Info & Rates

Gather with songwriters, performers, presenters, and listeners for focused performances, workshops, panels, and networking that nurtures musical craft, deepens community ties, and advances the future of folk traditions across our region.

Holiday Inn Midtown – Austin, TX

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September 23–27, 2026

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Registration is now open

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Holiday Inn Midtown – Austin, TX • September 23–27, 2026 • Registration is now open •

2026 conference Registration Now Open

This is a small, folk music conference, run by volunteers and music-lovers, with 200-300 attendees each year.

The SWRFA conference is held annually at Holiday Inn Austin Midtown in Austin, Texas • Ages 18+ • The registration fee includes access to all showcases, panels, and networking events, as well as lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, plus Sunday brunch. Lodging is NOT included.

$275 FAI Member Registration
$325 Non-Member Registration

Register Now

Daily Schedule

September 23-27, 2026
Holiday Inn Midtown
Austin, TX

Wednesday,
September 24

Example schedule from 2025.
2026 schedule specifics coming soon.

  • Opening Open Mic (6:30–10PM) at New World Deli

Thursday,
September 25

  • Workshops and panels (afternoon)

  • Dinner at 5 PM

  • Poolside Open Mic 6–10 PM

  • Late-night in-room showcases 10:30 PM–12 AM

Friday,
September 26

  • Morning: First-Timers Panel, mentoring sessions, workshops

  • Afternoon: In-room showcases, Folk Radio DJ reception

  • Evening: Dinner 6 PM, Official Showcase Concert 7:30–10 PM

  • Late-night in-room showcases 10:30 PM–2 AM

Saturday,
September 27

  • Morning: Panels on songwriting, studio production, podcasts, and future of folk

  • Afternoon: Poolside/Open Mic, more workshops

  • Evening: Dinner 6 PM, Official Showcase Concert 7:30–10 PM

  • Late-night in-room showcases 10:30 PM–2 AM

Sunday,
September 28

  • Brunch 11 AM

  • Song Assignment Performances 11:30 AM–3 PM

Details, Policies, & More

  • There is a special hotel rate for conference attendees: US$105/night (2025).

  • Check‐in begins on Thursday of conference week, 2pm at the hotel lobby.

  • Participants under 21 must be accompanied by paying parent or guardian.

  • NO REFUNDS

  • We reserve the right to ask attendees to leave with no refund given, if they are behaving in ways that do not align with our community rules and guidelines.

  • Official showcases take place Friday and Saturday nights in the hotel ballroom (typically 8 artists per night, 7:30–10:00 PM). Tickets for friends/fans to attend are $15 per night. swfolkalliance.org

  • In addition to official showcases, there are late‐night in‐room showcases and multiple open‐mic events throughout the conference. swfolkalliance.org

  • The conference offers substantial networking opportunities — connecting artists, venue operators, radio DJs, and other industry professionals — even for those not performing or hosting panels.

FAQs

    • Where is the conference held? Every year at the Holiday Inn – Midtown in Austin, Texas.

    • When can I register? Registration is currently open for the 2026 conference. Register here.

    • What’s included with registration? All concerts (“showcases”), workshops/panels, networking events — plus lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday brunch.

    • Is there a special hotel rate? Yes — attendees get a discounted rate of $105/night at the block hotel rate (2025).

    • What happens when I check in? Check‐in starts Thursday, 2pm at the hotel lobby. Once checked in, you can sign up for mentoring, draw a song prompt (if you’re a songwriter), and optionally join a weekend‐long songwriting activity. There’s also a raffle (tickets are $1) with prizes like free registrations, musical instruments, and services.

    • How do I get an official showcase slot? Official showcase registration periods open June 1–June 30 annually).

    • Can friends and fans attend? Yes. On Friday and Saturday nights (7:30–10:00PM), each night costs $15 to see eight artists.

    • Other performance opportunities: There are late‐night in‐room showcases and multiple open‐mic events.

    • How to get an in‐room showcase: During registration, choose the “In‐Room Showcase Submission” (free add-on) and submit the requested info. → If selected, plan to limit yourself to no more than three performances total (to give everyone a chance).

    • How to let people know when/where you play: Bring posters to hang in hotel hallways and flyers to hand out. You can also advertise in the conference program book.

    • Open‐mic sign-up: Just show up and put your name in the “bucket.” If you don’t get picked, you’ll be first in line for the next session. Typical open‐mic sessions include a Wednesday night welcome event and a Thursday dinner‐and‐pool‐area open mic (after a buffet).

    • ⚠️ If you have an official showcase scheduled, it's best to skip open mic signups so others get a turn.

    • Want to host a panel or seminar? You can! Just submit your idea (with a short description, bio, and photo) when the call for submissions is open. Topics can include songwriting, booking, video production, instrument workshops, and more.

    • Exhibit area for artists: Yes — there’s a space near registration for artists to display merch or promo materials. All registrants can use it.

    • Other chances to connect: Lots of networking opportunities — with venue operators, radio DJs, industry folks, and other artists. Great if you want to meet people or learn about music business.

    • How to become a sponsor? Just send a message through SWRFA’s contact page if you're interested.

    • Want updates? Sign up for the SWRFA email list to get notified when things change or new info gets posted.