Assemble Celebrates 15 Years of Creativity and Community with Unicorn Palooza

2026 is the FIRST EVER Unicorn Palooza. You might be saying, “Why did Assemble wait so long to have such a fun event?” Great question!  We decided to remix MakerDate (thank you for all the years) and transform it into something new, like nothing before. Instead of bidding on dates during the live and silent auction, we will be remixing carnival games where folks can “spin the wheel” to land on a learning experience with a local ceramist, welder, writer, or celebrity! Pick up the duck to see if you won tickets to a museum or a charcuterie board! Unicorn Palooza will have plenty of amazing opportunities to connect with creatives, artists, makers, and technologists. Want to sign up to offer a making experience? Fill out our Maker Form here!

2026 Unicornies:

Fabulous Funder: Gregg Behr, Grable Foundation
Gregg Behr is Executive Director of The Grable Foundation and a longtime champion of children, education, and maker-centered learning. Through his leadership and support of initiatives like Remake Learning, he has helped create opportunities for organizations like Assemble to inspire young people through creativity and STEAM education.

Afrofuturism Activist: La’Tasha Mayes, State Representative
Representative La’Tasha Mayes serves Pennsylvania’s 24th Legislative District and has dedicated her career to advancing racial equity, community empowerment, and opportunity. Her visionary leadership reflects the creativity, innovation, and bold thinking that Assemble celebrates and encourages in the next generation.

Unsung Unicorn: Jess Gold, Educator
Jess Gold is a Pittsburgh educator, organizer, and nonprofit leader whose impact is felt through community-building and behind-the-scenes leadership. Their commitment to supporting others and strengthening Pittsburgh’s nonprofit community embodies the collaborative spirit at the heart of Assemble’s work.

Magical Maker: Ms. Junyetta Seales, Artist
Ms. Junyetta Seales is an artist, educator, and creative community leader who inspires others through artistic expression, storytelling, and mentorship. Her dedication to making, teaching, and nurturing creativity reflects the hands-on learning and imagination that define Assemble.

Why Unicorns?!

Our mascot, which was designed by Brenna Thummler in 2016, is a Unicorn Robot in Outer Space. From kids to grown-ups, folks love Unicorns – and feel like them too! Do you ever feel like you have something special to share, yet it might not be visible to others? You, too, might be a unicorn.

All funds raised at Unicorn Palooza directly support Assemble’s STEAM education programs for youth, teens, and adults, like Assemble Afterschool, Saturday Crafternoons, Hack the Future, and Summer Camps!

What to expect at Unicorn Palooza:

• Carnival Games, featuring a variety of local Makers Experiences (sign up here!)
• The inaugural Unicorny Awards
• Flash Tattoos and temporary body art
• Drinks by WBU
• Delicious hors d’oeuvres by Sprezzatura Community Cookie Table (sign up here!)
• Hands-on activities & games made by Assemblers
• Green-screen photo booth
• Music by DJs
• Spectacular fun for a good cause!

Event tickets include drink tickets + hors d’oeuvres.

All proceeds raised at Unicorn Palooza support Assemble’s STEAM education programs, ensuring that youth and adults throughout the Pittsburgh region continue to have access to innovative, hands-on educational opportunities.

Unicorn Palooza is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Duolingo, Carnegie Mellon University School of Art, The Heinz Endowments, Schell Games, and many other community partners committed to inspiring creativity and hands-on learning.

When: Saturday, September 19, 6 – 9 PM. VIP Meet the Makers 5 – 6 PM

Where: The Workingmen’s Beneficial Union (WBU) — 1958 Varley St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

What: A fundraiser for Assemble like you have never seen, featuring the Unicorny Awards, Maker-Experience Carnival Games, Costume Contest, music, food, drinks, and more!

Who: Assemble lovers and supporters, like you! (Unicorn Palooza is a 21+ event)

Theme: UNICORN! Have you seen one? Costumes highly encouraged!