Exploring Map Data in Game Development
2026-01-20 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)💻👥In Person Only 💲 Free

In preparation for the 2026 Global Game Jam, OpenStreetMap Windsor-Essex invites you to an interactive workshop exploring how open geodata can be used in videogames.

While it might seem obvious to use the map data for…maps…That isn’t the only option! OSM can be utilized in text-based games, to determine POIs in mobile AR games, to generate geocentric quiz games, and more!

This session will combine:

✨Inspiration: See games that creatively use OSM data and brainstorm other ways to integrate geodata into your own projects.

🧪Hands-on Experimentation: Try out OSM-based game development using Godot, Unity, Blender, or the tools you know best. Tutorials and resource links will be provided, but attendees are welcome to test out their own methods and ideas.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Collaboration: Work with other participants to tackle challenges, share ideas, and learn from each other.

You’ll leave this workshop with a deeper understanding of how open geodata can enhance your game design and development process—and maybe even meet potential teammates for the Global Game Jam!

Tips for getting the most from this workshop:

Explore OSM Basics: Familiarize yourself with what OpenStreetMap is and its data structure. Recordings from past events on our YouTube channel can be a great starting point.

Temper Your Expectations: This workshop builds on existing knowledge of game, software, or web development – it’s hands-on and experimental, not a step-by-step tutorial. Beginners are welcome, but come ready to explore and experiment!

Prepare Your Tech: Bring your laptop with your preferred tools and platforms pre-installed so you can jump straight into experimentation.

📆 Tuesday, January 20, 2026🕦 6:30 – 8:30 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below

Basics of the Zettabyte File System (ZFS)
2026-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

At this month’s LUG event, we’ll be exploring the basics of the Zettabyte File System (ZFS) as well as discuss whether it would be a good choice for the root file system. All skill levels are welcome, but some basic knowledge of Linux will make the material easier to understand.

What to Expect:

Go over the basic concepts of ZFS

Explore core features of ZFS like: compression, redundancy, and encryption

Take a look at the pitfalls & benefits of using ZFS as a root file system

Learn about “out-of-tree” modules and DKMS

Discover why you’d want to use the ZFSBootMenu bootloader

Complete a demo Arch Linux install

📆 Jan 22🕦 7-9 PM📍 Hybrid at Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

GLOBAL GAME JAM KICKOFF
2026-01-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Kick off Global Game Jam with us at Hackforge HQ or online via Discord and get ready for an exciting week of creativity, collaboration, and game development! This opening event sets the tone for the jam and gives you everything you need to dive in with confidence, whether you’re a first-time jammer or a seasoned pro.

We’ll get the engines running by watching the official Global Game Jam keynote together. During this keynote, the theme will be revealed! There will be time afterwards to discuss the theme and iron out any nerves. Got questions? Bring them with you! This isn’t our first rodeo and there will likely be many Game Jam vets present to help us answer any questions that are burning in your brain, making sure everyone’s confident moving forward. Next, we’ll focus on team formation. Participants can pitch ideas, share skills, and connect with others, and organizers will be on hand to help set teams and make sure no one is left out. Whether you come with a plan or are looking for collaborators, this is where teams come together.

Before kicking off development, we’ll wrap up with an important AI policy announcement, outlining what is and isn’t permitted during the jam. Once that’s covered, it’s time to get in the jam and start creating.

Hackforge welcomes folks from anywhere who are interested in creating any kind of game. Design and develop as part of a team or a solo jammer – whatever you prefer! All ages are welcome to participate, but anyone under 17 must be on a team with a parent or guardian.Throughout the week of the Jam, there will be opportunities for hybrid and virtual open work hours with your team. We’ll cap off the week with a Closing Party to put on final touches, submit your game, then show it off!

Open to all, not just participants!

📆 Jan 26, 2026🕦6PM-8PM📍Online via Discord🎟️Register for Global Game Jam at globalgamejam.org

Come for the knowledge, stay for the community, and get ready to make something incredible! 🎨👾

Global Game Jam Meetup-Day 2
2026-01-30 16:00 - 19:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Hybrid work hours during Global Game Jam 2026 are open, flexible sessions set aside for participants to spend time working on their games together in a shared space, or online via Discord. These hours are all about giving you the room, time, and community to collaborate, experiment, and make progress on your project.

During work hours, you’re encouraged to:

Work actively on your game, either solo or with your team

Collaborate, brainstorm, test ideas, and share feedback with other jammers

Use the space as a focused, supportive co-working environment

Staff will be on-site to open the space and help with basic needs, but these sessions are intentionally unstructured. There won’t be scheduled activities, presentations, or facilitated programming during work hours and staff will not be casually available, as they will be busy completing work. This time is yours to use in whatever way best supports your creative process.

If you’re interested in talks, workshops, or guided events, please see our other events, and consider joining our Discord or subscribing to our newsletter at hackf.org/join-our-newsletter. In-person work hours are simply a chance to come together, settle in, and build something great.

📆 Friday, Jan. 30🕦4-7 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave. Unit 210) & Online via Discord

Register for Global Game Jam at globalgamejam.org

Global Game Jam Meetup-Day 1
2026-01-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Hybrid work hours during Global Game Jam 2026 are open, flexible sessions set aside for participants to spend time working on their games together in a shared space, or online via Discord. These hours are all about giving you the room, time, and community to collaborate, experiment, and make progress on your project.

During work hours, you’re encouraged to:

Work actively on your game, either solo or with your team

Collaborate, brainstorm, test ideas, and share feedback with other jammers

Use the space as a focused, supportive co-working environment

Staff will be on-site to open the space and help with basic needs, but these sessions are intentionally unstructured. There won’t be scheduled activities, presentations, or facilitated programming during work hours and staff will not be casually available, as they will be busy completing work. This time is yours to use in whatever way best supports your creative process.

If you’re interested in talks, workshops, or guided events, please see our other events, and consider joining our Discord or subscribing to our newsletter at hackf.org/join-our-newsletter. In-person work hours are simply a chance to come together, settle in, and build something great.

📆 Thurs., Jan 29🕦5-7 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave. Unit 210) & Online via Discord

Register for Global Game Jam at globalgamejam.org

GLOBAL GAME JAM Closing
2026-02-01 14:00 - 19:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Wrap up an unforgettable week of game making by joining us for the 2026 Hackforge Global Game Jam Closing Party at Hackforge HQ or online via Discord! This is your chance to bring everything together and celebrate what you’ve built.

The afternoon will be focused on getting your game across the finish line. This is the perfect time to squash last-minute bugs, polish gameplay, finalize builds, and make sure your submission is ready to go. Fellow jammers and mentors will be around to offer feedback, help troubleshoot issues, or simply provide moral support as the clock winds down.

Once submissions are in, it’s time to relax and enjoy the results of an intense and inspiring week. At 5:00 pm, we’ll kick off a show and tell session where teams can present their games, share what worked (and what didn’t), and talk about the ideas and challenges behind their creations.

Whether you join us in person or online, everyone is welcome to watch, play, and cheer on the teams. Come celebrate the hard work, creativity, and community spirit that make Global Game Jam such a special experience!

📆 Feb 1🕦 2 – 7(ish) PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Discord

Register for Global Game Jam at globalgamejam.org

LUG February Social
2026-02-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: February 5, 2026🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

Throwback Playtest
2026-02-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)💻👥In Person Only 💲 Free

Coming in hot on the heels of last month’s Global Game Jam, we’re bringing GGJ games from Hackforgers and putting them in the spotlight. This Throwback Playtest Night is your chance to dive into games Hackforgers created during past Global Game Jams, including the freshest builds from January. Come play weird, wonderful, and unfinished-in-the-best-way games.

This event is for Hackforgers of all experience levels (game devs and non-devs alike) and anyone curious about indie games or the creative chaos that comes from making things together. You don’t need to have participated in a game jam to join, if you like playing games or talking about them, you belong here.

What to bringBring a laptop if you have one, especially if you want to jump between games or give hands-on feedback. Don’t worry if you don’t, we’ll have some laptops available to share.

Come play, laugh at bugs, discover hidden gems, and relive the joy of making games fast and weird…together.

What you’ll get out of it– 🎲 Play a variety of games made during past Global Game Jams-🤝 Connect with other Hackforgers and game-curious folks while celebrating jam culture

📆 February 17🕦 6:30-8:30 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210)🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below

OSM Social
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)💻👥In Person Only 💲 Free

low-key event.

draw maps

talk about maps

think about maps

debate the role of open geodata in modern life

everyone welcome.

📆 Tuesday, February 24th🕦 6 – 8 PM📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)🎟️RSVP Below!

Create Your Own Digital Maps Using QGIS and Geoenabled Data!
2026-03-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Let your creative side flourish during this choose your own adventure style map making tutorial, using the completely free and open source desktop GIS software, QGIS! 🗺️✍️

Join Theo Walschots in a follow-along map making session where attendees are guided through GIS map creation and taught essential cartographic principles. This guided tutorial is not strict and outside the box thinking is encouraged! Many different datasets will be made available, each with their own context and varying geometry. The goal is for every attendee to walk away with wildly different maps, reflecting that individual’s creativity as well as their respective dataset.

What to bringBring a laptop if you have one, with QGIS (qgis.org) installed.Don’t worry if you don’t, we’ll have some laptops available to share.

📆 March 4, 2026🕦 6-8 PM📍Hybrid (Hackforge HQ @ 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210 & Online via Zoom)🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

LUG March Social
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: March 5, 2026🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

Passion Project Lightning Talks
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online💻👥 Hybrid💲 Free

Got a side project you can’t stop thinking about, a tool you’re obsessed with, or a weird tech idea that lights you up? Passion Projects Lightning Talks is a fast-paced, high-energy night of 5-minute talks where curiosity beats polish and enthusiasm is the main requirement.

This event is for developers, designers, founders, students, tinkerers, and anyone in tech who loves building, experimenting, or learning; whether you’re actively working on a project or just want to be inspired by what others are creating.

What to bringBring your curiosity, your passion (and slides if you’re speaking), and an open mind.A laptop is optional, questions are encouraged, and good vibes are mandatory.What you’ll get out of it

Share your passion with a group of likeminded folks

Learn from other folks’ passion projects

Network and find community

You’ll discover new ideas and tools you didn’t know you needed, get inspired to start or keep going on your own passion project, and connect with people who care deeply about building things just for the joy of it.

To sign up to give a lightning talk, please email Bolt by March 12th at 1pm EST at bolt@hackf.org. If you are planning on presenting via slides or media, please share the link(s)/slides in that email. We welcome online and in person talks!

📆 March 12, 2026🕦 6-8 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️RSVP for In-Person attendance below💻Register for virtual attendance via Zoom

Windsor C and C++ User Group Inaugural Meeting
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

The inaugural meeting of the Windsor C and C++ Users Group (WCCUG) will be on March 19th 2026 in-person at Hackforge. This is a new interest group, targeting C and C++ enthusiasts and active users.

To learn more about WCCUG, please visit wccug.org

“What’s your Interest?”We will be discussing plans for what we’d like future meetings to be about!

Feel free to bring projects to hack on, interesting code to share, or topics to discuss. Bryan will be bringing along a space-efficient implementation of the std::any class from the C++ Standard Library to talk about, but any and all digressions will be actively encouraged!

What to bringBring a laptop if you have one.Don’t worry if you don’t, we’ll have some laptops available to share.

Planning to attend? Please let us know! Register to attend in-person using the RSVP form below, or get the videoconference link by registering via Zoom.

📆 March 19,2026🕦 7-9 PM📍In-person at Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210) & Online via Zoom

Untangling Intersections with OSMPIE
2026-03-31 17:30 - 19:30 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210, Windsor, ON, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

This month’s OSM Windsor-Essex meetup introduces OSMPIE (OpenStreetMap Perfect Intersection Editor) – a specialized tool that makes creating accurate road structures surprisingly straightforward. Join fellow mappers to improve street data right here in our region, making navigation better for everyone who lives, works, and visits Windsor-Essex.

What you’ll gain:

Experience with a powerful editor designed specifically for complex road mapping

Connections with other civic-tech minded community members

Improved ability to accurately render real-world roadways in a digital space

What to bring:

A free OSM account (create one beforehand)

A wifi-enabled laptop (we have loaners available)

This is an intermediate-level event! Basic knowledge of Openstreetmap tagging schema is an asset (review recordings of past events to get caught up)

Planning to attend? Please let us know! Register to attend in-person using the RSVP form below, or get the videoconference link by registering via Zoom.

📆 Tuesday, March 31🕦 5:30 – 7:30 PM📍In-person at Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210) & Online via Zoom

LUG April Social
2026-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210, Windsor, ON, N9A7B4, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: April 9, 2026🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

Passions, People & Possibilities Fair
2026-04-11 10:00 - 14:30 | Fogolar Furlan, 1800 North Service Rd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1Y3, Canada
📍 Fogolar Furlan (1800 N Service Rd, Windsor)👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

Come see Hackforge’s booth at Windsor-Essex Family Network’s Passions, People & Possibilities Fair! We’ll have some Hackforge info and a few Hackforgers on hand.

If you’ve ever wondered about Hackforge, now’s your chance to ask your questions in person, in a community-based fair full of fund groups, clubs, and passions to discover!

ONE EVENT. TWO ROOMS. ONE COMMUNITY.

This event is a high-energy, community-building effort, designed to bring people together around what they love.

For more info, please visit ﻿WindsoressexfamnetPassions, People & Possibilities Fair﻿

📆 April 11🕦 10:30am – 2:30pm📍Fogolar Furlan (1800 N Service Rd, Windsor, ON N8W 1Y3)🎟️ Free (Donation Suggested)

Group Project Kickoff & How to Compile your 1st project
2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Windsor Hackforge, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

The latest installment of WCCUG will kick off with a 30-minute group brainstorming session, where we’ll collaborate on ideas and directions for our first group project. This will be followed by a one-hour optional workshop on how to compile your first project (perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher). Participants who prefer can use this time to begin working on the project independently. We’ll wrap up with a 30-minute closing session to share progress, discuss challenges, and outline next steps.

What to Bring

Please bring your own laptop if possible. A limited number of spare laptops will be available, if you need one, please email us ahead of time at bolt@hackf.org so we can reserve it for you.

What You’ll Walk Away With

A clear understanding of how to compile and run your first project

Hands-on experience starting and working through a real project

New ideas and insights from collaborative brainstorming and peer discussion

RSVP Required

Please make sure to RSVP in advance using the provided website. This helps us plan resources, seating, and equipment to ensure the best experience for everyone.

📆 March 19,2026🕦 7-9 PM📍In-person at Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️ RSVP Below for In-Person & via Zoom for Virtual

Spring Mixer
2026-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Thirsty Butler, 1585 Wyandotte St E, Windsor, On, Canada
📍 Thirsty Butler (1585 Wyandotte St E, Windsor, ON)👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

Hackforgers Unite!

Join us for an evening of really good company, chill vibes, and a whole lot of nerdy talk.

First timer? Curious about Hackforge? This low pressure event is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the community and get familiar with all things Hackforge.

This is where all of Hackforge comes together. So whether you’re new, a LUGer, a fan of WCCUG, a part of weGIS, find joy in BCD, or are an OSM star, this is your chance to make connections across interest groups!

Please be aware that all attendees will be responsible for their own tabs.

Please RSVP so we can keep the location updated with numbers.

📆 April 24🕦 7:00 – 9:00 PM📍Thirsty Butler (1585 Wyandotte St E, Windsor, ON)🎟️ RSVP at www.hackf.org/events

Jane's Walk: Mapping the Ghosts of Essex County
2026-04-26 14:45 - 15:45 | John R. Park Homestead, 915 County Rd 50 E, Essex, On, Canada
📍 John R. Park Homestead’s Visitor Centre (915 County Rd 50 E, Essex)👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

Join us for a “Jane’s Talk” that bridges the gap between archival paper maps and the digital age.

In this introductory-level session, we’ll be looking at OpenHistoricalMap (OHM) – an Openstreetmap branch that focuses on mapping the history of the world’s settlements, roadways, and infrastructure. See how we’re turning scans and photographs of century-old, hand drawn maps into interactive digital data, and find out how to connect with us to share your own knowledge.

Part history lesson and part tech seminar, this event shows how archival records are being used to build a “Google Maps” for our region’s past—revealing how early land grants and original surveys still dictate the roads we drive today.

This session is presented in partnership with the Windsor-Essex Jane’s Walk Festival, an annual celebration of neighbourhoods through volunteer-led walking tours and events. Visit their website for more information about this amazing annual event, including this year’s complete schedule.

📆 April 26🕦 2:45 – 3:45 PM📍John R. Park Homestead’s Visitor Centre (915 County Rd 50 E, Essex)✅ Reserve your spot through the Jane’s Walk website!

LUG MAY Social
2026-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210, Windsor, ON, N9A7B4, Canada
📍Discord💻Virtual Only💲 Free

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

What to Expect:

Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

📆 Date: May 7, 2026🕦Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)📍 Virtual Event on Discord

LUG Install Party
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave Unit 210, Windsor, ON, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Suite 210)👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

This month, LUG will be hosting a Linux install party… drop-in style!

If you’re interested in trying out Linux, then this is the event for you! Members will be available to help you with installing Linux on your laptop, onto a virtual machine, or any other kind of device.

Come on out even if you’re already familiar with Linux! This is a great opportunity to try a new distribution or just hang around and chat with other Linux enthusiasts.

📆 Saturday, May 9, 2026🕦 10am-2pm (drop in any time)📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Suite 210)

Linux Command Line
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Windsor Hackforge, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

The latest installment of WCCUG will kick off with a 30-minute group brainstorming session, where we’ll collaborate on ideas and directions for our first group project. This will In this session of LUG, we will go over the Linux command line as well as some other essential & day-to-day commands.

Whether you’re a more experienced user or just getting started, this session will help Linux users improve their experience by further exploring the command line interface (CLI).

What to Bring:

If you’d like to follow along, a Laptop with Docker or Podman installed is all you’ll need. We look forward to gathering with fellow Linux enthusiasts!

📆 Thursday, May 14, 2026🕦 7-9 PM📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️ RSVP In-Person Below🖵 RSVP for Zoom Here

WeGIS Mixer
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Eastwood’s grill and lounge, 63 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, N9A 7C4, Canada
📍 Eastwood’s Grill & Lounge (63 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON)👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

Let’s run a spatial join and gather at Eastwood’s Grill and Lounge for weGIS’s Spring Mixer! Since GIS supports so many fields and workflows, I encourage any and everyone to attend this event as it’ll be a great opportunity to meet new people and learn interesting perspectives from GIS and beyond! There’s no theme and no stakes, just some drinks and a good time. 🌎🍻

Please be aware that all attendees will be responsible for their own tabs.

Please RSVP so we can keep the location updated with numbers.

📆 May 20th🕦 6:00 – 8:00 PM📍Eastwood’s Grill & Lounge (63 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON)

WCCUG - C and C++ Horror Stories
2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Loose Goose, 126 Ouellette Av, Windsor, ON, Canada
📍 Loose Goose Downtown (126 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON)👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

Join us for a Pub Night of C and C++ horror stories. Share your funniest and most frustrating experiences from the world of systems programming with others who understand the struggle.

As is usually natural, we’ll also be having a casual discussion about open source, collaboration, and how C and C++ continue to power critical software projects.

Open to all experience levels.

Come for the laughs, stay for the community and conversation.

📆 Thursday, May 21, 2026🕦 7-9 PM📍Loose Goose Downtown (126 Ouellette Ave, Windsor, ON)

NAAW Kickoff
2026-05-24 14:00 - 16:30 | Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO), 1100 University Ave. West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) – 1100 University Ave. West👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

Technology should be a bridge, not a wall. While tech helps many of us access knowledge and share insights, that experience isn’t universal. Too often, the tools meant to connect us actually get in the way. For our 2026 National AccessAbility Week kickoff, Hackforge is hosting an open forum to bridge these gaps.

We are inviting community members with access needs to share their lived experiences. We want to hear the honest truth about:

The Hurdles: Where does technology fall short? Where do digital systems or physical public spaces exclude you?

The Wins: What apps, websites, or services have actually improved your accessibility? Who is doing things right, and what can we learn from them?

These shared barriers will become the Hackforge community’s “to-do list” for the coming year. We aim to develop and share real-world solutions for these challenges over the next twelve months.

Sign up to speak? No need! This is a moderated, open-floor session. Everyone will have the chance to contribute in a respectful, supportive environment.

What experiences count? All of them. Whether your need is temporary or chronic, a minor friction point or a major barrier, your perspective is valuable.

Who Should Attend?

Advocates & Individuals facing accessibility barriers who want their voices heard.

The Tech-Curious & Makers looking to use their skills for social good.

Community Members interested in building a more inclusive city.

If you’ve been looking for a way to use your skills to help your neighbors, this is your chance to start.

Beyond the Screen: Live Website Reviews
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:30 | Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO), 1100 University Ave. West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) – 1100 University Ave. West👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

As a business owners or web developer, you may be aware that you should be following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and you might even know what those guidelines are. But do you know why they’re important? Have you ever seen what actually happens when these best practices aren’t followed? Join us for a look beyond the screen as accessibility consultant David Best provides live demonstrations of internet use with a screen reader.

We’ve partnered with local community organizations to review their sites in real-time, but we want to see yours, too! Attendees are invited to offer up their own projects for instant, expert feedback

During the session, we will:

Navigate content using a screen reader

Identify common accessibility issues

Demonstrate accessible and inaccessible design patterns

Review keyboard navigation, headings, forms, buttons, links, images, and ARIA usage

Discuss practical improvements aligned with WCAG guidelines

Who Should Attend?

Web Developers & Designers looking to sharpen their technical skills.

Business Owners wanting to ensure their digital storefront is open to everyone.

Product Managers & Content Creators who want to understand the impact of their work.

📆 May 26, 2026🕦 6-8:30 PM📍Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) – 1100 University Ave. West🎟️ RSVP Below

Accessible City: an inclusive round table discussion on city services
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Windsor Hackforge, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

More Info Coming Soon!

📆 May 28, 2026🕦 6:00pm – 8:00pm📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom📩 RSVP for Zoom Here👥 RSVP for In Person Below

NAAW Closing
2026-05-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO), 1100 University Ave. West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) – 1100 University Ave. West👥 In Person Only 💲 Free

As a business owners or web developer, you may be aware that you should be following Join Hackforge and ALSO as we conclude NAAW 2026. This session is more than just a recap; it’s a strategy meeting for the year ahead. We’ll review the insights gathered during our discussions and outline how we plan to integrate these lessons into our future programming.

We’ll also be taking this opportunity to launch the first version of our Accessible Community Data Bank! Born from community survey responses and data from ALSO, this living resource tracks specific accessibility supports at businesses and public locations throughout Windsor-Essex. Whether it’s physical ramp access, sensory-friendly hours, or digital accommodations, we’re documenting it all to help neighbors navigate our community with confidence.

Who Should Attend?

NAAW Participants who want to see how their feedback is being used.

Data Enthusiasts & Researchers interested in the new community resource.

Local Business Owners who want to ensure their accessibility features are accurately represented.

Volunteers looking for a meaningful way to contribute throughout the year.

Let’s turn this week’s lessons into next year’s solutions.

📆 May 30th, 2026🕦 1-3pm📍Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) – 1100 University Ave. West🎟️ RSVP Below

Pytheas 101
2026-06-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Windsor Hackforge, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

Pytheas 101, led by Doug Sartori, is a detailed look at Parallel 42’s open source virtual tour app. Attendees will learn about the code and the data, and what’s involved in creating a Pytheas tour of your own.

Who should attend?

This session is open to anyone who is interested in free software, tour creation, and requires no experience.

What should you bring?

A laptop to follow along (we’ll have a few available for loaning during the event)

Get a glimpse into the power of Pytheas at linktr.ee/p42systems

📆 June 1, 2025🕦 6:30pm-8:30pm📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom📩 RSVP for Zoom Here👥 RSVP for In Person Below

Data Literacy for Admins
2026-06-12 12:00 - 12:45 | Windsor Hackforge, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A7B4, Canada
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) & Online Via Zoom💻👥Hybrid💲 Free

Join Doug Sartori (Canadian Open Data Society President, Parallel 42 Systems CEO) & Dr. Jessica Sartori (President & Principal Consultant at West 83 and former public sector CEO), for Data Literacy for Admins. Learn how to turn everyday information into actionable insights, support your team more effectively, and make smarter, data-informed decisions in your role.

When used appropriately, data can be a powerful tool for your organization.

Who should attend?

This session is open to anyone who is interested in increasing their data literacy, but especially those in administrative and not-for-profit roles.

What should you bring?

A laptop to follow along (we’ll have a few available for loaning during the event if needed).

📆 June 12, 2026🕦12-12:45pm📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave., Unit 210) & Online via Zoom🎟️ RSVP for Zoom Here👥 RSVP in Person Below
