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Folk Alliance International 37th Annual Conference February 19 through 23, 2025. Montréal, Québec, Canada
Illuminate

To truly amplify our impact, we must first replenish our creative wellsprings. This conference will explore the power of awe and wonder, guiding us to rediscover a sense of purpose in our artistic endeavors.

Images of animals, instruments, and flowers made of constellations and stars

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.

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   

Are you folk?

Click and find out...

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.

Wednesday
(Feb 19)

Daytime

Registration Opens

Evening

International Folk Music Awards

Thursday - Saturday
(Feb 20 - 22)

Daytime

Keynotes

Panels

Workshops

Networking

Evening

Official Showcases

Private Showcases

Sunday
(Feb 23)

Daytime

Closing Party

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.

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.

perform an official showcase

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 More

Ways 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

What happened last year?

Explore the highlights of the Folk Alliance International 2024 Conference in our Post-Conference Report

FAI 2024 report
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