About Banana Hacks 2026

Banana Hacks is four days of building with generative AI. Join from anywhere, work by yourself or with a team, and finish the weekend with a project you can demo. It is free, and beginners are welcome.

At a glance

4
Days: Oct 9-12, 2026; 218
Registered: So far; $0
Entry fee: Free for everyone; $500
Prizes: Plus licenses & domains

What is Banana Hacks?

Banana Hacks is a place to try the generative AI idea you have not had time to build. From October 9 to 12, 2026, participants around the world will make image tools, train small models, and put together working demos.

There is no venue, travel, or entry fee. We use Discord for the community and Zoom for workshops and ceremonies. Sessions are recorded, so you do not have to be awake for every live event. You can see the full breakdown on the schedule page.

Who it's for: Anyone can join, no matter their age, location, or experience. The event is especially friendly to students and first-time hackers.If you're under 18, read the Code of Conduct with a parent or guardian before you register.

If this is your first hackathon, you will not be left to figure it out alone. We have beginner workshops, mentors during the weekend, and a team-forming session on opening night.

What you'll build

These are suggestions, not boxes you have to fit into. Start with one or ignore them and make something else.

Image generators

Text-to-image tools, style transfer, and inpainting

Model workflows

Fine-tuned models, LoRA adapters, and ControlNet setups

Creative tools

Drawing apps, prompt interfaces, and editing tools

Mixed media

Projects that bring images, text, and audio together

Who can participate

Open to everyone, everywhere, with no age limit and no country restriction
Built for students and first-timers; professionals and hobbyists welcome too
Teams of 1 to 4 people
Under 18? Read the Code of Conduct with a parent or guardian
Must submit by Oct 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM AoE

Want in?

218 people have already registered. The form is free and takes about a minute. The FAQ covers eligibility, team rules, allowed tools, and how judging works.