Skip to main content

MakeHaven Upcoming Events

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Got a wobbly stool or a chair with a loose leg? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the foundational skills needed to tackle common wood furniture repairs at home. Whether you’re new to the shop or just tired of living with rickety pieces, this class will show you how to assess damage, make simple fixes, and give your small wooden furniture a sturdier, longer life.
This class focuses on minor repairs for small wood items—exact projects will vary based on what’s available and most helpful to demonstrate.

Introductory - No experience required
Program
Image
.
The Foundations of Fabrication (FoF) program is an expansive course that covers 15 disciplines over 4.5 months.

Introductory - No experience required
Meetup
Image
Graphic of two red robot icons with “MH” on their chests, one holding a hammer and the other holding a saw, standing on a wooden tabletop. Between them is an icon of three people sitting at a table, talking, symbolizing collaboration. The background is blurred, suggesting an indoor community space.
Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
Collage of three metal lathes: a close-up of a lathe cutting metal with sparks, a green manual lathe, and a gray manual lathe in workshop settings.
Step into the world of metalworking with our comprehensive lathe workshop, where safety meets precision and creativity knows no bounds. This hands-on class covers all the essentials of lathe operation, from safety protocols to basic machining techniques, empowering you to bring your metalworking dreams to life.

Introductory - No experience required
Partner Hosted
Image
Robot on learning path
This webinar breaks the journey from concept to manufactured product.

Introductory - No experience required
Program
Image
People at MakeHaven smiling and showing off projects they created, including a sewn item, a metal star, and wooden crafts, in a workshop setting
During the program, participants will go through tool introductions, both as a group and independently with guidance. These digital badges serve as a record of the participant's progress in completing the required safety orientations for different tools. The goal of the program is to earn 12+ badges with at least two in each of the focus areas (wood, metal, textiles, digital), and complete a project in each section that can be presented in a show-and-tell session during graduation.

Learn more about the program here.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
In this multi-week workshop, participants will learn to machine their own custom chef’s knife and paring knife from high-carbon or stainless steel. Over the course of four sessions, you’ll explore the chemistry and craftsmanship behind blade creation—from raw steel to finished, functional kitchen tools. You’ll also gain hands-on experience using the tools of both the metal and wood shops to shape, assemble, and finish your knives for long-term performance.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Dive into the world of sewing with our Sewing 101: Beginner’s Class! This workshop is perfect for those eager to learn the basics of sewing, whether you’ve just purchased a sewing machine or have projects lined up and need to get started.

Under the expert instruction of Ceresa Newsome, Founder & Stitch Coach of Endangered Stitches®, you’ll build confidence and proficiency with each stitch.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Member Only
Image
1 image of a 3d printer working, 1 screenshot of a 3d designed duck, 1 image of a person holding their 3d print
Ready to bring your designs to life with 3D printing? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out on MakeHaven’s 3D printers. Together, we’ll walk through the check-out process by creating a small, personalized print. Working in a group makes the experience more approachable and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow makers!

Intermediate - Basics familiarity required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
Robot using the radio
Radio license exam

Introductory - No experience required
Meetup
Image
A four-panel collage showing a pizza-making event. Top left: a hand slices into a charred, wood-fired pizza topped with salami and peppers. Top right: a pizza bakes inside a stone wood-fired oven, flames and glowing embers beside it. Bottom left: a smiling person stirs a large brewing pot with a paddle while two onlookers watch in the background of a busy makerspace. Bottom right: an uncooked pizza with tomato sauce and crumbled cheese sits on a floured wooden peel, ready to bake.
We're firing up the pizza oven, inviting the brew crew to talk brewing and member chefs Max and Josh will cook some New Haven pies ("ah-beetz!") Please register & bring a pizza topping and/or libations (drinks), side, or dessert. If you have any pizza-related dietary needs (eg gluten-free crust or dairy-free cheese) please bring that as your pizza contribution.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
A collage titled “Introduction to Induction” shows a glowing hot piece of metal being hammered on an anvil (left), an induction coil heating metal (top right), and three blacksmithing tools with twisted handles (bottom right).
Step into the forge and learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing using the power of induction heat. In this hands-on class, you’ll shape heated steel into a custom piece of your own design—choose between a decorative wand or a functional BBQ fork.

Introductory - No experience required
Meetup
Image
A collage of family-friendly maker activities. The top panel is an illustration of a family working together at a table, smiling as they build with wood. The bottom left shows a homemade marble run built from scrap wood with ramps and a black marble. The bottom center displays colorful clay figures including a blue animal, a green turtle, a yellow duck, and a brown bear holding a red heart. The bottom right features a simple wooden robot figure made from flat wood pieces tied together with pipe cleaners, wi
Bring your curiosity, creativity, and your favorite kid(s) to MakeHaven for an afternoon of hands-on fun! During this special family meetup, we’ll dive into our treasure troves of wood and fabric scraps and see what magic we can make. From wacky sculptures to crafty creations, you and your young makers can explore self-directed projects together—no set rules, just imagination leading the way.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Member Only
Image
1 image of an instructor showing the compound miter saw, 1 image of a finished serving tray, 1 image of 2 people working in the woodshop
Master the essential tools of the woodshop and earn your Woodshop badge in this hands-on class. Learn how to safely and effectively use the miter saw, planer, and jointer while completing the Woodshop badge requirements. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and certification to access these tools independently at MakeHaven.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Embark on a creative journey into the world of stained glass with our beginner-friendly workshop. Learn the renowned "Tiffany" method, encompassing designing, cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering techniques to craft your own unique glass panel. This hands-on class is tailored for beginners, offering step-by-step guidance to ensure everyone masters the essential skills. By the end of the workshop, each participant will proudly take home their completed stained glass creation.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Join Audra of Motherhood Creations for a creative evening workshop where you’ll craft a custom resin-accented wooden tray—perfect as a statement piece, gift, or functional home decor. Participants will work with poured resin to fill and decorate a wooden tray base, learning techniques to customize with color, shimmer, and texture.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
Collage of six photos showing people tufting and displaying colorful handmade rugs, including animal designs, text art, and geometric patterns, in a workshop setting.
Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
In this hands-on quilting workshop, participants will explore the colorful and creative world of strip piecing—a fast, fun method for building quilt blocks using fabric strips. You’ll learn how to plan and assemble eye-catching patterns, use a rotary cutter safely and accurately, and work with a sewing machine to bring your quilt top to life. This two-part class includes a follow-up Guided Making session, where participants can continue their project or bring in another quilt top to work on alongside the instructor and fellow makers.

Introductory - No experience required
Member Event
Image
1 image of various colored yarn skeins, 1 image of small tufted rugs in the shapes of worms, books and pumpkins
Curious about tufting and ready to start using the tufting guns at MakeHaven? This quick and friendly session is your chance to get badged and get tufting!
You’ll learn how to safely operate the tufting guns and make a small 5” x 5” tufted wall hanging to complete your Textile Tufting Gun badge. This class focuses on the safety skills and know-how you need to work on your own.

Introductory - No experience required
Program
Unlock the world of textiles and garment creation with "The Art of Sewing 2.0," now open to the public! Previously an exclusive offering, this sought-after course led by Ceresa Bolden, Founder & Stitch Coach at Endangered Stitches, LLC, is your ticket to sewing mastery. Perfect for both beginners and those looking to elevate their skills, this 5-week workshop takes you beyond the basics, offering lessons on pattern making, garment construction, and, of course, loads of sewing fun!

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Member Only
Image
1 image of the inside view of a laser cutter in action. 1 image of an assortment of simple circular wooden keychains with laser cut images on them.
Want to start using the laser cutter? This quick and friendly session is your chance to get badged and get cutting!

You’ll learn how to safely operate MakeHaven’s laser cutters and complete the Laser Cutter badge—unlocking independent access. During the session, you’ll cut a small project (like a keychain or nameplate) to practice the full process from design to finish.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Ever wanted to make your own sketchbook, journal, or zine by hand? This two-part workshop is your gateway into the world of book arts—where folded paper, stitched spines, and custom covers come together to create something truly personal.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
2 images of the MakeHaven lathes, 1 image of a piece of metal being turned on a lathe
Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
A collage of three photos from a woodworking workshop at MakeHaven. The top image shows a group of smiling participants holding up striped wooden cutting boards they made. The bottom two images show participants using tools in the woodshop—one group working at a table saw and another sanding edges of their projects, all wearing appropriate safety gear.
Embark on your woodworking journey with A Cut(ting Board) Above the Rest, where the art of crafting meets the practicality of creating a custom, handmade piece. Whether you're new to woodworking or looking to elevate your kitchen game, this introductory class led by Akeera is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of woodcraft.

Introductory - No experience required
Meetup
Calling all knitting and crochet enthusiasts! Join us at MakeHaven for our monthly gathering, meticulously orchestrated by Denise, one of our esteemed textile facilitators.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
Three modern quilts are displayed side by side: one with colorful block patterns on a gray background (left), one with angular white diamonds over a geometric blue and green design (center), and one depicting stylized mountains, clouds, and a sun in soft pastel tones (right).
In this hands-on quilting workshop, participants will explore the bold, playful, and unconventional world of modern quilt blocks. You’ll learn how to break away from traditional symmetry and embrace negative space, color contrast, and improvisation to create eye-catching designs. This two-part class includes a follow-up Guided Making session where participants can continue their block projects or bring in another quilt to work on alongside the instructor and fellow makers.

Introductory - No experience required
Public Event
Image
3 photos of people working on various items inside the MakeHaven main space.
Fix it, don't toss it! Join our second Community Repair Fair @ MakeHaven w/ Yale Engineering & University of New Haven volunteers. Learn hands-on repair skills & fix items together. Free event - pre-register for your 30-min slot!

Introductory - No experience required
Program
Image
A collage showing welding in action: the left image shows a welder working at a table with sparks flying; the top right shows close-up TIG welding with a bright arc; the bottom right shows another welder leaning in as sparks scatter from the metal.
In this six-week, hands-on series, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of metalworking through guided projects and practice. You’ll learn the safe use of a MIG welder, angle grinder, and drill press while exploring the basics of shaping and joining steel. By the end of the course, each participant will complete a functional project of their choice—such as a small box with a lid or a broom with a dustpan—while gaining skills that can be applied to future metal fabrication projects.

Introductory - No experience required
Program
Pathway to Trades is a twelve-week pre-apprentice program tailored for individuals looking to start a new career path in the trades industry. Participants choose one of two tracks—Woodworking, or Metalworking— and build a foundation of skills and knowledge to pursue a new career. Through a combination of instructional sessions, shop hours, project-based learning, and guest speaker sessions, participants will receive hands-on experience, practical skills, and industry insights to excel in their chosen trade.

Introductory - No experience required
Meetup
Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
A collage showing botanical clay art: the left image features flowers pressed into clay slabs and a round dish, creating detailed impressions; the top right shows a person painting over a pressed flower in clay; the bottom right displays fresh plants arranged on terracotta-colored clay before pressing.
In this two-part handbuilding workshop, students will create decorative clay pieces by pressing fresh flowers into slabs of clay and shaping them into functional and beautiful forms. Guided by instructor Linnie, participants will explore slab-building techniques and learn the fundamentals of working with clay while crafting nature-inspired designs.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Image
Collage of six photos showing people tufting and displaying colorful handmade rugs, including animal designs, text art, and geometric patterns, in a workshop setting.
Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Workshop
Discover the creative potential of the extruder tool in this hands-on ceramics workshop. Often overlooked, the extruder opens up new ways to form clay and create dynamic, functional pieces. With a process-oriented approach, you’ll learn to combine extrusions and slabs, letting the clay’s natural properties guide your design. Expect a day of guided exploration and plenty of creative play, resulting in functional items like cups, mugs, or vases.

Introductory - No experience required
Meetup
Each month we have a new, fun theme. More details on this month coing soon!

Introductory - No experience required
Member Event
Image
1 image of various colored yarn skeins, 1 image of small tufted rugs in the shapes of worms, books and pumpkins
Curious about tufting and ready to start using the tufting guns at MakeHaven? This quick and friendly session is your chance to get badged and get tufting!
You’ll learn how to safely operate the tufting guns and make a small 5” x 5” tufted wall hanging to complete your Textile Tufting Gun badge. This class focuses on the safety skills and know-how you need to work on your own.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Member Only
Image
1 image of an instructor showing the compound miter saw, 1 image of a finished serving tray, 1 image of 2 people working in the woodshop
Master the essential tools of the woodshop and earn your Woodshop badge in this hands-on class. Learn how to safely and effectively use the miter saw, planer, and jointer while completing the Woodshop badge requirements. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and certification to access these tools independently at MakeHaven.

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Member Only
Image
1 image of a 3d printer working, 1 screenshot of a 3d designed duck, 1 image of a person holding their 3d print
Ready to bring your designs to life with 3D printing? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out on MakeHaven’s 3D printers. Together, we’ll walk through the check-out process by creating a small, personalized print. Working in a group makes the experience more approachable and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow makers!

Introductory - No experience required
Ticketed Member Only
Ready to earn your Screen Printing Badge and create your first print?
Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out while diving into the creative world of screen printing. Working in a group setting makes the process less intimidating and more collaborative!