Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies
Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 6:30pmAges: 12 - 17
Class registration and more information
Kids, get ready to roll, fill, crimp, and bake your own delicious fruit hand pies. In this tasty and fun kitchen class, young bakers will first create a homemade seasonal fruit filling and then tuck it into premade dough to create a flaky sweet summer treat. Reminder that closed-toed shoes are required in our kitchen!
Books and Bites: Pigeon Cake
Friday, July 24, 2026 - 2:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 6 - 11
Class registration and more information
Join us for a Books and Bites program! Attendees will create a frosted Pigeon-shaped cake, and librarians from the Westminster Branch will do a storytime while we enjoy our cakes.
Each registration is for one child aged 6-11. In the questionnaire, please list the name of at least one adult caregiver to attend with their child and up to an additional two attendees (this can be another caregiver, a sibling, a friend, etc.), as each registration is for a table of up to four people total. Each table will make ONE (1) Pigeon cake.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Saturday, July 25, 2026 - 10:00am - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. There will be a break from 12 to 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera Desktop CNC Class before attending this program.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the Carvera CNC independently.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Monday, July 27, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Monday, July 27, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Roasted Tomato Pasta Salad
Monday, July 27, 2026 - 5:00pm - 6:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to make this fresh and flavorful summer side dish in this hands-on class. Zippy dressing, roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs level up this summertime staple. A great addition to your next barbeque or summer gathering. There is no fee for this class.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Bake Together: Soft Pretzels
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:15pmAges: 6 - 18
Class registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–18
- At least one adult
- You may fill the remaining two spots in the group with 2 additional participants, aged 6 or older, or leave them unfilled.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
The Perfect Patty Melt
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Participants will make traditional patty melts and uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect patty melt, where juicy beef patties meet golden, grilled bread and a traditional Russian dressing.
Sewing Skills: Using Templates
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how templates can increase sewing speed and accuracy. In this class, we will make a 12" x 18" reversible placemat with mitered corners. This class is a Level 1 skills class, you must meet the prerequisites below to register.
Prerequisites and Required Skills:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC Sewing Machine Certification
- can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
- can sew items together with different seam allowances
- have previously sewn items equivalent to the projects in the Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes: small fabric container, lined canvas tote with webbing handles, lined pouch with zipper
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Teen Maker Camp: Morning Session
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teen Maker Camp: Afternoon Session
Thursday, July 30, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 13 - 18
Class registration and more information
Teens, join us for four days of hands-on makerspace exploration this summer! Each day's class will focus on a different topic: laser engraving, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and music creation/editing. Teens will finish the week with several completed projects incorporating what they've learned.
Participants must be able to attend and actively participate in all four days of their registered Maker Camp session. Maker Camp does not result in equipment use certification for Exploration Commons.
Teens Bake: Soft Pretzels
Friday, July 31, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:45pmAges: 13 - 17
Class registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
Basic Knife Skills
Saturday, August 1, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This hands-on class will cover everything you need to know about caring for your knives and how to use them. You'll learn how to chop, dice, and mince and get plenty of practice with other professional cuts. This is a beginner class.
Cooking for Wellness: Sunshine Custard
Monday, August 3, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Enjoy a cooling treat that’s good for your bones! Discuss what you can do to help improve your bone health with a registered dietitian and make a tasty, spiced orange-cream dessert. This class is provided through our partnership with Carroll Hospital.
Designing and Making for Cricut
Monday, August 3, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will discuss both the capabilities of the Cricut machine and the design software available in the Makerspace for creating custom projects.
Laser Skills: Print and Cut
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to print and cut with the Epilog Fusion Pro laser cutter. We will explore how the Epilog's IRIS™ Camera Registration System works for extremely precise cutting and engraving. We will work in Adobe Illustrator to create a print-and-cut file that can be used with the Camera Registration System. Laser certification is required for all attendees. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator is encouraged.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required.
Introduction to Onshape & 3D Printing
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling, design, and 3D printing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a 3D-printed key chain.
Learn to Solder
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 6:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
Sewing Skills: Fabric Cutting
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.
