Hacktoberfest 2026: How to Participate, Earn Rewards, and Join a Local Fest
Hacktoberfest 2026: a practical guide to taking part, online and in person Hacktoberfest changed in 2026. Pull requests no longer count toward rewards. The month is now about building with open-weight models and open-source AI, online and at local events. This guide explains how to take part, whether you join online, at a Fest near you, or both. It works for anyone, anywhere. I host a Hack Day in…
Hacktoberfest 2026 is a global celebration of open-source contributions and AI development. This year's theme is "AI belongs to everyone," and it runs throughout October. Organized by Major League Hacking (MLH) and DEV, presented by DigitalOcean, Hacktoberfest has evolved this year to focus on AI and open-weight models, both online and at local events.
To participate, you first need to sign up for a MyMLH account and add your shipping address. Connecting your DEV account is optional but provides a DEV badge and credit for DEV Challenges. Joining the MLH Community Discord also earns you a sticker. The sticker book consists of 24 virtual stickers, and collecting them is essential to earn rewards.
There are four main events during Hacktoberfest 2026:
1. Global Hack Week: A free, online festival running from 9 to 15 October. Participate in livestreams and check-ins for sticker rewards.
2. DEV Challenges: Five cash prize competitions from 12 to 31 October. Submit projects using open-source AI.
3. Weekend Challenge: A two-day event from 2 to 5 October.
4. Week 1: 5 to 11 October
5. Week 2: 12 to 18 October
6. Week 3: 19 to 25 October
7. Week 4: 26 to 31 October
Local Fest events occur around the world, offering both Hack Days (project-based mini-hackathons) and Meetups (talks, workshops, or social events). To join a Fest, find one near you and register on the Fest's page with your MyMLH account. Be sure to check the event schedule, venue, food, accessibility, check-in instructions, and what to bring.
Upon completion of Hacktoberfest, you'll receive an official participation certificate in your MyHacktoberfest account.
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