Grand Traverse County RecycleSmart partners with MakerFest 2025 for a special Earth Day edition of the annual celebration of making, creativity and sustainability. The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 26, 2025, at Howe Arena, inside the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.

This year’s MakerFest blends STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) with Earth Day education, featuring hands-on activities and exhibits focused on upcycling, repurposing and recycling. Guests will enjoy indoor displays—and possibly some outdoors—highlighting eco-innovation and community collaboration.

Dozens of local exhibitors will participate, including Oryana Co-op, the Dennos Museum, Inland Seas Education Association, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers, the Grand Traverse Butterfly House & Bug Zoo and the U.S. Forest Service. Younger visitors can explore a dedicated Littles Area with booths from the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TADL Youth Services and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Robotics clubs, artists, libraries, environmental groups and community organizations will also be present.

To support Earth Day efforts, attendees are encouraged to bike, carpool or ride the free BATA Bayline. Sustainable travel earns a square on the family BINGO card, which doubles as a ticket for hourly prize drawings.

BINGO prizes include $50 Oryana Co-op gift cards and STEAM kits awarded at 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Oryana Co-op also provides refreshments for exhibitors.