What is Bitfest?

Bitfest is the UK’s flagship Bitcoin festival.
The 2026 edition is a four-day Bitcoin festival in Manchester, taking place from 19–22 November 2026. It brings together Bitcoiners, builders, communities, artists, families and newcomers for talks, workshops, an expo, art, cinema, gaming, live music, Nostr and freedom technology.
So… is it a conference? Well, yes and no.
Bitfest is a space where people from all walks of life can come together for a weekend powered by Bitcoiners. It’s about community as much as it is about technology: a place to connect, learn, explore, and actually experience Bitcoin culture in action.
While talks and panels are part of the programme, Bitfest goes far beyond a traditional conference –  incorporating talks, discussions and hands-on workshops covering not just Bitcoin, but other freedom-adjacent topics.