Maker Fest

One-day of exploration, not expectations. Show up with curiosity and leave with a tangible idea — plus the skills to take it further.

2026 Maker Fest

Discover what Baltimore’s makers are creating.

Friday, October 30, 1–4:30 p.m., StarTUp at the Armory

TU Maker Fest is Towson University’s annual celebration of the maker community, bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs, innovators and students who are turning ideas into something real.

Join the local maker community for an afternoon of inspiration, connection and discovery.

This year’s Maker Fest features two ways to connect with the local maker community:

Maker Panel: Hear the stories behind the work
What does it really take to turn something you love making into a business? Hear directly from Baltimore-area makers as they share their journeys, creative processes, challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way.
Student Pop-Up Shop: Shop local. Shop student.
Discover something new at our pop-up shop featuring Baltimore-area student makers. Browse unique products, support student-owned businesses, and meet the people behind the creations.

Be a vendor at TU Maker Fest

Are you a student entrepreneur, artist, designer, baker, crafter, or creator? We want you at the TU Maker Fest Student Pop-Up Shop! This is your chance to put your products in front of the Towson University and Baltimore community, meet other student makers, connect with potential customers, and show people what you’ve been working on.

Whether you’re already running a business or just getting started, we’d love to have you join us. Ready to put your work on display?

Apply to be a vendor by October 21.

About TU Maker Fest

The TU Maker Fest is a one-day, hands-on innovation experience where students explore turning creative ideas into tangible products and potential businesses.

The TU Maker Fest puts the spotlight on student makers and the businesses, products and creative ventures they’re bringing to life, while bringing together Baltimore-area creatives, entrepreneurs and community members to share, connect and celebrate the spirit of making.

Why participate?

The TU Maker Fest is a chance for students to discover what’s being made, meet the people behind the work and celebrate where their ideas are taking them.

Faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to attend and connect with the area’s growing community of makers.

Past Events

2025 TU Maker Fest

Keynote speaker

Randy Lewis Jr. is the founder and owner of Five O’ Clock Co., a Baltimore-based grooming and lifestyle brand dedicated to handcrafted, small-batch products that celebrate community and culture. A city employee of Made in Baltimore/Baltimore Development Corporation Randy champions local makers while growing his brand through authentic storytelling, sustainable practices, and a passion for elevating Baltimore’s creative economy.

Agenda

9–9:30 a.m.: Registration and breakfast
9:30–9:45 a.m.: Welcome
9:45–10 a.m.: Design thinking crash course
10:15–11:15 a.m.: Channel your inner maker
- Open Works: DIY dye-sublimation for tote bags and beyond
- Dent Education: Make it stick: AI-powered sticker design
- SCRAP Baltimore: Stamp it up!: Upcycling clothes
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Making it happen
- Highwire Improv: How to pitch!
- Dent Education: AI hustle: Smart tools for young entrepreneurs
- SCRAP Baltimore: So you wanna set up a creative reuse business?
12:30–2 p.m.: Lunch and keynote

2024 TU Maker Fest

Cohort

Study Wise: a studying and task management system
TUrnUp: a hub for all campus events
Coursesight: a platform dedicated to give students insight to courses they wanted to take