Courtesy GTECH Strategies.

TechShop Pittsburgh
Wednesday, June 22
5:30 — 8:30 p.m.

The 21st-century maker movement is having an impact all around Pittsburgh and it’s not just for kids and classrooms.

Courtesy GTECH Strategies.
Courtesy GTECH Strategies.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to use a laser cutter, build an aquaponics system, or sew a home decor project—then this event is for you.

Equal parts DIY happy hour and hands-on how-to, GTECH Strategies‘ “Makerspaces & Playces” event invites the 21 and up set to a night packed with demos, games and educational play at TechShop‘s Bakery Square HQ.

Pairing summery cocktails cocktails, a full menu of participatory projects, and plenty of time for mingling with Pittsburgh’s innovative makers, movers and shakers, the event benefits GTECH’s Green Playces youth program. The initiative transforms local vacant lots into youth-designed greenspaces that host outdoor eco-literacy, STEAM and maker activities.

Courtesy GTECH Strategies.
Courtesy GTECH Strategies.

Learn all about TechShop’s laser cutter and watch firsthand as paver stones are engraved with original drawings by area youth that will be installed on Green Playce sites around the city. Experiment with TechShop tools, and get active during giant versions of Jenga, Connect Four and corn hole led by City of Play. Be inspired as you build a colorful reading nest and sew a woolly pocket vertical planter using reclaim felt.

Create your own sustainable pop-bottle aquaponics growing system with help from DECO Resources, make a handmade ethernet cable with MetaMesh and learn tips for strengthening equity and community building in your own projects during a discussion led by New Sun Rising.

Quench that summer thirst with samples of East End Brewing’s Late Night Mild, Wigle Whiskey’s latest varieties and creative cocktails crafted by Livermore. Makers will also be treated to small bites and childhood food favorites from Social at Bakery Square, timeless Smiley Cookies from Eat’n Park, and fresh veggies from Whole Foods.

Buy tickets.

Looking for more events? Read our NEXTravaganza! 20 can’t-miss Pittsburgh events & concerts in June and our Top 10 things for families to do in June in Pittsburgh features.

Jennifer BaronArts & Entertainment / Jobs Editor

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and Dahesh Museum of Art and is co-author of Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania. She also is co-coordinator of Handmade Arcade. Musically, she is in a band called The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.