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Upcoming Events

Check Currents publication (PDF) or the Calendar of Events site for more events.

K-Pop Party: Boba Tea Creations

Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Class information

Join us for our FOURTH annual celebration of everything K-pop! There will be a drop-in bubble tea bar in the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen throughout the day. Drop in for games, crafts, music, Korean snacks, prizes, and more at the Westminster Branch. Wear your favorite K-pop outfit and bring photo cards to trade! Goodie bags will be available while supplies last. 

Fantastic Ferments Demo

Monday, July 20, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Learn about the health benefits of fermented foods and ways to add them to your everyday diet. In this demo class, we will review many types of fermented products, sample recipes using these gut-healthy products, and discuss how you can use fermented products at home.

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Cooking Demo

Monday, July 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Tikka Masala is a popular Indian food featuring a spiced creamy tomato sauce. This demo class features Chicken Tikka Masala and how to make homemade garam masala spice blend.

Creating Spiral Fidgets on Fusion 360

Monday, July 20, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Fusion 360 is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating basic to advanced 3D models. In this class we will utilize the various tools within Fusion 360 to create a spiral fidget to demonstrate the capabilities of this software and help improve your design skills. 

Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 12:30pm - 1:15pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.

Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.

If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.

Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.

Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.

If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.sions are offered to make scheduling easier for some participants.

Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 8 - 12
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!

Advanced Sewing Demo: How to Make a Memory Quilt

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Learn the steps to make your very own memory quilt using old shirts and other recycled textiles! This is a demo class, so bring a notebook to take notes while we demo the steps in real time. 

Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information

Learn the basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This introductory-level class includes the EC sewing machine certification necessary for many other classes and/or independent sewing machine use in the makerspace.

If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewn and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.

Prerequisite: None

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 8 - 12
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!

Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Hand Pies

Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 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 - 4:00pm
Ages: 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 - 4:00pm
Ages: 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 - 12:30pm
Ages: 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 - 4:30pm
Ages: 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 - 6:30pm
Ages: 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 - 12:30pm
Ages: 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 - 4:30pm
Ages: 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 - 7:15pm
Ages: 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 - 12:30pm
Ages: 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 - 4:30pm
Ages: 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 - 7:00pm
Ages: 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 - 12:30pm
Ages: 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 - 12:30pm
Ages: 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 - 4:30pm
Ages: 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 - 3:45pm
Ages: 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. 

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