Maker Faire, billed “a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness,” is an opportunity for people to show off what they are making and share what they are learning. The free event, open to the public, spotlights the creations of a variety of makers, including technology enthusiasts, crafters, garage tinkerers, and scientists. The Atlanta version of what has grown into an international affair takes place Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 4, from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Decatur.

“If you were to take a craft festival and mix it with your favorite science museum, that’s really what this is all about,” said David MacNair, executive director of Maker Faire Atlanta and lecturer in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

MacNair said the maker community is comprised of those who do everything from sidewalk chalk, to art, to jewelry, to engineering.

“We’ve got things for kids and adults,” he said. “It’s really meant for anyone who enjoys building anything.”

Maker Faire is hands-on, with all of the makers interacting with guests — either by giving demonstrations or helping the guests make something.

This is the fifth annual Maker Faire in Atlanta. The first one was held in a Georgia Tech parking lot and was primarily organized by the Institute. The Faire was held at Tech until last year when it grew so large that it had to be moved to a bigger venue in Decatur. Last year’s event drew 35,000 people; MacNair anticipates this year’s event will attract even more.

Georgia Tech will have a significant presence at the Faire, including more than a dozen makers exhibiting in the Georgia Tech Maker Village. Tech’s Invention Studio will also be present. Tech’s Lew Lefton, senior academic professional and assistant dean of the College of Sciences was one of the Maker Faire Atlanta founders and is still part of the leadership team. MacNair volunteers to coordinate Georgia Tech groups participating in the Faire.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help should sign up at: www.makerfaireatl.com/call-for-volunteers.

Although admission is free, attendees are encouraged to get tickets online at www.makerfaireatl.com to be eligible to enjoy special benefits, such as a Skype session with Andy Weir, author of The Martian.