heise-offer: Maker Faire Hannover 2026: steel flowers, lightning and a lot of new projects

The Maker Faire Hannover 2026 will take place on August 15 and 16 at the Hannover Congress Centrum, offering a gathering point for individuals who prefer building, soldering, and programming over buying ready-made technology. Over 200 exhibitors will showcase projects currently being developed in workshops, makerspaces, and basements around the world. The Make editorial team will have its own stand in the Eilenriedehalle, located at booth 105, where visitors can engage with editors, ask technical questions, and present their ideas. The editorial team includes Carsten Wartmann, Alexander Panknin, editor-in-chief Daniel Bachfeld, Daniel Schwabe, Johannes Börnsen, Ákos Fodor, Dunia Selman, and Rebecca Poweleit. More than one-third of this year’s exhibitors will participate in the Maker Faire Hannover for the first time, bringing new projects and innovations to the event. This mix of familiar faces and fresh additions contributes significantly to the unique atmosphere of the fair, where attendees often meet old contacts, exchange experiences, and discover unexpected projects. The fair continues to attract both regulars and newcomers looking for inspiration and interaction. One of the highlights of the fair will be the Makey:Lab, a learning platform developed by Make specifically for aspiring makers. The lab offers an introduction to microcontrollers through graphical blocks, allowing beginners to assemble functions and test them directly on hardware without needing prior coding experience. Visitors interested in hands-on experimentation can try out the lab at the Make stand. Additionally, the stand will feature the newly developed Maker-Escape-Adventskalender, created in collaboration with Franzis. Unlike traditional advent calendars, this version contains electronic components for assembling and solving puzzles, making it ideal for makers. Among the notable exhibits is “Flower Power,” a large steel flower constructed by Dutch artist Bibi Jordan. The installation reacts to movement around it, gradually opening its petals as visitors gather nearby. When enough people are present, flames shoot out from the flower, creating a dramatic visual effect. Another highlight is the “Buzzbird,” a kinetic sculpture featuring movable wings controlled by visitors. By attaching sensors at a control station, participants can raise their arms, prompting the bird to flap its wings, transforming the machine into a mechanical extension of the user's body. The “Tesla Coil & Laser Animation Experience” by LSD-LaserShowDesign promises to be the loudest attraction. Two Tesla coils, each over two meters tall, will be combined with laser technology, music, and special effects. The coils will produce long electrical discharges that move through the air in sync with the music, while laser projections enhance the high-voltage display. This combination makes electricity not only visible but also part of the performance. The Maker Faire Hannover 2026 will include a variety of interactive installations, educational programs, and opportunities for networking among enthusiasts, professionals, and hobbyists. Exhibitors will range from established companies to independent creators, showcasing everything from DIY electronics to artistic installations. The event aims to foster innovation, creativity, and community engagement within the maker culture. Attendees can expect to see demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, hands-on workshops, and discussions on emerging trends in engineering and design. Visitors interested in participating in the fair should plan to attend during the specified dates, ensuring they have ample time to explore all the offerings. The event will provide detailed schedules and maps to help attendees navigate the venue efficiently. Those planning to visit are encouraged to review the list of exhibitors and activities beforehand to maximize their experience. The fair will also offer information on how to get involved in future events and contribute to the growing maker community.