A mini hackathon.
- Build with open-weight models and/or open-source AI tools and demo at the end.
- Prizes for the best projects, and usually food.
- Bring a laptop and, if you’d like, a team.
Attend in-person · October 2026 · Free
Hacktoberfest is back. And it’s coming to a city near you.
A Fest is a free, one-day, in-person Hacktoberfest event all about open-source AI. Come meet your community, learn and explore, and take home swag while supplies last.
A Fest is a free, one-day, in-person Hacktoberfest event all about open-source AI. Come meet your community, learn and explore, and take home swag while supplies last.
What a Fest is like
One day, two ways to spend it.
Pick the Fest format that suits you best.
A community gathering.
- Talks, workshops or a panel, and time to meet the people who came.
- No project to ship and no team to find.
- Bring curiosity, and a laptop if recommended by your host.
On the day
What you get.
Every Fest comes with Hacktoberfest swag for the people in the room, while supplies last. What else depends on the day.
Every Fest
T-shirts, Stickers, and Swag
Hacktoberfest 2026 t-shirts, stickers, and swag, while supplies last.
Hack Days
Arduinos
Arduinos are available for attendees at select Hack Days and while supplies last.
Hack Days
Prizes
Hack Days end with demos, and prizes for the best projects.
Every Fest
Virtual rewards
Collect stickers towards your Hacktoberfest sticker book and an official participation certificate with your name, the Fest, and date.
Go to My HacktoberfestHow it works
Pick a Fest, register, show up.
Before the day
- 01
Find a Fest near you
Search by name or city, or use your location to see what’s closest.
- 02
Register on the Fest’s page
Every Fest has its own page with the date, the venue and a register button. Register with a free MyMLH account.
On the day
- 03
Learn, build, and connect with your community
Check in with your host, say hello to a stranger, and let the Fest begin!
Where to go
Upcoming Fests.
300+ Fests are taking place across the world. Here are a few happening soon.
Loading the next Fests…
Before you go
Questions before you go.
The practical ones first. The full list is on the FAQ page.
Is it free to attend a Fest?
Almost all Fests, including Hack Days and Meetups, are free to attend! Certain pop-ups take place at ticketed conferences.
Where can I find event details or ask about accommodations?
Check your Fest’s page for the schedule, venue, food, accessibility, check-in instructions, and anything to install or bring. Contact the host about equipment, accommodations, late arrival, or registration changes.
Can I get a T-shirt or event swag?
T-shirts and event swag are available in person while supplies last. They are not guaranteed, and the host of your local Fest will decide how to distribute them. T-shirts are not promised to online participants.
Will I receive a participation certificate?
All in-person participants receive an official participation certificate. Hosts may also issue their own. Access them in My Hacktoberfest.
Who can help with questions about my Fest?
Use Contact Host on the Fest’s event page for questions about logistics, project rules, accessibility, or registration.
No Fest near you?
Join our online events and earn stickers from wherever you are. Our sticker pack ships worldwide. Or, bring a Fest to your city: anyone can host one.
