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24th Goulash Programming Night (GPN24)
04 – 07 June 2026
Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG) | Lorenzstr. 15 | 76135 Karlsruhe
For four days, hacking, goulash, talks, Tschunk, workshops, lounge, mate, and hands-on fun awaited you.
"Goulash Programming Night" sounds almost like a cooking marathon for sleep-deprived computer science students. What began in 2002 in a basement room in Karlsruhe with a few technology enthusiasts has since grown into one of the largest events of the Chaos Computer Club. The topics are wide-ranging: the core consists of hardware and software development, as well as data security. In addition, data protection, digital policy, and many other fascinating subjects are covered: How do you cook the perfect goulash? Can you craft beautiful jewelry from hardware scrap? How does a sewing machine actually work?GPN24/en How do you fly spaceships?
The Goulash Programming Night is organized by Entropia e. V., the local Chaos Computer Club in Karlsruhe. More than 1500 visitors are expected in the atriums of the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG) and the lecture halls of the Center for Art and Media (ZKM). It is important to note that despite the depth some speakers dive into, the Goulash Programming Night is not aimed only at “digital natives” or nerds. Everyone is welcome and can learn something — the old motto applies: “we like everything”.
True to its name, programming is of course the main focus at a GPN. In the atriums, tables with power and network connections are available in the “Hackcenter”, where guests can set up camp. A large number of participants arrive with a project to spend a few focused days — and possibly nights — working on it at Goulash Programming Night. That does not mean questions are forbidden. On the contrary: most hackers, unless deeply immersed in programming meditation, are happy to talk about their passion projects. Newly finished creations are gladly demonstrated, and so the Goulash Programming Night is full of self-built light installations and devices.
The second main component of a Goulash Programming Night — alongside activities in the Hackcenter — is the workshop and lecture program. From in-depth talks on hardware and software development to educational (and humorous) anecdotes from everyday programming madness to debates on digital policy, everything is represented. In soldering and crafting workshops, electronics skills can be leveled up, Lightning Talks offer an open stage for spontaneous short presentations, and the demoscene is always very popular.
The tagline for 2026 is yet to be announced.
Participate in GPN
For capacity and security reasons, there will once again be mandatory registration if you do not want to rely on the availability of day passes.
This only concerns access to the buildings; you can use the outdoor area without registration.
During registration, you can also order T-shirts, mugs, etc., as usual and already make donations.
Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers up to 16 years of age can be added to a registration free of charge.
More information about registration can be found in the FAQ.
Helping
Since Goulash Programming Night is completely organized and run by volunteers, it relies heavily on active support. Here, “trolls”, who make an invaluable contribution to the success of GPN, are highly regarded — unlike in internet discussions. This year there will also be a talk ("Trolling Made Easy") following the opening, where we explain how helping at GPN works and how to use the troll system. So join in and troll us!
Schedule
- Schedule for talks, workshops and meetups: https://cfp.gulas.ch/gpn24/schedule/
- Lounge schedule: https://cfp.gulas.ch/gpn24-lounge/schedule/
- Android app: F-Droid & Google Play
Overview Map
Get Involved
Call for Participation
Please note: The CfP for GPN24 will be announced.
Bring your project!
GPN is a good place to bring your project. Hardware such as 3D printers, flashy gadgets, and servers are also welcome.
If your project requires more than a normal power outlet and/or does not fit in your car, please contact the orga before the event at (gpn@entropia.de).
Help out!
The event cannot take place without volunteer helpers (the trolls).
Never trolled before? Unsure whether you are suitable? We explain how the system works under GPN24:Trolle. There you will also find more detailed information if you already have experience. This year there will also be a talk ("Trolling Made Easy") following the opening, where we explain how helping at GPN works and how to use the troll system.
Become a helper and register in the troll system at troll.gulas.ch!
Would you like to get involved in advance and invest more time: GPN24:Orga#Bereiche der Organisation
Art and Creativity
GPN is hosted at ZKM (Center for Art and Media) and HfG (University of Arts and Design) – a perfect place to combine art and hacking!
Would you like to get creative at GPN and enhance the event or exhibit your art project? Feel free to simply bring smaller projects! Anything that does not fit on a small table, needs to be mounted, or has special requirements (power, internet, ?) we are happy to try to make possible together with you! Contact us at art@gulas.ch!
Self-Organized Sessions
As everywhere else at GPN, you can contribute to the program. Under GPN24:SelfOrganizedSessions there is space for spontaneous meetups, smaller workshops, discussion rounds, and anything else you can think of.
Infection Prevention
As everywhere in Chaos, mutual consideration is a central concept here as well.
If before or during the event you realize that you might have an airborne illness (cold symptoms), please stay at home.
Mouth and nose protection masks are available at safeR and can be used. You are sure that you do not have an airborne illness and would like to get tested additionally? Contact safeR.
You should also stay at home if you have parasites (such as head lice or similar).
As always with goulash (understood here as a synonym for any food), and especially at the breakfast buffet: please wash your hands beforehand.
Code of Conduct
You can find our Code of Conduct under GPN24:CoC. It is currently still being worked on!
Miscellaneous
Sleeping, phone calls, small and big things and frequently asked questions and their answers.
- Getting there: GPN24:GettingThere, GPN24:Ridesharing
- Accommodation: GPN24:Accommodation
- Accessibility: GPN:Accessibility
- DECT/Phones: GPN24:DECT
- Network Operation Center (NOC): GPN24:NOC
- Awareness: GPN:Awareness
- Field Phones: GPN24:FieldPhones
- Hacker seeks...: GPN24:Dating
- Lost & Found: GPN24:LostAndFound
- Self Organized Sessions: GPN24:SelfOrganizedSessions
- More questions? GPN24:FAQ
Contact Options and Social Media
If you have questions that the FAQ does not answer, you can get help here.
- Mastodon: @gpn_info@chaos.social for questions, @gulasch@gulas.ch for announcements etc. (Also as RSS feed)
- Matrix: #gpn:entropia.de
- EMail: gpn@entropia.de
Further contact options and social media accounts under GPN:Kontakt.
Live Streams
https://streaming.media.ccc.de/gpn24
Video/Music Content
Images
Guidelines on what images may be taken at GPN can be found under GPN24:FAQ#Öffentlichkeit.
Dear photo beings, please link your image collections at GPN Images! And feel free to include your license as well.