Hacktoberfest, an initiative led by Digital Ocean, encourages global participation in open source projects by inviting contributors to submit five or more pull requests in exchange for rewards such as a free T-shirt or tree planting. Gatsby, known for its active open source community, participates by providing a curated selection of issues that are accessible to newcomers, promoting a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Participants can explore and contribute to various facets of the Gatsby ecosystem, including documentation and bug fixes, with special incentives like glow-in-the-dark stickers for those engaging in Hacktoberfest activities. Gatsby emphasizes inclusivity and support throughout the process, offering guidance and ensuring adherence to their Contributor Code of Conduct. New contributors are encouraged to participate by utilizing resources available from Digital Ocean and Gatsby's community to facilitate their first pull requests, enhancing their involvement in the open source movement.