Make-A-Thon
A Make-A-Thon is an event that focuses on making things. Sometimes this will take the form of a timed event, often with teams, that are given a challenge to create something. These may be events focused on fun, or on solving specific problems.
Another form of Make-A-Thon may be an open-house style event where people have the opportunity to visit multiple hands-on stations and make things that they can take home. These are great outreach events that introduce the general public to making things.
Some makerspaces do a “Holiday Make-A-Thon” which allows people to make holiday-themed items such as ornaments, gift tags, wrapping paper, or even small gifts. People get to learn a new skill and leave with something that they made.
Hackathon
Hackathons are often (but not always) software based events, where individuals or teams work towards creating something in a short amount of time. Often hackathons run overnight and teams present their work at the end of the event. Hackathons may have judges and prizes for the top projects.
Game Jam
A Game Jam is similar in structure to a Hackathon, but focuses on creating games. It compresses the process of designing and creating a game into a tight deadline.