> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacktoberfest-handbook.mlh.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacktoberfest-handbook.mlh.com/hacktoberfest-host-guide.md).

# Hacktoberfest Host Guide

This is the guide for hosting an in-person Hacktoberfest event (a “Fest”) with MLH. It covers the two Fest formats, what support is available, and the steps to plan, run, and close out your event. This year, our goal is to bring people together to learn, experiment, and build with open-source and open-weight AI technology.

> **Apply to host a Fest:** [**https://hacktoberfest.com/host**](https://hacktoberfest.com/host)

{% hint style="info" %}
**Event requirements:** All Fests are in-person events that take place on a single day. Hacktoberfest Hack Days must be free to attend and run for 3 to 12 hours; four to six hours is ideal.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Required for every format: Attendee registration and check-in must use OrganizerHQ, our event management platform, and hosts must provide event photos after their Fest.**
{% endhint %}

### Two Fest Formats

Fests come in two formats and you get to choose:

### Hacktoberfest Hack Day

Hacktoberfest Hack Days are mini-hackathons based on Major League Hacking (MLH)'s [Hack Days program](https://mlh.gitbook.io/hack-days). These are hands-on events where participants create projects during the Fest using open-source AI tools or open-weight models for a chance to win prizes.

MLH supports these events with:

* A Hacktoberfest event pack, normally including T-shirts, stickers, postcards, and other promotional materials, subject to availability
* [Reimbursements under the program policy](/reimbursements.md)
* The [Best Open-Source AI Project challenge](/fest-planning-guide/open-source-prize-categories.md), with a DEV Badge for every member of the winning team and a participation badge for all attendees; depending on availability, MLH may also provide MLH+DEV branded swag bags for the winning team
* A possible additional [Hack Days partner prize category](/hack-days-partner-modules.md) assigned to selected Hacktoberfest Hack Day events

### Hacktoberfest Meetup

Hacktoberfest Meetups are flexible in format, and we rely on you, the host, to shape them in the way that best serves your community. For example, you could invite a speaker to talk about open-source AI, or host a simple Meetup where participants share ideas about their builds and their latest AI-assisted workflows in a more social setting.

All Hacktoberfest Meetup events are subject to approval. They do not use project submissions or prize challenges. Like Hack Days, they are eligible to receive a Hacktoberfest event pack, normally including T-shirts, stickers, postcards, and other promotional materials, subject to availability. They do not receive prizes or reimbursements from the MLH Hacktoberfest team.

## How Hosting Works

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## <sub>Apply to host a Fest</sub>

Fill in the details of your event and your contact information at [hacktoberfest.com/host](https://hacktoberfest.com/host). If you want to host a Hacktoberfest Meetup, share your plans for the format of the event. All Fests are subject to approval to be listed officially on the Hacktoberfest website.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <sub>Receive approval and your official event name</sub>

Approved events will use the following naming convention: `Event Name - Location [Event Type]` (i.e. Hack the 6ix - Toronto, Canada \[Hack Day]).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <sub>Secure an in-person venue</sub>

Your in-person event needs a safe, accessible space for its full program, with the equipment your program requires. Examples include AV equipment, seating, power, and reliable Wi-Fi.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <sub>Plan the experience</sub>

Hacktoberfest Hack Day hosts can follow our [Fest Planning Guide](/fest-planning-guide.md), which outlines the requirements and best practices for a Hacktoberfest Hack Day. Hacktoberfest Meetup hosts plan their own talks, workshops, discussions, or other programming.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <sub>Receive and distribute swag</sub>

Both Fest formats are eligible to receive Hacktoberfest swag, subject to availability. Some Fests may also receive special swag drops. Follow the event's onboarding instructions when distributing the materials you receive.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## <sub>Run the event and follow the post-event instructions</sub>

Every Fest must use OrganizerHQ for attendee registration and check-in, and every host must provide event photos. Hacktoberfest Hack Day events must also use OrganizerHQ Challenges for project submissions and winner selection, record winners, and make the project gallery public before announcing results. Hack Day hosts submit receipts through the supplied reimbursement workflow after the event; prize distribution and reimbursement happen separately.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## <sub>For More Information</sub>

Start with [Fest Formats](/fest-formats.md) to learn about the two event types. Then use the [Fest Planning Guide](/fest-planning-guide.md) to work through the hosting process.

For questions about applying or hosting, contact <hacktoberfest@mlh.io>.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://hacktoberfest-handbook.mlh.com/hacktoberfest-host-guide.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.