Life Size Mousetrap, a giant machine based on the classic board game, will make its Wisconsin debut at Maker Faire Milwaukee on Sept. 27-28 at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

A Rube Goldberg-style machine, Life Size Mousetrap is a spectacle that is part art, part physics and 25 tons of fun.

Life Size Mousetrap has been touring science centers, museums and festivals across the United States since 2006 and delivers an educational and imaginative lesson about the scientific principles that govern our world.

Hand-built over 13 years by Mark Perez, this thing has been a centerpiece of the largest Maker Faires around the country, and is appearing at World Maker Faire New York before arriving in Milwaukee.   

Maker Faire Milwaukee, the first in area, is two weeks away. In addition to Life Size Mousetrap, the free event will feature a MacGyver-style team competition, the Design and Build Challenge; Power Racing Series exhibition races featuring teams from across the country who will race their modified toy cars on the Milwaukee Mile during the two-day event; more than 150 talented makers – tech enthusiasts, robotics teams, woodworkers, engineers, blacksmiths, crafters, artisans and more – who will exhibit their work and share their knowledge and skills with other makers and the community; and a full schedule of speakers, demonstrations and hands-on workshops for children and adults.

Admission to Maker Faire Milwaukee, on the same weekend as Harvest Fair, is free. Some activities may require a fee.

Maker Faire Milwaukee is co-hosted by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and Milwaukee Makerspace, presented in collaboration with MAKE magazine and sponsored by Brady Corporation.