Because Obviously, Y’all Have Questions About This Too!
and hilariously, we’ve got answers!
Welcome to the Makers Fest FAQ—where we untangle your craft fair curiosities, calm your vendor vibes, and help you decide if glitter really is a good idea (spoiler: it’s not, but I love you anyway). Read on, festive friend, and let the handmade magic unfold.
Whether you’re a vendor, a curious local, or a nomad just here for the funnel cake and face paint, we’ve gathered all the need-to-knows right here.
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ABOUT THE EVENT
What is Makers Fest?
Makers Fest is a two-day celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. Featuring vendors, tours of rigs like Skoolies & vans, food trucks, a Jeep show to support a local nonprofit, and more. It’s part of the Nomad Nexus event and brings together both nomads and the local community for a fun and vibrant weekend.
When and where is it happening?
October 4-5, 2025, from 9 AM to 5 PM on both days in Oakwood, IL.
The event will take place on a beautiful outdoor site with a mix of indoor, covered, and outdoor vendor spaces. It’s right at the beginning of Nomad Nexus Meetup.
Be sure to check back for any updates on hours and special events.
Who can attend?
Everyone! Makers Fest is open to the public, sticks-n-bricks dwellers and nomads alike! So invite your normie friends, your weird cousin, and your grandma who still doesn’t understand what van life is.
How much does it cost to attend?
Makers Fest Entry Fees: $2 per person
All entry fee proceeds go to Middle Fork Jeeps fundraiser to support a local non-profit, Mission K9 Warrior. Help us help them put service dogs in the hands of Veterans who need them!
What activities will be at Makers Fest?
Makers Fest will feature a variety of activities including a Jeep show, tiny home tours of cool things like skoolies & vans, bunches of vendors from the nomad community, the local community, and others from around the country! We are working on other fun things to bring to Makers Fest but I don’t wanna spoil all the surprises, at least not yet!
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes! Makers Fest is absolutely family-friendly. There will be activities for all ages! Families are encouraged to come and enjoy the event together.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes and no!
Makers Fest shoppers are not allowed to bring pets but some of the people who are camping will have pets, I mean they live in these rigs so it’s not like they can leave them at home.
Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Cats? They do what they want, as always. Just don’t pick up random cats—they’re not lost, they live here now.
What happens if it rains?
Makers Fest will continue rain or shine. Most activities and vendor booths are under cover, but please plan accordingly and bring weather-appropriate gear. We’ll still be out there enjoying the day no matter the weather!
VENDING & SELLING
How much does it cost to be a vendor?
Spaces range from $35 to $75 for the weekend, depending on the type of booth. We offer indoor, covered outdoor, and open-air spaces, plus free spots for teen entrepreneurs! Indoor and covered booths include power—just bring your own cords. Teen booths don’t have power, and power may or may not be available for outdoor spaces.
Additionally, we ask all vendors to donate an item valued at $20 or more (per booth) for give-a-ways. It’s a great way to help support the event and attract more visitors to your booth.
Do I need to donate an item for the raffle?
Yes, we ask all vendors to donate an item valued at $20 or more (per booth) for give-a-ways. Things like store credit, a gift card, an item you sell, or a goodie basket are all wonderful give-a-ways.
It’s a great way to help support the event and attract more visitors to your booth.
Are vending fees refundable?
No. There are no refunds if you can’t make it. If you can’t please let us know so we can plan accordingly.
Where should I park?
There will be marked parking for vendors and attendees. Just follow the signs.
Is it a juried show?
It is not but we will do our best to spread out vendors selling similar products.
Do vendor spaces have power?
Indoor and covered outdoor booths come with power included, so you’ll just need to bring your own extension cords. For outdoor spaces, power may or may not be available, so be sure to check with the event organizers if you need electricity.
Oh, and power is available at no additional charge! You’re welcome! 😉
Can I choose my booth location?
You can choose what type of booth but we will assign spots on the map. Triple and Double booths will get assigned corners first. We will do our best to spread out vendors by category and top 3 products.
When can vendors set up and tear down?
Vendors can set up their booths after 3 PM on October 3 and from 6 AM to 8:30 AM on October 4. All booths must be fully set up before 8:30 AM on Saturday morning. Vendors are asked not to tear down their booths before 5 PM on Sunday.
Are there any restrictions on what I can sell?
Illegal things, children, and puppies. Need to sell livestock…we’ve got space for that too! I mean chickens are viral right now! Seriously though…if you really have this question ask here.
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
Is there camping available?
Yes, camping is available at the event. There are limited power sites available. You will need to purchase a Park-It Pass on the ticketing page.
Are there hookups & a dump station?
There are limited 15-amp power spots available, and water spigots are all over. No dump station on-site, but there are some nearby. You’ll manage.
Is there trash service?
Yes, there’s a dumpster, but please compact your trash and break down boxes. This isn’t a landfill, people.
Wi-Fi & cell service?
No Wi-Fi, but there’s a cell tower right across the street, so service is solid. Need Wi-Fi?
FUN EXTRAS
Why should I show my rig at Makers Fest
🥳 For fun!
🤪 So normies can see how us weirdos live
🏆 For prizes & bragging rights!
🧱 To build your following!
💪🏼 To show off your build skills!
😎 To meet cool people & help others!
🆓 To get a free vendor pass for Makers Fest!
DISCOUNTS
Do you have any discounts?
Hell yes! Here’s what’s up:
🔥 Trailblazer Special! (Limited deal for the first 30 peeps that book a full ride EXTRA: this deal locks in a super low lifetime price!)
💥 Groundbreakers Special! $5 off per night! (Limited-qty deal for 30 early supporters use code: GROUNDBREAKER)
🗣️ Nexus Outriders – Got a big mouth? (Or a decent audience) get a custom discount code to share with your followers and earn your stay or at the very least save some💰. DM for deets: FB DM, IG DM, or email
🫱🏻🫲🏾Use a Nexus Outriders’ code – check if your fave nomad influencer-ish person has a deal to share.🤲🏽 Volunteer perks! Not a discount per say but 4 free nights +extra goodies! Is nothing to scoff at.
⏭️ Trailblazers, Groundbreakers, & Nexus Outriders can also volunteer to get those perks.
