CrimsonCode Hacktoberfest 2026
One Day. Six Hours. Open Source.
Free for high school and university students
Team up for a creative open-source challenge at a focused Hacktoberfest event hosted by ACM at Washington State University.
Innovate. Collaborate. Create.
CrimsonCode: Hacktoberfest is a free, one-day hackathon where high school and university students take on a surprise open-source challenge. Whether this is your first hackathon or you are an experienced developer, you can join a team, create something memorable, and compete for prizes.
6 Hours
Focused programming
1–4
People per team
Prizes
For standout projects
The Open-Source Challenge
One challenge, one community, and one level playing field. The full prompt will be revealed when programming begins.
A Challenge Worth Waiting For
The challenge prompt and competition rules will be unveiled at kickoff. Bring your curiosity, creativity, and favorite development tools. Everyone will have the same six-hour window to turn the surprise prompt into something memorable.
No competition work may begin before the prompt is revealed. Full details will be provided at the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hackathon is a focused event where people collaborate on technical projects and share their work at the end. At CrimsonCode: Hacktoberfest, teams have six hours to take on a surprise open-source challenge and compete for prizes.
Any current high school or university student is welcome, regardless of major or experience level. First-time hackers and experienced developers will compete in the same open-source challenge.
Yes. Attendance is completely free, and participants will receive event swag.
No problem! You can compete on your own, join team formation at check-in, or connect with other participants on our Discord server beforehand.
Bring your laptop, charger, and anything else you need for development. This is a daytime event, so no overnight supplies are necessary.
Yes. All attendees, sponsors, partners, volunteers and staff at our hackathon are required to agree with the MLH Code of Conduct. We are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Teams can consist of 1 to 4 members. We'll have team formation events at the beginning of the hackathon if you're looking for teammates!
No. The challenge prompt will be revealed at kickoff, and all competition work must be completed during the six-hour programming window. This ensures every team starts on equal footing.
Yes. CrimsonCode: Hacktoberfest is an in-person event at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. The building and room will be announced soon.
Hacktoberfest is an annual celebration of open source that encourages people to learn, collaborate, and contribute to projects used by communities around the world.
Prizes will be awarded for standout projects. Prize categories and award details will be announced soon.
Event Schedule
Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 11:30 AM–7:00 PM. Times are subject to change.
Saturday
October 17 • WSU Pullman • Room TBA
11:30 AM
Doors Open, Check-In & Team Formation
Check in, pick up your swag, and meet potential teammates.
11:45 AM
Opening & Challenge Reveal
Discover the prompt, competition rules, and submission process.
12:00 PM
Programming Begins
Six hours of open-source collaboration begin.
6:00 PM
Programming Ends & Submissions Due
Submit your team's completed project for review.
6:00 PM
Project Review & Judging
Judges review each team's submission.
6:30 PM
Awards & Closing
Celebrate the day's projects and recognize the winning teams.
7:00 PM
Event Ends
Thank you for building with us.