# Preptember is here!! Plan a Fest for your local community. > Source: > Published: 2026-09-01 19:26:08+00:00 September marks the official start of **Preptember**, a month dedicated to organizers planning local gatherings and getting ready for [Hacktoberfest](https://hacktoberfest.com). This year, Hacktoberfest is entering a new chapter. We’re shifting away from open-source contributions and focusing on community-building and educating folks around open artificial intelligence. As the AI landscape rapidly evolves, we think it's more important than ever for people to learn about and have experience with open-source AI tools and open-weight models. You can read our full announcement here: ## Host a Fest We're supporting over 300+ in-person events (“Fests”) this year, which means we’re looking for hosts! You don't need a big team or a big budget to bring Hacktoberfest to your city. If you're part of a meetup group, a university club, or you and a couple of coworkers can book a conference room for a day, **you have what it takes**. As a host, you’ll receive: - T-shirts and stickers for your Fest participants - Programming support to help shape the day - Promotion through our official [Fests](http://hacktoberfest.com/fests) directory Depending on which Fest format you choose, your event may be eligible for food and drink reimbursement as well. ## How To Apply ### Step One: Pick your Fest Format Fests come in two formats and you get to choose: - **Hacktoberfest Hack Day:** a 3-12 hour mini-hackathon where participants create and submit projects to compete for Best Open-Source AI Project. - **Hacktoberfest Meetup:** flexible in format (talks, demos, workshops, etc). We rely on you, the host, to shape them in the way that best serves your community ### Step Two: Apply to Host a Fest Fill in the details of your Fest (format, region, etc) and your contact information on our application form. [Fest Application](https://hacktoberfest.com/host/) **Note:** You do not need to have a venue locked in to begin your application! We’re approving events on a rolling basis, with the goal of responding within a week. You’ll receive an email from us the moment your Fest is approved. ## What happens after my application is approved? Once your application is approved, your Hack Day or Meetup will be listed on our official [Fest](https://hacktoberfest.com/fests/) directory! As a host, you’ll want to focus on these next steps once your application is approved: - **Secure a Venue:** Once your application is approved, your in-person event needs a safe, accessible space. We’ll publish a separate post on tips and tricks to securing a venue, but for now we’d recommend reaching out to your company office manager, school administrator, or local meetup group for recommendations. - **Plan your Fest:** This is the fun part! Once a venue is locked, you get to start planning your Fest. Check out our [Fest Planning Guide](https://hacktoberfest-handbook.mlh.com/fest-planning-guide) for support. - **Show off your Swag:** All Fest formats are eligible to receive Hacktoberfest swag. Wear your t-shirt with pride and stick your stickers, everywhere (save some for your Fest participants though)! ## Can’t host? Find a Fest near you, or participate online. We're approving Fests everyday, so check back regularly and sign up for a Fest near you. There's nothing more exciting to a Host than knowing that people want to show up. [Find a Fest](https://hacktoberfest.com/fests/) Throughout October, we’ll also host a full schedule of online activities (virtual workshops, DEV Challenges, livestreams, and more) so everyone can participate worldwide. Happy Hacking 🎃