The Rodeo 🐎🧲
The Greatest Indoor Show on Earth
The youth deserve to be seen. To be heard.
So we’re taking over Arts Commons (205 8 Ave SE, Calgary) 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 👀)
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025 · 5:00–10:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Available through the Arts Commons website or at the door day-of (if you don't want to wait in line, get your tickets now!)
🔔 RSVP & notifications: Join us on Luma
🌐 More about Ascend: ascendcalgary.ca
What is Ascend?
Ascend is Calgary’s fastest-growing youth builder + creator 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.
We are sponsored by Aftersell by Rokt, LocalHost HQ, and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.
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.