40C3 is coming to Hamburg

The Chaos Computer Club is hosting its 40th Congress from December 27 to 30, 2026 in Hamburg Exhibition halls. Europe's biggest hacker party is opening calls for talks, art, music, and performances.

“the Chaos Computer Club is hosting 40C3 from 27 to 30 December 2026, Europe's biggest hacker party, conference and platform for technology, society and civil liberties”

The theme is model citizens

This year's motto asks: what new models for society can we build now? The Congress itself demonstrates one model: a volunteer-run, non-commercial event shaped by over 16,000 active participants, not passive consumers.

“we want to work together to find new models for society, now that the 'Model Citizens' of the past have left the planet in a precarious state”

Democracy is under pressure

Authoritarian models are replacing democratic solidarity, with strong leaders promising to make things great again. Liberal forces are fighting defensively, trying to prevent things from getting worse rather than building something new.

“the consensus that, in a democratic society, we should work in solidarity towards a shared, better future is increasingly giving way to the model of an authoritarian state”

Congress shows a different way

The Chaos Computer Club believes differences are assets and the unfamiliar is inspiring. The Congress models how community can thrive when everyone feels comfortable and welcome, with a combative spirit to create something new.

“Differences are seen as an asset, the unfamiliar as a source of inspiration, and mutual needs as an opportunity to create a sense of community”

Submit your ideas now

Speakers can submit talks via Call for Content. Musicians and DJs can apply for lounge and party stages. Artists can submit sculptures and performances via Call for Art. The Punk-Späti seeks anarchic and anti-fascist performers.