I first came to NextFab back in 2010, wandering in to a Science Festival event held at its then-new South Philly location on Washington Avenue. My, how things have changed since then!

NextFab has put the idea of making on the forefront by blending a community steeped in technology, artisanal craft and entrepreneurship. As a NextFab member, I am proud to serve as a strategic partner through my company, Milk Street Marketing.

So, have you heard? NextFab is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary with a street festival-style event featuring a wide variety of attractions and activities. Here are the top 10 things happening at “A Decade Made Better”:

1. Family fun!

Escape the sun rays and relax with your young ones while playing games and making something for Dad.

2. Dogs!

The event is pet-friendly all the way, and we’ll have a pop-up dog park sponsored by Bark Park. Enjoy a place for dogs to meet and get to know one another — with treats and water bowls of course!

3. Beer!

During “Pitch Over a Pitcher” attending entrepreneurs can sit down with a Temple University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute faculty member or business mentor. Pitch your business idea over a pitcher of beer in the Startup Beer Garden operated by Dock Street Brewery.

4. Food!

We have some delicious food options for you with local favorites Cafe Ynez and Cappuccio’s Meats, with popular food trucks The Eating Binge, WokWorks and Philly Fry.

5. Music!

If you know me, you know my affinity for and dedication to the Philly music scene. We’ve hand-picked four of our favorite acts to entertain you: Worldtown, Muscle Tough, Looseleaf (vintage rock) and Big Mind (reggae/rock).

Jessie Garcia, Tozuda founder and NextFab member. (Courtesy image)

6. Tech!

Visit the Tech Garden where you can see some of the cool inventions that are being made right inside NextFab, plus 3D printing demonstrations and more, hosted by Technical.ly!

7. Crafts!

Twenty local artisans, many of whom make their products at NextFab, will be offering their unique and exclusive products just for you in our Community Market.

8. Art!

As part of the Philly Weekly honor box initiative, witness a live art demonstration. The PW street boxes that have withstood the elements for so many years need some TLC. What better way to do that then by recruiting a local artist to impart their vision on the traditional newspaper street box?

9. Friends!

Bring your friends. Seriously, if you’re coming, bring people with you. But don’t worry, you’ll make plenty of friends at this event either way — we promise that!

10. NextFab!

The best reason of all, especially if you have never been to a makerspace, is to see first hand the possibilities that exist in a place like NextFab. Self-guided tours with interactive exhibits will get you hooked.

###

So there you have it. I’m look forward to seeing you all at “A Decade Made Better,” NextFab’s 10-year anniversary celebration!

• Saturday, June 15, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• 2000 block of Washington Avenue
• Free and open to the public
• Family and pet friendly