The wait is over for VR enthusiasts! OpenSimFest (OSFest) has opened community voting on the theme for its 2027 festival, giving fans a chance to shape the future of this beloved virtual gathering. Organized by Lisa Laxton, OSFest is an annual celebration that brings together performers, exhibitors, and merchants from across the hypergrid on one grid.
This year’s voting process got underway last Thursday and will close on November 26th, giving participants a month to weigh in on their favorite theme. A total of 12 options are up for consideration, each carefully crafted by the community. From Gothic to Vacations, Steampunk to Carnival of Wonders, these themes promise to transport visitors to new and imaginative worlds.
The voting process itself is designed to be user-friendly, with a ranked-choice system that allows participants to list their top picks in order of preference. To cast your vote, simply head over to the OSFest website and follow the prompts – don’t forget to verify your email address to ensure your vote counts!
One of the most exciting aspects of OSFest is its ability to adapt and evolve with each new theme. Last year’s event featured a jazz theme, while in 2022 attendees were transported to a medieval and fantasy world. This year’s festivities even eschewed a traditional theme altogether, instead embracing a more free-form approach.
So what does this mean for the future of VR/XR? The fact that OSFest is now opening voting on its 2027 theme just six months after the previous event suggests an increasing focus on community engagement and participation. By giving fans a voice in shaping the festival’s direction, organizers are acknowledging the importance of user feedback and input.
As the hypergrid continues to grow and evolve, events like OSFest will play a crucial role in fostering creativity, innovation, and connection among its users. With 763 avatars from 158 grids attending the 2022 event – an attendance record that still stands today – it’s clear that OSFest is more than just a festival – it’s a platform for building community and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in VR.
As voting closes on November 26th, we can’t wait to see which theme will emerge victorious. Will it be Gothic, Vacations, or perhaps something entirely new? One thing’s for sure: with OSFest at the helm, the future of VR/XR looks brighter than ever!
Source: Hypergrid Business — 2026-11-14