Maker Faire will draw up to 70,000 this weekend

SAN MATEO -- Calling all geeks, freaks and lovers of homemade projects. This weekend the Maker Faire returns to the San Mateo Fairgrounds.

The third annual gathering of do-it-yourself hobbyists is expected to draw as many as 70,000 people, who can stand at the feet of a 17-foot-tall robotic giraffe, ride around in a pedal-powered bus, or just stand in awe of the other 498 homemade projects on display.

The two-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is produced by Sebastopol-based O’Reilly Media, which publishes both “Make” and “Craft” magazines.

For those seeking fame and fortune, PBS will be taping auditions for its first episode of “Make TV” – think "American Idol" for geeks.

Single day tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for students under 21, and $5 for kids 12 and under.