stickers and more

All residents, particularly those with an interest in creative learning, are invited to visit MakerFest 2023, a free library event happening simultaneously in Mississauga and Brampton.

MakerFest gives people of all ages the chance to get creative with art and technology while meeting and interacting with local makers, artists, hobbyists, tinkerers and innovators.

The fun happens on Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mississauga’s Courtneypark Library will feature exhibitors from across the GTA including a number of exciting robotics and coding programs, while Brampton’s Chinguacousy Branch Library will feature fabrication, wearable technology, vendor booths, an artisan marketplace, a kids zone, woodburning and computer workshops, displays, demonstrations, and presentations in an Open House format.

Check out what’s happening at both libraries on May 27:

Courtneypark Library in Mississauga:

3D Printer Introduction & 3D Design with TinkerCAD | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Learn about 3D printing and the process for printing your own designs, then learn the basics of 3D design with TinkerCAD, a free online 3D modeling program.

Circuitry with TinkerCAD | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn the basics of circuitry and make virtual circuits with TinkerCAD.

Coding with Scratch | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn simple block coding with Scratch, a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

VR Vex Robot Simulator | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Learn coding with Virtual Robots. VEXcode VR brings real world STEM concepts to life, making coding immersive, accessible and fun.

Python with Repl.it | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn the basics of Python coding. Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language and its design philosophy emphasizes code readability.

Robotics with Dash & Dot | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn to code through different activities using the Dash & Dot robots. Activities include a maze, launcher, ocean cleanup, xylophone, game making, and dash Olympics.

STEAM Club | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Have fun practicing your STEAM skills! Try a variety of fun projects, including: Writing in ASCII binary with LEGO, creating a catapult, creating an articulated dragon puppet, and learning circuitry with Snap Circuits kits.

Residents can also check out the Makerspace Open House at the Meadowvale Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 20. One of the many open houses held during May, it will offer more hands-on opportunities to get familiar with different kinds of tech and programming activities.

Chinguacousy Branch Library in Brampton:

Watercolour with Wool | 10 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Join this fun and fresh way to create a landscape using wool from Pam Carnochan and her sheep. You will be able to create your own creative expression with wool in only a couple of hours.

Resin Workshop | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Join local artisans Camille and Tash, owners of She Xart, to learn how to make keychains with resin. In this one-hour workshop, you’ll design and construct your own personalized keychain while learning the ins and outs of working with resin.

Introduction to Sewing: Reusable Pads | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

In this workshop presented by Help A Girl Out, you’ll learn how to use a sewing machine to make reusable period pads, and how reusable menstrual products not only help to end period poverty, but also help the environment. All materials will be provided.

Woodburning Workshop | 1:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Local artisan Myra (from Myra’s Art Studio) will provide an introduction to woodburning using electric woodburning pens. These pens generate about the same amount of heat as a glue gun, and when applied to dry wood they can create some wonderful designs! Through Myra’s direction, learn how to create beautiful wood art, some of which can be turned into beautiful jewelry.

Sticker Workshop | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Digital artist Saphera Peters will show participants how to design and construct their very own personalized stickers. Saf has developed her own impressive brand using Brampton Library’s MakerSpace, and hopes to share her expertise by providing design tips and explaining best practices when making stickers with the Cricut machine.

Saphera Peters

Introduction to Computers | 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Learn about how software is interpreted by computers through this unique session on the ways computers work. This program is brought to you by Let’s Get Together, a nonprofit organization that aims to make technology learning equitable and accessible.

Regalia Discussion and Demonstration | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join indigenous dancer and regalia artist, DJ, to learn about the skill involved in this unique form of cultural expression. DJ will be joined by Kristi White, author of the Jay and Gizmo picture book series.

Additionally, look out for the vendor booths in the atrium where you’ll find a wide variety of items including stickers, tote bags, clothing, resin creations such as keychains and accessories, small wool art creations such as coasters and hats, and more.

Booths will also be set up for hands-on demonstrations for coding, quilting, and other activities offered at the library. Networking booths will give visitors the valuable chance to meet and network with the Sheridan Faculty of Animation, Arts, and Design, the City of Brampton Centre of Innovation with Jasmine Danial, Roots Community Services, and more.

MakerFest is an annual collaboration between the Mississauga Library and Brampton Library. Not only is the event in its third year, this is its first year in-person after hosting virtual events due to the pandemic.

For more info on everything happening, visit the Mississauga Library website or Brampton Library website to learn more.