about this event
Welcome to CodeFest 2026! 🚀 CodeFest 2026 is Binghamton University's premier hybrid hackathon bringing together creative minds, developers, designers, and problem solvers from college campuses everywhere!
Whether you are a seasoned hacker or writing your very first line of code, CodeFest offers an inclusive environment where you can learn new skills, build innovative projects from scratch, and connect with fellow students and industry sponsors.
🌟 What Makes CodeFest Special? • Beginner-Friendly: Never been to a hackathon? No problem! We feature a dedicated First-Time Hacker Track and newbie-friendly team rules to ensure beginners have a strong shot at winning. • Mentorship & Workshops: Learn hardware development, software engineering, and pitching strategies from experienced mentors and organizers. • World-Class Sponsors: Connect directly with representatives and recruiters from Bloomberg, Chobani, M&T Bank, Monster Energy, and Red Bull! • Open to All College Students: Attendance is open to any student currently enrolled in a university or community college.
💡 Theme: Tech for Tomorrow. Build technical solutions that tackle pressing real-world issues, improving human experiences, protecting our planet, or strengthening modern technical infrastructure.
🗓️ Event Schedule — All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Day 1: Saturday, October 24, 2026 • 11:00 AM — Participant Check-In Opens & Breakfast (Classroom Wing, 3rd Floor) • 11:30 AM — Mandatory Opening Ceremony & Keynote Kickoff • 12:00 PM — In-Person Team Matching Session • 12:30 PM — Team Signup Deadline & Initial Check-In Closes • 2:00 PM — Lunch • 3:00 PM — Workshop: Hack Master with Jose Cruz • 7:30 PM — Dinner & Continued Hacking • 11:00 PM — Venue Closes for the Night (Participants must vacate building; off-site hacking allowed)
Day 2: Sunday, October 25, 2026 • 10:30 AM — Classroom Wing Venue Re-Opens • 11:00 AM — Breakfast • 2:00 PM — Lunch • 6:00 PM — HARD SUBMISSION DEADLINE ON DEVPOST (No late entries accepted) • 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM — Project Judging Session • 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM — Closing Ceremony & Award Presentations
💬 Stay Connected • Discord: Join our official Discord server for real-time announcements, mentor support, and team formation. • Instagram: @colorstackbu
tracks
First-Time Hacker Track
A dedicated track for participants who have never been to a hackathon, supported by newbie-friendly team rules to ensure beginners have a strong shot at winning.
when
Day 1: Check-In, Opening Ceremony, Team Matching, Workshop, Dinner & Hacking
11:00 AM participant check-in opens & breakfast (Classroom Wing, 3rd Floor); 11:30 AM mandatory opening ceremony & keynote kickoff; 12:00 PM in-person team matching; 12:30 PM team signup deadline & initial check-in closes; 2:00 PM lunch; 3:00 PM workshop: Hack Master with Jose Cruz; 7:30 PM dinner & continued hacking; 11:00 PM venue closes for the night (participants must vacate building; off-site hacking allowed).
◍ Binghamton University Classroom WingDay 2: Hacking, Submission Deadline, Judging & Closing Ceremony
10:30 AM Classroom Wing venue re-opens; 11:00 AM breakfast; 2:00 PM lunch; 6:00 PM hard submission deadline on Devpost (no late entries accepted); 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM project judging session; 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM closing ceremony & award presentations.
◍ Binghamton University Classroom Wing