Fest Formats

Every approved Hacktoberfest event uses one of two Fest formats, which you choose when you apply. The support from MLH and your responsibilities as a host vary by format.

Use this simple test when choosing: if participants will build and submit projects, go with a Hack Day. If the program will consist of talks, demonstrations, discussions, social activities, or workshops, choose a Meetup.

Format	Event Name	What it is	MLH Support
Hacktoberfest Hack Day	{Organization or Event Name} - {Location} [Hack Day]	A hands-on event modeled on the Hack Days program	A Hacktoberfest event pack, subject to availability; reimbursement under the current policy; the Best Open-Source AI Project challenge; and a possible assigned Hack Days partner prize category
Hacktoberfest Meetup	{Organization or Event Name} - {Location} [Meetup]	A flexible community event that could include talks, workshops, discussions, demonstrations, or social activities	A Hacktoberfest event pack, subject to availability; prizes and reimbursement are not provided

Hacktoberfest Hack Day

Hacktoberfest Hack Days run for 3 to 12 hours, although four to six hours is ideal. Participants create and submit projects during the event for the Best Open-Source AI Project challenge. Use the MLH Standard Hackathon Rules as the default for your event: project-specific work happens during the Hack Day. If a different approach better suits your event, explain it clearly before project work begins.

The challenge has one winning team, and every member receives a DEV Badge on their DEV account. Depending on availability and your event's onboarding instructions, MLH may also provide MLH+DEV branded swag bags for the winning team. The host selects the winner using the challenge guidance.

Some Hacktoberfest Hack Day events will also receive a Hack Days partner prize category. These categories are assigned by the MLH Hacktoberfest team. See the partner challenge details.

Prize Tracks

Prize class	Who selects it?	Prize	Who fulfills it?
Best Open-Source AI Project challenge	Included at every Hacktoberfest Hack Day	Every winning team member receives a DEV Badge; MLH+DEV branded swag bags may also be provided, depending on availability	MLH sends the prizes after the event
Hack Days partner prize category	The MLH Hacktoberfest team assigns it to selected Hacktoberfest Hack Day events; you may indicate a preference	The category-specific prize stated in the assigned event instructions	MLH sends the prize after the event

For either prize class, use the applicable challenge guidance to select the winning team.

Hacktoberfest Meetup

Hacktoberfest Meetup events are intentionally flexible. You might invite a community member or group to give a talk, run a workshop, host an informal discussion, or bring people together for a social event. The program should support Hacktoberfest's mission of open-source and open-weight AI education.

Hacktoberfest Meetups do not use project submissions or prize challenges. They are eligible to receive Hacktoberfest swag, subject to availability, but do not receive prizes or reimbursement.

• Both formats must be in-person events that take place on a single day. Hacktoberfest Hack Days must be free to attend. Participants who prefer to engage online should visit Hacktoberfest.com to see the virtual challenges and content available.
• Attendee registration and check-in through OrganizerHQ and post-event photos are required for both formats.
• All events must follow their event-specific instructions supplied after approval by the MLH Hacktoberfest team for registration, check-in, reporting, reimbursement, branding, and swag.

For questions about applying or hosting, contact [e-mail].