swedens biggest softwarefestival
cursed code
halloWeen
scary stories from the reality of software production
talks, workshops, mingle, food and drinks
halloween + festival + tech + horror + community
Welcome to Sweden’s largest software festival – the Cursed Code Halloween Festival!
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that this year’s Halloween Festival will not take place. Sometimes the pieces simply don’t fall into place, and we would rather pause than deliver something that isn’t as great as we know it can be.
But this is not the end. Quite the opposite! We’re taking all our learnings, ideas, and energy into new projects. We’re already planning future events for the spring, maybe even something this winter.
A huge thank you to everyone who has followed, supported, and cheered us on along the way. You are our community, and the reason we do this. 🖤👻
Stay cursed — more information about upcoming events is coming soon!
Below, you can still see the original plan for Halloween Festival 2025. We’re keeping the concept, of course!
On Friday, October 31, we open the doors to Skansen Kronan in Gothenburg to dive into horror stories from the haunted reality of software development, explore cursed code, share hair-raising experiences, and find inspiration together in a vibrant mix of technology, creativity, and community.
Cursed Code is more than just a festival – it’s an experience and a tradition.
For two days, we gather under the same roof to experience horror stories, workshops, panel discussions, hackathons, game jams, and other activities. We meet our partners and exhibitors, play, network, and socialize in a Halloween-themed environment.
Day 1 – Friday, October 31
The Cursed Conference is a combination of expo, exhibition, and single-track conference. Talks are short and themed around horror stories from the reality of software development, told in classic ghost-story fashion. The goal is to spark reflection and serve as conversation starters during the many breaks, where we mingle and network with fellow Cursed Coders.
The conference concludes with a panel discussion where all speakers gather on stage, giving the audience a chance to ask questions and discuss the day’s topics. Afterward, enjoy an after-conference reception with canapés and sparkling wine, followed by The Daunting Dinner, our grand three-course Halloween feast. During the dinner, guests enjoy entertainment and each other’s company, and the festivities continue late into the night.
Day 2 – Saturday, November 1
We invite the next generation of Cursed Coders to a day of discovery, play, learning, and creative exploration. The program is designed for children, teens, and students, with interactive sessions, exhibitors, and short talks on programming, hacking, gaming, and creative projects.
The day concludes with an evening for participants over 18, focusing on horror, competitions, and other adult-themed fun.
Whether you’re a developer, designer, AI enthusiast, gamer, new entrepreneur, curious parent, or just someone who loves (or dislikes 😉) technology and wants to hear horror stories that rarely see the light of day, this is the event for you. Cursed Code is perfect for those who want to meet like-minded people, learn from mistakes and successes, and take part in something unique, fun, and memorable.
Cursed Code aims to:
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Create a physical forum for exchanging ideas about the digital world
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Celebrate the challenges we overcome, turning them into lessons, experiences, and inspiring stories
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Combine development, learning, and inspiration with horror and festivities in a unique Halloween setting where creativity flows and new connections are made
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Build a community for everyone connected to software – young or old, as we all have much to learn from one another!
Become part of the Cursed Code Community and join our brave code guardians and bug hunters as we battle the dark forces lurking in the world of code!
Curious to see how we did last year? Check out:
GALLERY and CURSED CODE 2024
Bookmark our page,
join the mailing list,
becom a member of our community,
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so you don’t miss any updates!
events
Here, you will be able to see our upcoming meetups, events and other gatherings. Stay tuned!
the cursed blog
Once upon a time, there was an idea.
Born in the flickering glow of candlelight during the late hours. It grew slowly, took shape, and evolved into something much greater – a concept. One early morning, as the light slowly overtook the darkness, it was finally ready to be seen. It leapt into the light and shouted its name – CURSED CODE!!
The reception it met was like the weather in April. Snow, cold, and doubt. Sun, warmth, and enthusiasm. Mixed with refreshing showers of rain and promises – some empty, some true. It fought hard, it went with the flow, and it zigzagged its way through unknown terrain. But one stormy and windswept day, everything fell into place. At last, it could open its doors and welcome a stream of eager visitors. The idea, the concept, had now become a success.
Ideas are only ideas until they are realized! Not all are destined to succeed, and some are merely the starting shot for something truly great. On our blog, you can follow the journey of Cursed Code!
foUnders
Volunteers
sPeakers
parTners
the cursed code of conduct
We want all Cursed Coders – visitors, speakers, partners, and crew – to feel welcome, safe, and respected in our Cursed Code Community. Our Code of Conduct applies to every Cursed Coder, regardless of role or function.
👋🏼 come as you are
The Cursed Code Community is a place of diversity. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disability, level of experience, or any other label.
🙅🏼 zero tolerance for harassment
We have absolute zero tolerance for all forms of harassment – including, but not limited to, verbal, physical, digital, or visual. Language or behavior that is threatening, discriminatory, derogatory, or offensive has no place here.
🤟🏼 respect boundaries and personal space
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Personal space must always be respected.
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Costumes and outfits are not an invitation – touching someone or their props may only happen with clear consent.
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If you wish to take photos or record video at an event, ask everyone involved first. Cursed Code Crew will occasionally take photos and film during our events, and we reserve the right to use this material, including but not limited to marketing. If you wish to be excluded from such documentation, please contact the crew.
🫱🏻🫲🏾 community and responsibility
We want to create an environment where everyone can learn, share ideas, and have fun. That means:
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You are responsible for your own behavior.
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If you are a guardian attending with children or youths, you are responsible for ensuring they also follow the Code of Conduct.
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Respect the schedule, fellow Cursed Coders, and everyone contributing to the community.
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Be mindful of allergies. Avoid strong perfumes and scents. Please leave your nuts at home.
🙋🏼 safety first
If you feel unsafe, harassed, or see someone else who needs help – contact the crew. We are here to support and act.
🍽️ food
Skansen Kronan provides food, snacks, and beverages throughout the event. For safety and comfort reasons, bringing your own food or drinks is not allowed.
🍻 alcohol, drugs och tobacco
Cursed Code is a smoke-free community, and smoking is prohibited in the event area. If you use snus or chewing tobacco, please do so hygienically, responsibly, and with consideration for others.
We sometimes serve alcohol at our events, but we always encourage responsible consumption and have zero tolerance for drugs or other intoxicants.
⚠️ disclaimer
Participation in Cursed Code events is at your own risk. The organizers accept no responsibility for personal injury, belongings, equipment, props, or other items brought to the event. Security staff will be on site patrolling the area, but we cannot guarantee that incidents or accidents will not occur. We therefore ask all participants to take responsibility for themselves, for each other, and for their own and others’ belongings.
🦿 consequences
Anyone who violates the Code of Conduct may be warned, removed, and/or banned from the Cursed Code Community without refund. Illegal behavior will be reported to the police.
🚼 children
We love the coders of the future, but our events are not suited for very young children who cannot benefit from the content. For both safety and comfort reasons, we kindly ask that they stay at home.
🦄 companions
Assistants and service animals are, of course, welcome at Cursed Code, provided they are pre-registered and verified on site. We ask all participants to respect those who are there to do their job by not disturbing or distracting them.
🫶🏼 love & respect
We want Cursed Code to be a place where everyone can be inspired, feel community, and have an unforgettable experience. Respect and care are the foundation for creating the magic together.
kindness + respect + compersion + curiosity + fellowship
