FAI 2026: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
February, 2026
- FAI 2026
- Artists
- Attending
- partners
What is the FAI Conference?
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.
Appalachian Americana Blues Bluegrass Celtic Cajun Fusions Global Roots Hip-Hop Old-Time Singer-Songwriter Spoken Word Traditional Zydeco
Appalachian Americana Blues Bluegrass Celtic Cajun Fusions Global Roots Hip-Hop Old-Time Singer-Songwriter Spoken Word Traditional Zydeco
What happens at FAI?
Learn • Connect • Discover
An international crowd of artists, venues, labels, DJs, agents, and organizations come together for five days of professional development, networking, and music.
Daytime Programming
Keynotes
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 2025 has yet to be revealed!
Recent keynotes include... Noel Paul Stookey, Lucy Kalantari, Valerie June, Madeline Peyroux, Shirley Collins, Margaret Atwood, Mavis Staples, and Rhiannon Giddens!
Daytime Programming
Panels and Workshops
Three days of panels and workshops let you pick the brains of industry experts and legends.
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Daytime Programming
Global Summits
We’re worldwide! 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!
Daytime Programming
Networking and Receptions
Our networking sessions bring you into the fold of our community. Everyone leaves FAI with valuable, life-long connections.
Official Showcases
Discover new talent / get discovered
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.
Private Showcases
Even more music!
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.
International Folk Music Awards
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 MoreWays to Save
Attending 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
2025 Post-Conference Report
Explore the highlights of the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference in Montréal.
FAI 2025 reportFuture Conference Dates
2026: 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
