Call for Maker Experiences: Unicorn Palooza 2026 (Due Aug. 31)

Call for Maker Experiences: Unicorn Palooza 2026
Deadline: August 31st, 2026

Assemble is seeking Maker Experiences for our new, unique, and interactive annual fundraising event, Unicorn Palooza.  Past Makers from MakerDate are encouraged to apply! 

All of the funds we raised from Unicorn Palooza directly support Assemble’s STEAM education programs for kids, like Assemble Afterschool, Saturday Crafternoons, and Summer Camps!

About 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 retire 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 are remixing carnival games where attendees 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 below!

What to expect at Unicorn Palooza:

  • Carnival Games, featuring a variety of local Makers Experiences

  • 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 DJ

  • Spectacular fun for a good cause!

By offering a Maker Experience, we ask that you will:

  • Submit a this Maker Experience application by August 31,  2026 11:59 pm. 

  • Commit to offering a 3-4 hour making experience for the winner by April 3, 2027

  • Supply materials for your experience, OR utilize Assemble's space & resources

  • Promote MakerDate to your networks - Assemble will provide a media kit

  • Attend the VIP Hour and Event on Sept 19

  • Communicate in a timely manner to connect with the "winner" of the experience

  • Share photos from the experience or invite and Assemble staff to document the experience

  • Join Assemble for the Host Committee Happy Hour in August

  • Promote Unicorn Palooza to your networks. (Assemble to provide media kit)

Note the maker experiences will not be happening live at the event. These are experiences for folks playing the games to win. 

Benefits of offering a Maker Experience :

  • Get promoted in the Makers Experiences line up - on social media & Assemble's website

  • Create a personalized video about your work with Assemble's team - you will also receive a copy for your own use!

  • Build connections at the Host Committee Happy Hour on August 20 at TwoFrays and VIP time at Unicorn Palooza Host Committee Mixer Party:

We also welcome donations of swag, tickets to future workshops, art work, and more!

How to Apply to be a Maker:

To learn more and apply, click here.

Isaac Pleta