Your Ultimate Guide to Hackaday Europe 2026: Pre-Party, Workshops, and More

Overview

Hackaday Europe 2026 is just around the corner, and whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of the event. From the Friday night pre-party on the shores of Lake Lecco to the latest workshop additions, lightning talks, and community traditions like the SAO collection, we've got you covered. This guide is designed to help you prepare, avoid common pitfalls, and fully immerse yourself in the hacking spirit. Let's dive in!

Prerequisites

Before you jump into the details, make sure you have the following in order:

• Ticket Purchase: Secure your admission and any desired workshop or pre-party tickets from the official registration page. Some tickets may still be available, but act fast.
• Travel and Accommodation: Arrange travel to Lecco, Italy, and book a place to stay. The event venue and pre-party location are in the Lecco area.
• Hack or SAO (Optional but Fun): Consider bringing a project to show-and-tell, or an SAO badge to contribute to the community wall.
• Lightning Talk Idea (Optional): If you want to give a 7-minute talk, prepare a topic and sign up early.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Attend the Pre-Party (Friday, May 15th)

The weekend officially kicks off with the Hackaday Europe pre-party at Soqquadro Restaurant, Piazza Era 7, 23900 Lecco, right on the picturesque Lago di Lecco waterfront. This is your chance to meet fellow hackers, enjoy Italian aperitivi, and set the tone for the days ahead.

• Reservation Required: You must pre-register for the pre-party. On the preregistration page, scroll down past the workshop listings to find the pre-party sign-up.
• What’s Included: Your ticket covers two drinks and a selection of delicious snacks.
• What to Bring: A hack to show off, or just your social self – it’s up to you. No need to bring food or drinks; the event has you covered.
• Pro Tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot and enjoy the sunset over the lake.

Step 2: Choose and Attend Workshops (Saturday & Sunday, May 16-17)

Workshops are a core part of Hackaday Europe. The schedule has changed recently, so check for updates. Note: the Let’s Mesh workshop has been canceled. However, thanks to sponsors, two new workshops have been added.

Saturday, May 16th Workshops

• Tiny Tapeout: Learn how to design and tape out a tiny chip.
• When Code Needs a Body: Explore physical computing and embodied interaction.
• Fault Injection 101: An introduction to hardware fault injection techniques.

Sunday, May 17th Workshop

• EchoGlow: Arduino UNO Q Workshop (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Hands-on with the brand-new Arduino Q devices.

Full descriptions and ticket availability are on the registration page.

Step 3: Sign Up for a Lightning Talk (Sunday Afternoon)

Lightning Talks are seven-minute presentations on any topic that interests you – no slides required, though they’re welcome. This is your chance to share a hack, a deep thought, or a project. Slots are filled on a first-in, first-out basis, so register early. Look for the Lightning Talk sign-up on the registration page or at the event information desk.

Step 4: Contribute to the SAO Collection

One of the coolest traditions at Hackaday Europe is the SAO (Simple Add-On) wall. This year, [Thomas Flummer] has built a special display. If you have an SAO badge or any SAO-compatible accessory, bring it along to add to the growing pile. The community plans to photograph and catalog everything afterward, so your contribution will be immortalized.

Step 5: General Attendance Tips

• Show-and-Tell: Bring a hack to informally show off – it’s a great icebreaker. No need for a formal presentation; just bring your hardware and enthusiasm.
• Food and Drinks: The event provides meals and refreshments throughout the weekend. You don’t need to pack snacks.
• Networking: Talk to everyone – sponsors, speakers, fellow attendees. Half the fun is the crowd.

Common Mistakes

• Not Pre-Registering for the Pre-Party: The pre-party requires separate reservation. Many assume their main ticket covers it. Check the preregistration page and scroll all the way down.
• Ignoring Workshop Changes: The Let’s Mesh workshop was canceled. If you had signed up, you need to choose another. Check the updated list and re-register.
• Waiting Too Long for Lightning Talks: Slots fill fast. If you want to present, sign up as soon as you arrive or even beforehand.
• Forgetting Your SAO: If you have an SAO, leaving it at home means missing out on the community wall. Pack it in your carry-on.
• Showing Up Without a Hack: While not required, bringing something to share enriches the experience. Even a simple project can spark conversations.

Summary

Hackaday Europe 2026 is a weekend of hacking, learning, and community bonding. By following this guide, you'll ensure you don't miss the pre-party, the newly added workshops, or the chance to contribute to the SAO wall. Remember to pre-register for everything, check for schedule updates, and bring your creativity. See you in Lecco!