FAI 2026: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
January 21-25, 2026
International Folk Music Awards
The Premier Recognition of the Folk Music Industry
The International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) are the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.
The next International Folk Music Awards will be on January 21, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the Folk Alliance International Conference. Registered delegates can attend the show in person, and it will also be streamed virtually on YouTube for public viewing.
FAI members can make nominations for many of the awards by visiting the IFMA Nominations page.
Awards presented annually on the opening night of the FAI conference include:
- Album, Song, and Artist of the Year – nominated by FAI Members
- Lifetime Achievement – Living, Legacy, Business/Academic
- People’s Voice – honoring social commentary by leading musicians
- Clearwater – celebrating environmental stewardship by festivals
- Rising Tide – elevating advocacy work by a new generation
- Spirit of Folk – recognizing individuals or organizations that advance folk
- Folk Radio Hall of Fame – induction of 20-year+ broadcast veterans
The International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) are the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.
The next International Folk Music Awards will be on February 19, 2025, in Montréal, Canada, as part of the Folk Alliance International Conference. Registered delegates can attend the show in person, and it will also be streamed virtually on YouTube for public viewing.
Awards presented annually on the opening night of the FAI conference include:
- Album, Song, and Artist of the Year – nominated by FAI Members
- Lifetime Achievement – Living, Legacy, Business/Academic
- People’s Voice – honoring social commentary by leading musicians
- Clearwater – celebrating environmental stewardship by festivals
- Rising Tide – elevating advocacy work by a new generation
- Spirit of Folk – recognizing individuals or organizations that advance folk
- Folk Radio Hall of Fame – induction of 20-year+ broadcast veterans
The International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs) are the premier recognition of folk music industry leaders, legends, unsung heroes, and rising talent.
The next International Folk Music Awards will be on February 19, 2025, in Montréal, Canada, as part of the Folk Alliance International Conference. Registered delegates can attend the show in person, and it will also be streamed virtually on YouTube for public viewing.
Awards presented annually on the opening night of the FAI conference include:
- Album, Song, and Artist of the Year – nominated by FAI Members
- Lifetime Achievement – Living, Legacy, Business/Academic
- People’s Voice – honoring social commentary by leading musicians
- Clearwater – celebrating environmental stewardship by festivals
- Rising Tide – elevating advocacy work by a new generation
- Spirit of Folk – recognizing individuals or organizations that advance folk
- Folk Radio Hall of Fame – induction of 20-year+ broadcast veterans
