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TL;DR
DevFest 2026, the major community-led tech conference backed by Google, is back from October 1 to December 31, with over 800 events planned worldwide. The theme emphasizes building, securing, and scaling AI-driven applications, with a focus on hands-on experience.
Google-backed DevFest 2026 is officially returning this season, with more than 800 events planned across 115 countries from October 1 through December 31. The community-led conference aims to engage nearly a million developers and builders worldwide, emphasizing hands-on experimentation with Google’s AI and cloud tools under the theme ‘Build, Secure, Scale: Developers and Builders in the Agentic Era.’
DevFest, described by Google as the world’s largest community-led technology conference, is organized annually by Google Developer Groups (GDGs). While Google provides backing and resources, each GDG independently curates its local event lineup, tailoring content to regional developer needs. For 2026, the season features a focus on practical, hands-on activities such as live codelabs, workshops, and agent-athons, encouraging participants to work directly with Google’s latest tools, including Gemini, Google Cloud, Firebase, Android, Flutter, and Angular.
The theme, ‘Build, Secure, Scale,’ underscores three core aspects of modern software development: rapid and accessible building processes, the importance of security and responsible AI practices, and reliance on production-ready infrastructure from day one. Google highlights that the season is designed to foster an inclusive environment where developers of all experience levels can sharpen skills and collaborate on new architectures. As the season approaches, local GDGs are expected to publish event details, speaker lineups, and registration info progressively.
Why the Focus on Security and AI Matters in 2026
The emphasis on security alongside rapid development in the 2026 season reflects Google’s recognition of the evolving risks associated with AI and agentic applications. By framing the theme around building, securing, and scaling AI agents, Google signals its prioritization of responsible AI practices and safe deployment. For developers, this offers a rare opportunity to gain practical experience with Google’s AI tools in a collaborative setting, potentially influencing how AI applications are developed and safeguarded in the near future.
For the broader tech industry, Google’s framing indicates a shift toward integrating security considerations into the core of AI development, addressing concerns about data privacy, misuse, and ethical deployment. The season’s focus on hands-on learning aims to bridge the gap between experimentation and reliable, secure production applications, which is critical as AI becomes more embedded in everyday technology.
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Background and Evolution of DevFest 2026
DevFest has grown significantly since its inception, evolving into a global phenomenon with thousands of participants annually. Organized by Google Developer Groups, these events are independently curated, allowing for regional customization and community engagement. The 2026 edition, with its expanded scope and emphasis on agentic AI, builds on previous years’ focus on mobile, cloud, and machine learning topics. Google describes this season as larger than any prior community-run tech gathering, with over 800 events planned worldwide.
Historically, DevFest has served as a platform for Google to showcase new tools, foster developer communities, and promote adoption of its technologies. The 2026 season’s focus on security and AI reflects broader industry trends, as concerns about responsible AI and safe deployment become central to developer discussions. While specific event details are still emerging, the structure remains rooted in local community leadership, enabling tailored content and regional relevance.
“DevFest 2026 is the largest community-led tech conference we’ve organized, with a focus on hands-on experimentation and responsible AI development.”
— Thorsten Meyer, Google AI spokesperson
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Remaining Details About the 2026 DevFest Season
Several specifics about DevFest 2026 remain unconfirmed. Google has not yet published a full list of host cities, exact event dates, or registration procedures, which are determined by individual GDGs. The total attendance figure of nearly a million is a projection, not an audited count, and actual participation may vary. Additionally, details about the format—whether events will be primarily in-person, virtual, or hybrid—and the specific content of agent-athon formats are still unclear. It is also unknown whether upcoming Google product announcements will coincide with the season.
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Upcoming Milestones for DevFest 2026 Participants
As October 1 approaches, developers are encouraged to monitor the DevFest Event Directory for local event details, registration info, and agendas. GDGs will progressively publish their schedules, and social media channels using #DevFest will be active for updates. Google may also release new AI capabilities or updates to tools like Gemini or Google AI Studio during this period, potentially shaping the content and focus of upcoming events. The season will culminate in a series of regional gatherings that aim to foster collaboration and skill-building around secure, scalable AI development.
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Key Questions
How can I find local DevFest events?
Developers can locate nearby events through the DevFest Event Directory on Google’s developer site and follow updates using #DevFest on social media. Event details, including dates and registration, are published progressively by local GDGs.
Will DevFest 2026 be held in person or online?
The format for individual events is still being confirmed. GDGs are expected to organize in-person, virtual, or hybrid sessions based on regional conditions and preferences, with details to be announced closer to the season start.
Are there any major product launches expected during DevFest 2026?
Google has not announced specific product launches tied to DevFest 2026. However, updates related to Gemini, Google AI Studio, and other tools may be announced during the season as part of event content.
Who can participate in DevFest events?
DevFest is open to a broad range of participants, from experienced software engineers to emerging developers and solution builders, emphasizing an inclusive environment for skill development and collaboration.
Primary source: Google AI · via ThorstenMeyerAI.com
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