What does it cost to participate in the West Virginia Makes Festival?
The event is free. There’s no charge to attend, exhibit or enter the Design Challenge.
What types of making are permitted?
Makes Fest is a celebration of creativity in all forms. Your creations need not be tangible items. Musicians, performance artists and other types of makers are welcome to participate.
What if I need electricity or extra space for my booth/exhibit?
Electricity will be available to all participants who need it. Be sure to indicate in the registration that you need electricity and/or additional tables/space to demonstrate your creations or offer hands-on making activities.
May I sell items during the festival?
Yes, you may sell your creations as long as you are not offering prepared food items. Value-added edibles such as honey, spices, etc. are permitted. Marshall University’s contract with its food vendor does not allow outside sales of prepared food on campus.
What if it rains?
The West Virginia Makes Festival will take place rain or shine. If it rains, most activities will take place inside the Memorial Student Center Plaza.
Must I be a West Virginia resident to participate?
No. Participation is open to everyone regardless of residency.
What is there to do at the Makes Festival?
Check out the creations of some of our state and region’s most innovative makers. Participate in a variety of hands-on making activities for individuals of all ages. Enjoy live music. Enter our Design Challenge. Try your hand at virtual welding. Experience virtual reality. Watch or enter the splat-acular pumpkin drop challenge. Vote for your favorite maker for the People’s Choice Award.
What are the Design Challenge prizes?
Cash prizes will be awarded in both adult and youth (17 years old and younger) categories. Adult prizes range from $5,000 to $500. Youth prizes range from $1,000 to $100.
What are my food options?
There are a number of food options at the Memorial Student Center or nearby, including Chick-fil-A, Huntington Market (daily selection of hot entrees and side dishes), La Familia (Italian pasta, pizza, salads and sandwiches), Steak ‘n Shake (burgers, shakes and other traditional American fare) and Starbucks, View menus here: https://marshall.sodexomyway.com/dining-near-me/Memorial-Student-Center.
Where do I unload?
Exhibitors, vendors and Design Challengers should enter campus by turning left off Fifth Avenue onto John Marshall Drive, which is one block beyond Hal Greer Boulevard/16th Street. Park in the circle around the statute and unload as quickly as possible. As soon as possible, move your vehicle to the 6th Avenue garage by exiting John Marshall Drive, crossing Fifth Ave. and turning left into the garage after one block.
Buses should enter the pull-in area on the Fifth Ave. side of the Memorial Student Center to unload. Buses then should proceed to the Joan C. Edwards Stadium parking lot, located directly across 20th Street from the university’s Rec Center.
Where do I park?
As long as you don’t have an oversized vehicle, we recommend you park in the Sixth Avenue Parking Garage, located directly across Fifth Avenue from the Memorial Student Center. Enter the garage either from Sixth Avenue or the alley between Fifth and Sixth avenues. The parking rate is hourly and affordable, THOUGH IT IS CASH ONLY. After drop-off, buses and large vehicle should park at the Joan C. Edwards stadium on 20th Street. Use the lot directly across 20th Street from the university’s Rec Center, closest to Fifth Avenue. Please pull through two spaces instead of across four.
Who do I ask if I have questions during the Makes Fest?
Makes Fest staff will wear bright-green polo shirts with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center logo, so don’t hesitate to approach any staff member with questions or concerns.