The Annual Folk Alliance International Conference is the largest gathering of folk musicians and music industry professionals in the world.
This is an experience like no other. Music is around every corner. Legends, rising stars, and industry innovators share career-boosting insights.
To see what happened at last year's conference, check out the 2025 Post-Conference Report.
An international crowd of artists, venues, labels, DJs, agents, and organizations come together for five days of professional development, networking, and music.
The keynote address features an influential figure in the folk music industry who inspires us and shapes the narrative of the conference – in ways unexpected and magical. The Keynote Speaker for FAI 2026 has yet to be revealed!
Recent keynotes include...Allison Russell, Noel Paul Stookey, Lucy Kalantari, Valerie June, Madeline Peyroux, Shirley Collins, Margaret Atwood, Mavis Staples, and Rhiannon Giddens!
Three days of panels and workshops let you pick the brains of industry experts and legends.
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Our global summits are multi-day experiences that bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and artists to create meaningful dialogue benefitting the international folk music community.
Past Summits have included: the Black American Music Summit, Legal Summit, Wellness Summit, Folklore Summit, and more!
Our networking sessions bring you into the fold of our community. Everyone leaves FAI with valuable, life-long connections.
Official Showcases highlight the best folk music in the world across a vast variety of genres. 160 jury-selected artists perform on the largest stages of our conference to an audience of venue bookers, agents, record labels, DJs, media companies, and more.
The crowd-favorite of every FAI Conference, Private Showcases give everyone an opportunity to perform. Late at night, hotel guest rooms transform into small stages with hundreds of performances hosted by different organizations.
Join us the first night of the conference for the International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) – the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.
Attend the show in person or stream it live on YouTube.
Learn MoreAttending an industry conference is an investment for anyone. That's why we make attending an FAI Conference as accessible as possible. From scholarships to artist discounts to volunteer program, there are a lot ways to save!
10 ways to save
Explore the highlights of the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference in Montréal.
FAI 2025 report2026: January 21 - 25, 2026 / New Orleans, LA
2027: January 27 - 31, 2027 / Chicago, IL
2028: January 26 - 30, 2028 / Kansas City, MO
2029: TBD
2030: January 23 - 27, 2030 / New Orleans, LA
2031: TBD / Canada
2032: January 21 - 25, 2032 / New Orleans, LA
