Assemble is excited to announce its upcoming event, MakerDate, with the theme "Play!" for 2025. The event will be held on September 27, 2025, from 6-9pm, with a VIP “Meet the Makers” event from 5-6pm, at the Maverick Hotel (120 S Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206). MakerDate is Assemble's largest fundraising event of the year, providing an opportunity to make a significant impact on the community by fostering creativity and collaboration. The Presenting Sponsor of MakerDate 2025 is Duolingo.
MakerDate offers attendees the unique chance to bid on "dates" (learning experiences) with artists, makers, technologists, innovators, and creatives. These experiences present a fun and engaging way to learn new skills and connect with creative minds. Examples of Makers to participate in MakerDate 2025 include: Local artist, muralist, and activist, Max Gonzales, who will be guiding a class on graffiti lettering, typography, and water-based spray painting, Lizzee Solomon of Protohaven, whose date focuses on getting hands-on with CNC technology and creating laser cut pendants, Alecia Dawn Young, whose date will consist of creating ceramics in her own private studio followed by a “pick-your-brain” session focused on creative practices, integrative wellness, and arts-based research, Kate Owens, whose date will be a 2-3 hour DJ mini-set class where you’ll learn the basics of bat matching, transitions, and song selection, and Returning from last year, Mike Onofray of Two Frays Brewery, who will provide a multi-date MakerDate where you will be workshopping and crafting your own beer from scratch, culminating in a release party for your beer!
MakerDate will have both a live and silent auction, with a total of 18 Makers. Additionally, there will be food from Sprezzatura, drinks by M Bar, music from Kha’DJ, and an array of raffle prizes and hands-on activities. Costumes are strongly encouraged, guests are welcome to wear outfits that take inspiration from their favorite games, neon colors, or any retro vibes in general!
Event tickets include complimentary drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres. MakerDate is a 21+ event. If you’re passionate about accessible STEAM education for all, help Assemble raise funds at MakerDate on September 27. To learn more or book your tickets, visit https://givebutter.com/c/makerdate
Fundraising and Impact: The funds raised from MakerDate will directly support Assemble’s free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) educational programs, such as Summer Camps and Afterschool Programs, as well as other initiatives aimed at creating a better future. The goal for this event is to raise $50,000, with $24,350 already secured through the generous support of sponsors, including Duolingo (Presenting Sponsor), Schell Games, Steel City Media, Duquesne Light Company. Assemble is still actively seeking additional sponsors to join this cause and expand its network with the expected 150+ event attendees. To sponsor the event, please reach out to Thea Keene at thea@assemblepgh.org. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative evening of creativity and learning. You can make a difference with us as we bring together artists, technologists & creatives from the region for one night of creativity, change-making, and fun!
About Assemble
Located at 4824 Penn Avenue in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Assemble is a non- profit, 501(c)3 organization with the mission to unite artists, technologists, and makers with our neighbors of all demographics and provide a platform for experiential learning, opening creative processes, and building confidence through making. Founded in 2011 by Nina Barbuto, Assemble envisions a diverse community that creates, connects, and learns through the experience of art and technology. Learn more about Assemble at assemblepgh.org. In 2024, Assemble had a significant impact by reaching a total of 2,063 youth and 4,629 individuals overall through 11 diverse programs. These efforts have continued to promote creativity, learning, and community engagement in the Pittsburgh region.
