The countdown has begun. With just a couple of days left before the community gathers in Lecco, Italy, the excitement is palpable. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, the final schedule for Hackaday Europe 2026 brings a mix of familiar traditions and fresh opportunities. From a Thursday evening aperitivo by the lake to brand-new hands-on workshops and the ever-popular lightning talks, there is plenty to plan for. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the most of this weekend.
Thursday Night Pre-Party: Kicking Off the Weekend in Style
The official pre-party for Hackaday Europe 2026 takes place on Thursday, May 15th, at Soqquadro Restaurant. Located at Piazza Era 7, 23900 Lecco, Italy, this venue sits right on the beautiful Lago di Lecco waterfront. The evening starts with a classic Italian aperitivo, offering a relaxed atmosphere to ease into the weekend.
Your ticket includes two drinks and a generous selection of snacks. This is more than just a social hour—it is your first real chance to network with fellow hackers, makers, and enthusiasts before the main event begins. If you are flying solo or arriving with a team, the pre-party is an ideal icebreaker. You can bring a project to show off, or simply enjoy the conversation and the lakeside view.
Registration for the pre-party is separate from the main event tickets, and spots are limited. If you haven’t secured your spot yet, head to the registration page and scroll all the way down past the workshop listings. The Italian way to pregame the weekend is to share good food, good drinks, and good company—don’t miss it.
What to Bring to the Pre-Party (Even Without a Hack)
Imagine you are a first-time attendee who hasn’t finished a project yet. You might worry about feeling out of place. That concern is unfounded. The pre-party is designed for mingling, not for formal presentations. Bring a notebook if you like to sketch ideas, or just bring your curiosity. Many attendees enjoy discussing concepts as much as finished builds. Ask questions about other people’s projects—most hackers love explaining their work. You will leave with new contacts and inspiration for your next build.
Workshop Updates: What Replaced the Canceled Session
Last-minute schedule changes can feel like a curveball, but they often open doors to unexpected opportunities. Unfortunately, the Let’s Mesh workshop has been canceled. The good news is that thanks to generous sponsors, three new workshops have been added to the Saturday lineup. These sessions cover diverse topics, ensuring there is something for every skill level and interest.
Saturday, May 16th: Three Hands-On Workshops
Tiny Tapeout is a workshop focused on the fascinating world of chip design. Participants will learn how to take a digital design from concept to a real silicon chip using open-source tools. This is a rare chance to understand the full flow of integrated circuit fabrication without needing a fab lab at home. Expect to work with simple logic blocks and get a feel for how modern chips are made.
When Code Needs a Body explores the intersection of software and physical hardware. This session is for anyone who has ever felt that their code lacks a tangible interface. You will learn how to embed logic into physical objects, creating interactive devices that respond to touch, motion, or light. It bridges the gap between pure programming and mechanical design.
Fault Injection 101 introduces a critical skill for security researchers and hardware enthusiasts. Fault injection is a technique used to disrupt normal chip operation, often to bypass security measures or uncover vulnerabilities. This workshop provides a hands-on introduction to the tools and methods used in real-world fault attacks. It is an advanced topic, but the instructors will guide beginners through the basics.
Sunday, May 17th: EchoGlow Arduino UNO Q Workshop
Sunday features a special session from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM: the EchoGlow workshop using the brand-new Arduino Q devices. This workshop is all about creating glowing, interactive light displays. Participants will learn to program the Arduino UNO Q to control LED arrays, respond to sensors, and build a portable light sculpture. The session is family-friendly and suitable for beginners who have some basic familiarity with Arduino. Tickets are available through the main registration page.
Lightning Talks: Your Seven Minutes of Fame
On Sunday afternoon, the main stage gives way to lightning talks. These are short, seven-minute presentations on any topic that excites you. You can use slides or speak entirely off the cuff. The audience at Hackaday Europe is one of the most receptive and supportive crowds you will find anywhere. Whether you want to share a breakthrough, a failure, or a wild idea, this is your platform.
Registration for lightning talk slots operates on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. If you are a veteran attendee who always gives a talk, you already know the drill. For newcomers, here is a tip: pick a single idea and strip it down to its essence. Seven minutes is shorter than it sounds. Practice your timing. If you have a hack that you are proud of, this is the perfect way to present it to the community.
How to Prepare a Last-Minute Lightning Talk
Imagine you decide on Saturday night that you want to speak on Sunday. You have no slides prepared. That is okay. A compelling lightning talk can be entirely conversational. Start with a hook—a surprising fact or a personal story. Then describe the problem you solved, the method you used, and the result. End with a takeaway that the audience can use. Keep it to three main points. Practice once in front of a mirror or a friend. Then show up and speak with confidence.
You may also enjoy reading: WIRED’s 5 Best Live-Captioning Smart Glasses (2026 Tested).
Show-and-Tell: Bring Your Hack, Share Your Passion
If you prefer a less formal setting than the lightning talks, the show-and-tell area is always buzzing with activity. Bring any project you have been working on, whether it is finished, broken, or just a proof of concept. This is a fantastic icebreaker. You will find that half the fun of Hackaday Europe is the crowd that convenes around a table of blinking LEDs, spinning motors, or strange circuit boards. You do not need a polished demo—just genuine enthusiasm.
For those who have never attended before, the show-and-tell is a low-pressure way to engage. You can walk around, ask questions, and learn about projects from all over Europe and beyond. Many lasting collaborations have started with a simple “What does that do?” at the show-and-tell table.
Food, Drinks, and All-Day Hospitality
One of the best features of Hackaday Europe is that food and drinks are provided throughout the weekend. You do not need to worry about packing snacks or hunting for lunch spots. The organizers have arranged for meals and refreshments to keep everyone fueled and focused. This is especially helpful for those who want to maximize their time in workshops or at the demo tables.
A First at Hackaday Europe: The SAO Collection and Wall
This year marks a milestone: the first official SAO (Small Add-On) collection and a dedicated SAO wall. Created by Hackaday Superfriend Thomas Flummer, this wall will display a large fraction of the SAO collection that fits into carry-on luggage. If you have an SAO that you would like to contribute, bring it along. The goal is to create a photo gallery and write-up of everything collected. This is a fun, collaborative project that celebrates the creativity of the community.
SAOs are tiny, interchangeable boards that add functionality to a badge or a larger project. They are a staple of Hackaday events, and seeing them all together on one wall is a visual treat. If you are an old Hackaday hand, you might already have a few SAOs in your drawer. Bring them to Lecco and add to the growing collection.
Thanking the Sponsors Who Make It Possible
None of this would happen without the broad array of sponsors who support Hackaday Europe. From providing tools and components to funding the workshops and catering, these organizations are the backbone of the event. If you have a moment during the weekend, stop by their tables, ask questions, and show your appreciation. Their support ensures that the community can gather, learn, and create together.
Final Schedule at a Glance
To help you plan, here is the condensed schedule:
Thursday, May 15th: Pre-party at Soqquadro Restaurant, 7:00 PM onward (registration required).
Saturday, May 16th: Workshops include Tiny Tapeout, When Code Needs a Body, and Fault Injection 101.
Sunday, May 17th: EchoGlow Arduino UNO Q Workshop from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Lightning talks in the afternoon. Show-and-tell throughout the day.
We are stoked to see you again, and we cannot wait to see what you bring to share. See you in Lecco.
