CANstruction Reno Design and Build COmpetition
Build, compete, and give back – CANstruction Reno is the place where creativity meets community.
Each year, teams of designers, builders, students, and community partners transform thousands of cans of food into imaginative, large scale structures. Part art, part engineering, and part friendly competition, CANstruction is a fun and meaningful way to give back. When the event concludes, every can used is donated to help feed our community through the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
Kick Off the Season Together
CANstruction Reno Kickoff Event
January 22, 2026 | 5:30-7:00pm
Nevada Chapter AGC | 5400 Mill Street, Reno
Please RSVP to Zanayda
The CANstruction Reno Kickoff is the official start of the 2026 season and a gathering for everyone involved in CANstruction. Whether you are returning with a team or thinking about participating for the first time, the kickoff is where all the fun begins!
At the kickoff, you will:
- Swap ideas and connect with past teams and new builders
- Catch a short, engaging presentation from a STEM teacher and their industry partner
- Jump into a hands-on demo designed to spark creativity and get ideas flowing
- Grab light refreshments and spend time meeting other teams
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If you plan to participate in any way, the kickoff is strongly encouraged and sets teams up for a successful and fun CANstruction season.
Build The Fun
Build Day: Wednesday, April 29 | 8:00am-8:00pm
Awards Ceremony: Thursday, April 30 | 6:00pm
Meadowood Mall Center Court | 5000 Meadowood Mall Circle, Reno
Build Day at Meadowood Mall is the heart of CANstruction Reno, a full day of creativity, collaboration, and community energy. Teams bring their ideas to life in a 10 ft by 10 ft by 10 ft space, carefully stacking and arranging thousands of cans into imaginative, jaw-dropping structures.
Shoppers, families, and supporters can watch the teams in action, cheer them on, and see creativity and teamwork in real time. The following day, our panel of judges will select winners for five categories, including Most Cans, Best Meal, Best Use of Labels, Structural Ingenuity, and Best Original Design.
Once the structures are complete, they’ll be on display through the weekend, giving the community a chance to see them in person and cast their vote for the most coveted award, the People’s Choice Award.
Every can used in the structures is donated to the Food Bank, so every creation directly helps feed local families.
3 ways to get involved. 1 incredible impact.
- Join the Competition: Register as a team to build your own artful masterpiece and help us raise food and awareness for the Food Bank.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: A range of sponsorship packages are available, including the opportunity to support participating student teams. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Mary Kay Altenburg.
- Design Professionals Needed: Help one of our teams bring their vision to reality by offering your expertise and support during the design process and on build day.
