Ireland's Folk Conference. 14th - 18th of January, 2026, Belfast. ***Plus a special One Night Only LIVE Concert 13th January, 2026***
The Conference
5 Days of Musical Exploration
14 - 18 JAN 2026
Step into the room where music careers move forward.
Showcases put emerging and established artists on the same stages, sparking connections and opportunities that continue long after the week ends.
The Gig Fair brings festivals, agents, labels, promoters, and media together so conversations can turn into real momentum.
Workshops and panels give artists practical tools—craft, strategy, business, and industry knowledge—across all genres.
And at night, Belfast comes alive with the Music Trail, turning the city into one big stage.
Your Roots Are Showing is where artists and industry connect, create, and move toward what’s next.
Featured Artists & Speakers
Conference Dates 14 - 18 JAN 2026
FOLK iN FUSION Concert 13 JAN
2026 Keynotes & Speakers
Crystal Gayle
Country Music Legend
Sheena Madden
Publicist / Amplify Agency
Craig Shelburne
Author / Journalist
Amy Grant
Grammy Winning Artist
David Keenan
Singer / Songwriter / Poet
Liam Ó Maonlaí
Singer / Songwriter / Composer
Jim Lauderdale
Grammy Winning Artist
Matthew Morgan
United Talent Agency, Nashville
Jackie Marushka
Publicist / Author / Marushka Media
Wallis Bird
Singer / Songwriter
Áine Tyrrell
Singer / Songwriter / Musician
Rissi Palmer
Singer / Songwriter / Host
Click HERE for our full list of speakers
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Ron Block
“The Your Roots Are Showing conference has quickly become one of my favorite events - I’ve gone three years in a row. The panels, showcases, gig fair, late night sessions, and the overall sense of cooperation make YRAS a big winner. I’ve made so many friends there, laughed a lot, and heard many incredible musicians. YRAS is well-run and always well thought out. It’s a week I look forward to every January."
Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station
Pete Fisher
“Your Roots Are Showing is unique and valuable gathering of creatives and industry folks from all over the world where great music is showcased and valuable insights are shared."
Pete Fisher
Pres, Fisher Entertainment Consulting, Inc.
General Manager, Grand Ole Opry (1999-2017)
CEO, Academy of Country Music (2017-2019)
Suzanne Doyle
"After almost 40yrs in the precarious business of music and entertainment, I realise more and more how relationships play a pivotal part in this business, and was blown away in a very good way when I attended YRAS. The quality of the performers, the programme and indeed the other delegates was world class. Since then, I have kept in touch with some of those I met, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting YRAS folks while attending other amazing events eg. Cambridge Folk Festival, All Together Now and Electric Picnic."
Suzanne Doyle - Suzanne Doyle Consultancy
BECOME A MEMBER
The mission of Your Roots Are Showing – Ireland’s Folk Conference and Showcase is to bring the global folk music community together in a welcoming and dynamic space.
We foster collaboration among musicians, artists, and industry professionals, support emerging talent, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation. We are committed to preserving and evolving folk traditions, advocating for the folk music community, promoting education through workshops and discussions, and supporting well-being within the industry.
At its heart, Your Roots Are Showing is about sharing incredible music, keeping traditions alive, and connecting people through learning, stories, and the sounds of folk music.
Growing YOUR Roots
2025 Stats
Panels I Showcasing I Networking I Workshops
70+
OVER 70 INDUSTRY LEADER SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS
42+
100+
4
OVER 42 ESSENTIAL WORKSHOPS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS
OVER 100
ARTISTS PARTICIPATING
4 OFFICIAL SHOWCASE STAGES
Produced by Lark &Owl Event Makers
Supporters
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