Get medieval at the 13th Annual Baton Rouge Maker Faire

Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish Library

What will bring trebuchets, chain mail, fencing, illuminated manuscripts and even snail jousting together at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library this fall? They’ll all be part of the 13th Annual Baton Rouge Maker Faire, which returns Saturday, Oct. 17, to the Main Library at Goodwood with a medieval twist. This year’s theme, “Getting Medieval With It!” invites makers and attendees alike to explore the creativity, craftsmanship and resourcefulness of the Middle Ages.

The free, family-friendly festival brings together makers, creators, artists, scientists, crafters, hobbyists and curious minds for a day of hands-on activities, demonstrations and opportunities to learn.

Attendees can hear medieval-inspired music from a New Orleans musical group, learn about the history and construction of shields during a lecture and demonstration by Dr. James Gregory Jr. with the LSU Military Museum, and see how chain mail is made through demonstrations and a workshop. Red Stick Fencing will showcase the sport of fencing, while the Ordo Procinctus will bring armor and historical combat demonstrations to the event.

There will also be trebuchets, maypoles, movable signs and wonders, snail jousting and an illuminated manuscript workshop, along with much more. Maker Faire promises to be entertaining, as well as educational, encouraging visitors to see history not simply as something to read about, but as something they can explore, build and experience.

The event celebrates the idea that anyone can be a maker, whether that means building a robot, creating art, working with textiles, preserving food, crafting jewelry or learning a centuries-old skill. Makers can include individuals, schools, hobbyist groups, businesses, startups and organizations.

Previous Maker Faires have featured robotics, electronics, 3D printing, drones, chemistry projects, ceramics, woodworking, rockets, sustainable transportation, digital fabrication, costumes, puppets and even unusual machines and repair projects.

For the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Maker Faire is another way to bring people together around curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning. Learn more and see the list of participating makers at batonrouge.makerfaire.com.