Events (What's On)

The Rodeo

Written by Werklund Centre | Aug 19, 2025 6:00:00 PM

The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth

The youth deserve to be seen. To be heard.
So we’re taking over The Engineered Air Theatre to host Calgary’s boldest youth showcase:

  • Live demos on stage — where passion projects come alive
  • Interactive booths to explore creations across tech, art, science, and storytelling
  • Sponsors and partners powering the next wave of Calgary’s innovators

And yes, free dinner from a UCalgary Mac Hall staple (hint: your favorite Vietnamese spot 👀)

🎟️ Tickets: Available through the Arts Commons website or at the door day-of.
🔔 Notifications: Join us on Luma
🌐 More about Ascend: ascendcalgary.ca

What is Ascend?

Ascend is Calgary’s fastest-growing youth builder + creatpr hub — a community of ambitious and curious students, grads, and creatives who gather weekly to work on passion projects.

From crocheting a sweater for your mom, to writing music for your best friend, to building the next big startup — Ascend is where youth find a home in each other and the courage to share their work.

We meet every Saturday at House 831 for co-working, demos, and storytelling. In just seven months, Ascend has been featured on Calgary.tech, partnered with Shopify and Cansbridge Scholars, and become a launchpad for founders, artists, and researchers pushing Calgary forward.

The Agenda
This is more than a showcase — it’s a celebration.

5:00–6:00 PM – Arrive, grab food (catered dinner!), and explore booths early
6:30–7:20 PM – First round of live demos
7:20–7:40 PM – Break + booth time
7:40–9:00 PM – More live demos
9:00–10:00 PM – Booths open across the venue

What You’ll See
This isn’t a hackathon or pitch night — it’s an open house for hidden gems across Calgary’s youth.

Expect

  • DJing, beekeeping, stormchasing, MMA fighting platform...
  • Booths featuring projects, sponsor activations, and interactive experiences
  • A crowd of makers, founders, and friends all in one space

Sponsors
The Rodeo is powered by our community and made possible by our partners.
✨ Sponsor reveal coming soon 👀

The Host Mindset
At The Rodeo, you’re not just an attendee — you’re part of the show.
We expect everyone to:

  • Make people feel welcome
  • Ask questions that open up stories
  • Share the joy of discovery
  • Leave the space better than you found it

✨ And if you see someone standing alone in a corner — go be their friend!

🎉 See you September 6 at Ascend: The Rodeo.