Vegas Convention Calendar

Hacker / cybersecurity community

DEF CON 35 Las Vegas

Aug 5-8, 2027 · LVCC

Dates verified date source · Official site · Attendance history

DatesThu, Aug 5, 2027
to Sun, Aug 8, 2027
VenueLVCC
Venue guide: LVCC
Expected attendanceNot published
City fullness (est.)Busy ~57K in town

How full will Vegas be during DEF CON 35?

Busy: expect firmer rates near the venue; book private dining and group blocks early.

DEF CON 35 falls mostly in the week of Aug 2, 2027, which we rate Busy on trade-show attendance: about 57,333 trade-show attendees in town (pro-rated), counting DEF CON 35 and 3 other tracked shows that overlap its dates.

1 show(s) in this window have no published attendance, so the real number is higher.

Overlapping shows

Each Monday-Sunday week gets one score: the pro-rated attendance of every tracked trade show in town that week. The score sets the week’s trade label. A trade show carries the trade label of the week that holds most of its days (ties go to the busier week), on every tile and page. A week’s headline label can be lifted by the leisure floor (“Busy (leisure)” or “Peak (leisure)”); trade-show tiles never inherit it. Method.

When to book entertainment for DEF CON 35

Book entertainment: Plenty of time

Based on typical lead times for headline and booth entertainment (status as of Oct 18). In Packed or Sold-out weeks, book at the early end; private rooms and hotel blocks go fast too.

What is DEF CON?

DEF CON is one of the world's largest hacker conferences, running for more than three decades. It is community-run: talks, hands-on Villages, contests including the long-running Capture The Flag, workshops and DEF CON Training.

Who attends: Hackers, security researchers, students, engineers and hobbyists, plus policy and government attendees. Badges are sold online in advance or for cash at the door ("LineCon"), so the crowd is more casual than at a vendor trade show.

Attendance trend: DEF CON doesn't publish an official attendance figure, so we leave it blank and don't estimate one. Attendance history.

When it usually happens

The week after Black Hat, Thursday to Sunday. DEF CON 34 ran August 6-9, 2026 at the LVCC, and DEF CON has announced DEF CON 35 for August 5-8, 2027 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, overlapping the last day of Black Hat USA (July 31 to August 5).

Where to stay

For hotels connected to or near the venue, plus Loop and Monorail options, see our Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) guide.

Entertainment ideas for DEF CON

At the booth
  • A hardware-hacking or soldering station with a host
  • A puzzle or cipher challenge with a prize wall
  • A retro-arcade or pinball set-up
Client parties and dinners
  • A DJ night for a sponsor or team party
  • A comedy set from a comic who knows tech culture
  • A low-key lounge with a live band for a customer meetup

Ideas, not endorsements. Match the act to the crowd and check the show's exhibitor rules on sound levels and booth activations.

DEF CON FAQ

When is DEF CON 35?

DEF CON 35 runs Aug 5-8, 2027 in Las Vegas.

Where is DEF CON 35 held?

At LVCC, Las Vegas.

How busy will Las Vegas be during DEF CON 35?

We rate the week of Aug 2, 2027 as Busy: about 57,333 trade-show attendees in town (estimate).

When should I book entertainment for DEF CON 35?

Our booking meter currently reads “Plenty of time” for headline and booth entertainment, based on typical lead times.

Where is DEF CON 35?

DEF CON announced the Las Vegas Convention Center for August 5-8, 2027.

Which hotels have DEF CON room blocks?

For DEF CON 34, DEF CON listed blocks at Fontainebleau, Sahara, Wynn and Encore, and Circus Circus, later adding Embassy Suites, SpringHill Suites and Renaissance. 2027 blocks haven't been announced yet.

Advertise here Venues, DMCs and transport partners can sponsor the DEF CON page (party venues, transport and DMC slots). See placements →

Attendance history and past editions

No past edition with a verified attendance figure on file yet.

Sources and notes

No official count is published. Community estimates for DC34 were ~24,500-26,000 (r/Defcon); not used. Cash-only badges, a casual crowd.

Spotted a change? Dates and venues are set by the organizer and can move. Always confirm on the official site.