DEF CON 2026 — Complete Attendee Guide
DEF CON is the world's largest hacker convention — a chaotic, brilliant, and uniquely Vegas experience. Tens of thousands of hackers, security researchers, and curious minds converge for talks, villages, CTF competitions, and parties. DEF CON 2026 moves to the Las Vegas Convention Center, giving the con more space than ever. Here is what you need to know.
Quick Info
In This Guide
Registration
DEF CON Badge Pickup — Location & Hours
DEF CON badges are sold at the door — cash only. There is no online pre-registration for DEF CON general admission. Arrive early on Thursday morning to avoid the longest lines. Badge pickup and sales open around 8:00 AM. Bring cash (exact amount varies year to year, typically around $400–440). Electronic badges are a collector's item and part of the DEF CON experience.
Schedule
DEF CON Show Floor Hours
Villages and CTF competitions often run later than official hours. Unofficial parties and meetups run well past midnight. Sunday is the closing day with shorter hours.
Transportation
How to Get to DEF CON
Parking
The LVCC has large surface lots and a parking garage surrounding the complex. Expect to pay $15–25 per day during major shows. Lots fill up fast — arrive before 9 AM or consider rideshare instead.
Public Transit / Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated Convention Center station with direct service to Strip hotels from MGM Grand to the Sahara. A single ride is $5 and a full-day pass is $13. During peak convention hours the monorail is often faster than driving.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have a designated pickup and dropoff area on Convention Center Drive. Surge pricing is common during morning arrivals and evening departures — stagger your schedule to avoid the rush.
Walking from the Strip
The north end of the Las Vegas Strip is about a 15-minute walk from the LVCC. The monorail makes it easy to reach central and south Strip hotels in under 10 minutes.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat During DEF CON
- In-N-Out Burger — directly across Paradise Rd, walkable in 3 minutes
- Peppermill Restaurant — classic 24-hour Vegas diner, 10-minute walk south on the Strip
- Resorts World — 10-minute walk north with dozens of restaurants including Carversteak and Genting Palace
- Wynn / Encore — 15-minute walk or one monorail stop with world-class dining
- Westgate Las Vegas — connected via skybridge from the LVCC North Hall
- Convention center food courts — available inside the West Hall and Central Hall during major shows
Insider Tips
DEF CON Tips for First-Timers
- Bring cash. DEF CON badges are cash-only at the door, and some villages and vendor areas are also cash-preferred.
- The DEF CON badge is electronic and interactive — solving the badge puzzle is part of the fun. Check the badge hacking village.
- Leave your work laptop at home. Bring a burner laptop or a clean device. The network at DEF CON is famously hostile (Wall of Sheep).
- Disable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC on your phone when not actively using them. Seriously.
- The villages are the best part of DEF CON. Lockpicking, car hacking, social engineering, hardware hacking — spend time exploring them.
- Hydrate aggressively. August Vegas + convention center + walking = dehydration. Bring a water bottle.
- Talk to people. DEF CON has a uniquely open and friendly culture. Everyone from first-timers to legendary researchers is approachable.
- Check the DEF CON forums and r/defcon for the unofficial party list. Some of the best events are invite-only or word-of-mouth.
After the Show
DEF CON After Dark — Nightlife & After Parties
DEF CON parties are legendary — vendor-sponsored events, hacker meetups, and impromptu gatherings happen across Vegas all weekend. The official DEF CON party is not to be missed. Beyond the hacker scene, the Vegas Strip is right there, and after a full day of talks and villages, a proper nightclub or steak dinner hits differently.
Zouk Nightclub
Nightclub
At Resorts World, a short walk from the LVCC. The newest mega-club in Vegas with a sound system that hackers appreciate.
XS Nightclub
Nightclub
At Wynn Las Vegas. The outdoor pool area in August is unbeatable. Cool down after a day of CTF.
Marquee Nightclub
Nightclub
At The Cosmopolitan. Multi-level club with the Library room for those who want a more chill vibe.
Drai's Nightclub
Nightclub / Rooftop
The rooftop setting and live performances make Drai's a unique alternative to the EDM mega-clubs.
DEF CON — FAQ
Where is DEF CON 2026?
DEF CON 2026 is at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
What are the DEF CON 2026 dates?
DEF CON 2026 runs from Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9, 2026.
How much does DEF CON cost?
DEF CON badges are sold at the door, cash only. The price is typically around $400–440. There is no online pre-registration for general admission.
Do I need to register for DEF CON in advance?
No. DEF CON general admission badges are sold at the door on a first-come basis. Arrive early Thursday to minimize wait times.
Is DEF CON safe for my devices?
Bring a burner device or clean laptop. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use. The DEF CON network is intentionally hostile for educational purposes (Wall of Sheep). Use your mobile data or a personal hotspot.
What should I wear to DEF CON?
Whatever you want. DEF CON has no dress code. Comfortable clothes and shoes are the only requirements. Many attendees wear hacker-themed t-shirts.
Related Pages
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DEF CON
Convention overview, dates, and details
DEF CON Nightlife
Best nightclubs and after-parties for attendees
Wynn & Encore
Nightlife and hotel guide for DEF CON attendees
The Cosmopolitan
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Caesars Palace
Nightlife and hotel guide for DEF CON attendees
All Hotels
Browse every Las Vegas hotel with nightlife access
Free Guest List for DEF CON Attendees
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + complimentary limo from your hotel during DEF CON