Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley 2023
2023-09-30 15:00 - 2023-10-01 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95116, United States
Celebrate our mosaic of American cultures at the third annual Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley. This “destination” event is actually a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony. The Mosaic Festival is a time when we ALL come together to create the multicultural American village, a vision of a society where everybody belongs!
Mosaic Festival includes…

Cultural Performances
Workshops
Visual Art
Food Trucks and Vendors

and more…
The Folk Dance Federation supports the work of Mosaic America to share multicultural and interactive performances and workshops by artists within our community.
Artists, Workshops, and Performances
Register online
We acknowledge that this event will be held on Thámien Ohlone Tribal ethnohistoric territory, which based upon the 18 unratified federal treaties of 1851-1852, includes the unceded ancestral lands of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Join Hands For World Dance!
2023-10-01 15:00 - 17:00 | Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95116, United States
Part of Mosaic Festival 2023
Da! Mozhem at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival Explore, learn, and participate in simple social dances from Europe, the British Isles, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, the USA and other places and cultures. Emphasis is on fun, not skill. The repertoire includes couple, line, circle, and set dances designed to get everyone on their feet and moving to music, holding hands, kicking up their heels, and meeting other new dancers. With live music performed by Da! Mozhem. No partner or experience necessary. Wear layered clothing and comfortable shoes.​
Located in the Mexican Heritage Plaza Dance Studio.
Mosaic Festival includes…

Cultural Performances
Workshops
Visual Art
Food Trucks and Vendors

and more…
Register online
We acknowledge that this event will be held on Thámien Ohlone Tribal ethnohistoric territory, which based upon the 18 unratified federal treaties of 1851-1852, includes the unceded ancestral lands of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Kolo Festival 2023
2023-11-24 - 2023-11-25 | Croatian Cultural Center, 60 Onondaga Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94708, United States
As always, there will be live music from: Albania, America, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Norway, Romani, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Sweden and Turkey! Jam session charts available all year round! Bulgarian/Macedonian Jam & Sing-along — for all instruments!
A brief performance by Łowiczanie Polish Dance Ensemble performing songs and dances from the Polish Roma community has been added to the Saturday night program. Łowiczanie, under the direction of Mary Kay Stuvland, has been performing since 1975 and is based in San Francisco.
There will be Zoom broadcasting of snippets of the festival through the Global Folk Dance Party channel. It’s FREE!
Zoom Registration
2023 will be the 72nd annual Kolo Festival!
Dance Instructors
Sonia Dion and Cristian Florescu
Romanian Folk Dance
Cristian and Sonia have been guest performers with the Collage International Dance Ensemble of Boston, have been regular teachers at l’ École supérieure de danse du Québec and have been selected to be part of the Artists in the Schools program sponsored by the Québec Ministry of Education. In recent years, they have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups in Canada and the United States, Mexico and Brazil. They have been teaching in Europa (Austria, England, Poland, Germany, Italy,  Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France) in Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia) and Australia  to share their love of Romanian folk traditions.
In recent years, Cristian and Sonia have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups. They’ve been teaching in Brazil, Canada and the United States, Europe (Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands), Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan) to share their love of Romanian folk traditions. They have taught workshops in Canada and the United States and choreographed Romanian suites for performing groups, including the world-renowned BYU Folk Dance Ensemble in Utah.Read more…
Anna Angelova
Bulgarian Dances
Anna grew up in a small town in Northern Bulgaria where the lively local festivities (sabors) and traditional ceremonies kindled her
Zoom Registration interest in folklore at an early age. Anna’s dance adventures started when she joined the town’s folk dance ensemble where she learned from esteemed choreographers and performed along experienced dancers throughout her youth years.
Upon coming to Boston to further her education, Anna got introduced to the internationally acclaimed Ahmet Luleci’s Collage Dance Ensemble: a unique experience that unlocked passion and appreciation for the greater Balkan magic, and beyond. The 8 years Anna spent performing with Collage on local and national stages were instrumental for her growth as a dancer – from professional attitude to stage presence to polished style to authentic connection with our ancestors through Ahmet’s vibrant choreographies. In 2022, Anna was honored to teach Bulgarian Dance at Ahmet Luleci’s annual World Camp in Rock Hill, New York.
With the start of her own family in Boston, Anna felt the need to be more involved in the local Bulgarian community. This is when she joined Ludo Mlado, a Bulgarian folk ensemble led by Pepi Petrov and Marieta Mircheva. Anna connected with Ludo Mlado’s mission to preserve the rich dance traditions of Bulgaria. An outstanding moment with Ludo Mlado was the opportunity to participate in the Chicago Folk Festival VEREA. Read more…
For details visit http://kolofestival.org
On Site Registration

Register
Donate
Do you love Kolo Festival and wish to see it survive and flourish? We need your help to continue to produce this stellar music and dance program. Whether or not you can attend this year, please consider making a monetary gift.
This year we have matching grants funded by https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcucemrqT4rGdEuA1GXFGqXLH9BSIMr8_HpMitch Allen, Diane Baker and myself for a total of $3k! You can help us receive that money by either a one time contribution or a monthly contribution. You will find both options at https://KoloFestival.org.
Thank you for your consideration!
The California Kolo Festival Board

NFO Conference 2024
2024-04-04 - 2024-04-09 | Greene Family Camp, 1192 Smith Lane, Bruceville, TX, 76630, United States
Annual NFO Meeting and Conference 2024
April 4 – 9, 2024 in Bruceville, Texas
Two great opportunities at the same time!
NFO Conference and Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
The upcoming conference will have everything you’ve come to expect from NFO – a broad array of fascinating workshops, presentations, arts, crafts, music, and dance; our annual membership meeting and elections; and a wonderful opportunity to network.
This year we will also have a special bonus, a total solar eclipse! Take advantage of this rare celestial event; the next total solar eclipses visible in the US won’t occur until 2044 or 2045.
Registration
Conference registration includes lodging for 5 nights, meals, and all NFO Conference activities. Fees range from $500 to $650 per person for the entire Conference, depending on your room assignment. The rooms at Greene Family Camp are described in detail below. For those living close by or who manage to find other nearby lodgings, there is a less expensive commuter rate; but be warned that due to the eclipse, many hotels are already booked and room rates are high!
For those who live nearby or have lined up their own accommodations and transportation in the area, we are offering a Commuter rate which covers meals and NFO Conference activities (not lodging): $325.
Details and Registration
Venue
Greene Family Camp, 1192 Smith Lane, Bruceville, Texas (same as TIFD’s Texas Camp location) is located in the eclipse’s longest zone of totality and has the best chance of good weather in the US (of course, eclipse viewing can not be guaranteed). GFC is basic but comfortable, with climate controlled lodging and event venues spread out over their 150 acre campus. All meals and NFO dance parties will be in the Chadar Ochel Dining Hall. Other events may take place in the Goldberg Performing Arts Center and at the lakeside Pavilion. For more information about lodging see the registration section below or the camp’s web page.
Travel
Plan your flights to the Austin (preferred) or Dallas airports. There is no public transportation from either airport to the Camp, and due to the eclipse, rental cars will be increasingly more expensive and hard to find. So if you plan to rent a car, you may want to do that now!When planning your transportation, note that the Conference runs from Thursday to Tuesday. The total solar eclipse occurs on Monday April 8, roughly 12 – 3 pm, and because of expected traffic and airline schedules, you will not be able to view the eclipse and get to the airport to catch a flight out later that day. Stick around at camp to join the post-eclipse fun, including various activities and a final Monday night dance party!
For ongoing updates in programming, schedule, and registration visit the NFO 2024 Conference Web Page.

John Filcich Folk Dance Festival
2024-08-09 - 2024-08-11 | Arcata Veterans Memorial Building, 1425 J Street, Arcada, CA, United States
A CELEBRATION OF OLD TIME KOLOS AND CLASSIC FOLK DANCES
In Honor of John Filcich’s 100th Birthday
We will kick off with a potluck & live music Friday night. Saturday will include dance and singing classes, a delicious catered dinner, more live music, and dancing into the night. Sunday morning we’ll gather for a brunch and sing-a-long.

Live Music with Chubritza!
Live music from Balkan Music Meet-Up!
Live music, singing classes, and dance classes with John Morovich!
Dancing, storytelling, and merriment with John Filcich!
Old time folk dance favorites dance class with Billy Burke!
Classic kolos dance class with Jeff O’Connor.

Full details at https://www.filcichfestival.com
Register

Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley 2024
2024-10-06 10:00 - 18:00 | History Park, Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Celebrate our mosaic of American cultures at the fourth annual Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley. This “destination” event is actually a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony. The Mosaic Festival is a time when we ALL come together to create the multicultural American village, a vision of a society where everybody belongs!
Mosaic Festival includes…

Cultural Performances
Workshops
Visual Art
Healing Garden
Food Trucks and Vendors

and more…
The Folk Dance Federation supports the work of Mosaic America to share multicultural and interactive performances and workshops by artists within our community.
Loui Tucker and friends will be leading participants in international folk dances starting at 11:25am at the main Festival stage for 20minutes, and again possibly between 12:30-1PM for another dance.
Artists, Workshops, and Performances
Be sure to register for the free festival before coming.
Register online
We acknowledge this event will be held on Thámien Ohlone Tribal ethnohistoric territory, which is based upon the 18 unratified federal treaties of 1851-1852, includes the unceded ancestral lands of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Kolo Festival 2024
2024-11-29 09:00 - 2024-12-01 00:00 | Croatian Cultural Center, 60 Onondaga Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94708, United States
2024 will be the 73nd annual Kolo Festival! Kolo Festival includes dance, vocal, and instrumental classes, along with dancing, sing-alongs, culture corners, instrumental jam sessions, kafanas and parties, brass, Bitov, Izvorno bands and more!
Musicians from around the world playing folk dance music from Albania, Bosnis, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Norway, Romany communities, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.
Schedule
Friday, November 29 | Saturday, November 30 | Sunday, Dec 1
Dance Instructors
Sonia Dion and Cristian Florescu
Romanian Folk Dance
Cristian and Sonia have been guest performers with the Collage International Dance Ensemble of Boston, have been regular teachers at l’ École supérieure de danse du Québec and have been selected to be part of the Artists in the Schools program sponsored by the Québec Ministry of Education. In recent years, they have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups in Canada and the United States, Mexico and Brazil. They have been teaching in Europa (Austria, England, Poland, Germany, Italy,  Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France) in Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia) and Australia  to share their love of Romanian folk traditions.
In recent years, Cristian and Sonia have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups. They’ve been teaching in Brazil, Canada and the United States, Europe (Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands), Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan) to share their love of Romanian folk traditions. They have taught workshops in Canada and the United States and choreographed Romanian suites for performing groups, including the world-renowned BYU Folk Dance Ensemble in Utah.Read more…
Anna Angelova
Bulgarian Dances
Anna grew up in a small town in Northern Bulgaria where the lively local festivities (sabors) and traditional ceremonies kindled her interest in folklore at an early age. Anna’s dance adventures started when she joined the town’s folk dance ensemble where she learned from esteemed choreographers and performed along experienced dancers throughout her youth years.
Upon coming to Boston to further her education, Anna got introduced to the internationally acclaimed Ahmet Luleci’s Collage Dance Ensemble: a unique experience that unlocked passion and appreciation for the greater Balkan magic, and beyond. The 8 years Anna spent performing with Collage on local and national stages were instrumental for her growth as a dancer – from professional attitude to stage presence to polished style to authentic connection with our ancestors through Ahmet’s vibrant choreographies. In 2022, Anna was honored to teach Bulgarian Dance at Ahmet Luleci’s annual World Camp in Rock Hill, New York.
With the start of her own family in Boston, Anna felt the need to be more involved in the local Bulgarian community. This is when she joined Ludo Mlado, a Bulgarian folk ensemble led by Pepi Petrov and Marieta Mircheva. Anna connected with Ludo Mlado’s mission to preserve the rich dance traditions of Bulgaria. An outstanding moment with Ludo Mlado was the opportunity to participate in the Chicago Folk Festival VEREA. Read more…
John Morovich
John Morovich John Morovich, born in 1965, grew up in Seattle’s sizable Croatian community. Since 1973, he has studied, taught, and performed traditional music and dance of Croatia and other parts of Southeastern Europe. He was awarded the prestigious Washington State Arts Commission Folk Arts Fellowship for 2001.
He is currently the artistic director of the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans, a 50-member youth ensemble of which he was a performer from 1974 through 1987 and since 2013 has directed Tamburaski Orkestar Kisobran. He conducted the Jele Croatian Women’s Choir and Klapa Ruzmarin in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He was selected as Guest Conductor for the Croatian Fraternal Union of America Junior Cultural Federation Festival held in Chicago, in July 2005.
John has taught at many camps and seminars, including the California Kolo Festival in San Francisco, the Balkana Seattle Balkan Camp, the Texas Camp, the East European Folklife Center’s Balkan Music & Dance Workshops, and the Seattle Folk Dance Festival. John has also worked with many folklore ensembles across the United States and Canada. He most recently choreographed for the Ban Jelačić Croatian Dance Ensemble of Penticton, B.C., Canada; Hrvatski Vitezovi; Sarajevo of Vancouver; and Zagreb of Victoria, B.C., Canada, and Ethnic Dance Theatre of Minneapolis. MN. Dances John has taught include Kabanica i Seksera, Grizlica, H’ajd Na Lievo, Mazulka, Okrani Se Moje Kolo Malo, Repa, Sad Moi Dragi u Šumi Kod Koza, Saljsko Kolo, Slavonsko Kukunješče, Sroteš, Sˇ’tiri Snehe, Tanac po Susasko, Veloluški Tanac, and Žena Ide Na Gosti.
Michael Ginsburg
Michael Ginsburg Michael Ginsburg began teaching Balkan folk-dance in 1964 in New York City and now teaches a weekly dance class there. He plays tapan with Cherven Traktor, a band that plays Bulgarian folk music on traditional instruments. He also plays trumpet with Kavala Brass Band, a band specializing in the Brass music of Aegean Macedonia. Michael has been director and lead trumpet player of Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band since 1983. He accompanied ZU to brass festivals in Guča, Serbia, three times between 1987 and 1990, as well as in 2003 and 2005, where he and ZU were able to play and party with local brass bands and experience the music in its natural setting. Michael and Zlatne Uste worked with Ekrem Sajdić and Zlatni Prsti brass band in 2003, and in 2005 with Vranjski Biseri, both in Vranjska Banja, Serbia. Michael performed in the summer of 2010 with Zlatne Uste at the first competition of international bands at the Sabor Trubača in Guča, Serbia, representing the United States.
Yannis Konstantinou
Yannis Konstantinou Yannis Konstantinou, is an internationally recognized teacher and researcher of Greek Macedonian Dances and culture. He has taught workshops extensively throughout Europe and the USA. Yannis is the current president of the highly respected dance association “Lygkistes” which has performed extensively throughout Europe. Yannis also served as the artistic director and instructor for Lykeion Ellinidion Florinas, teaching over 200 dancers of all ages on a weekly basis, as well as teaching at many Cultural Associations
Yannis’ passion for traditional music and dance began in his childhood, dancing with his family in his parents’ villages of Alona and Akrites in the Florina region of Greece. He is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the rich traditions, culture, music and dance of this region.
For details visit http://kolofestival.org
Registration

Special pricing:

Entire Festival Pre-Registration Package (until 11/23/2024) – $180
First-time Kolo Festival attendees may take $30 off the package price
Students may take a one-time 50% discount on the package or any single event

Register
Online Viewing
Many have asked if California Kolo Festival 2024 will be on Zoom this year.
The simple answer: YES!! The parties on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon will show selected segments both from the Main Hall and the Kafana. If you want to get a taste of Kolo Festival, register and join online here:
View online segments
Update
The SF Russian Center has canceled our reservation for Kolo Festival this year but our friends at the Croatian American Cultural Center are welcoming us back and Kolo Festival will return there this year. The full program that we have promised you for months will still happen! In order to do that, we are expanding the festival to 3 days: Friday/Saturday/Sunday, November 29-30 & December 1. Despite adding another day to the festival, we are not changing the registration cost for the full package. If you want to register for the whole weekend, it will still be $180 advance registration until 11/23. If you wish to pay by the individual session, adding Sunday will cost you $60. Please register today!
For those who responded to our June request to donate additional funds to move to the Russian Center, we will be in touch with you via email soon.
We’re going to have a festival this year with everything that we have promised and more. Five superb teachers, 35+ musicians, three full days of Kolo Festival music and dance! And all at the same price. Sometimes, bad news ain’t so bad.
If you have questions, please contact Bill Cope, Festival director: Bill@KoloFestival.org
Thank you for your consideration!
The California Kolo Festival Board
https://KoloFestival.org

NFO Conference 2025
2025-04-02 - 2025-04-06 | Greene Family Camp, 1192 Smith Lane, Bruceville, TX, 76630, United States
Annual NFO Meeting and Conference 2024
April 2 – 6, 2025 in Portland, Oregon
Save the date!
For ongoing updates in programming, schedule, and registration visit the NFO 2025 Conference Web Page.

Bay Area Dance Week 2025
2025-04-25 - 2025-05-04 | San Francisco Bay Area, CA, United States
Save the date! Bay Area Dance Week is 10 days of free dance events celebrating our dynamic and diverse Bay Area dance community. Watch inspiring artists, practice your own style, or discover a new groove. Participating each year is easy and everything is free.
Event hosts around the Bay Area can submit free events to take place during Dance Week, ranging from classes, performances, open studios, workshops, and more.
Participants can explore the Bay Area Dance Week Hub to sign up for free events and customize their own Dance Week experience. Become a free community member to receive updates on Bay Area Dance Week and stay in the know about dance jobs, auditions, performances, discounts, and more.
Whether hip hop, hula, salsa, aerial, folk, modern, Bollywood, ballet, West African, or many more – Join together in dance, regardless of cultural background, race, faith, size, shape, sexuality, gender, or ability or age.

Statewide 2025
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-04 | Portuguese Hall of Arroyo Grande, 707 Huasna Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA, 93420, United States
The 2025 Statewide Folk Dance Festival, is an annual weekend festival of folk dance and parties on May 2-4 at Arroyo Grande on the Central California coast.

Instructors and Band

Željko Jergan (Croatian) and Billy Burke (Northern Macedonian).
Live music by Chubritza
Live music by Big Rock Balalaika (Saturday only)

Venue
Portuguese hall has lots of parking and is less than a mile directly off of the 101 freeway and about five miles from the ocean on the California Central Coast. There are restaurants in the village and hotels nearby. The Hall is a short drive to the village where there are many dining opportunities. Directions…
Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites, 1400 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 – 805-202-2110. Group rates are $162 for 1 king bed, $172 for 2 queen beds. Reservations… Directions…
Schedule

Friday May 2nd
12:00 – 1:00 Doors open; global music followed by easy warm-up dances
1:00 – 1:15 Welcome and Announcements by MC
1:15 – 2:30 Zeljko Jergan dance class (1 hour, 15 minutes)
2:30 – 2:45 Break (15 minutes)
2:45 – 4:00 Billy Burke dance class (1 hour, 15 minutes)
4:00 – 6:00 Dinner offsite (2 hours)
6:00 – 6:40 Cultural Presentation by Dana Adobe
6:40 – 7:00 Warm-up dances with recorded music
7:00 – 10:30 Dance Party with Chubritza

Saturday May 3rd
9:00 – 9:25 Doors open; global music followed by easy warm-up dances
9:25 – 9:30 Welcome and Announcements by MC
9:30 – 10:45 Billy Burke dance class (1 hour 15 minutes)
10:45 – 11:00 Break (15 minutes)
11:00 – 12:15 Zeljko Jergan dance class (1 hour 15 minutes)
12:15 – 1:45 Lunch Break (1 hour, 45 minutes) offsite
1:45 – 2:15 Performance by Solvang dancers
2:15 – 3:30 Zeljko Jergan dance class (1 hour, 15 minutes)
3:30 – 3:45 Break (15 minutes)
3:45 – 5:00 Billy Burke dance class (1 hour, 15 minutes)
5:00 – 6:00 Happy Hour with music by Big Rock Balalaika (open to all)
6:00 – 7:30 Catered Dinner onsite or dinner offsite (1 hour, 30 minutes)
7:30 – 11:30 Dance Party with Chubritza

Sunday May 4th
9:00 – 9:25 Doors open; global music followed by easy warm-up dances
9:25 – 9:30 Welcome and Announcements by MC
9:30 – 10:30 Reviews by Zeljko Jergan(1 hour)
10:30 – 10:45 Break (15 minute)
10:45 – 11:45 Reviews by Billy Burke (1 hour)
11:45 – 12:00 Announcements by MC and closing ceremony
12:00 – 1:00 Box Lunch onsite or lunch offsite (1 hour)
1:00 – 3:30 Free community dance with maypole dance
(Schedule subject to change)

Registration
Lodging should be purchased separately. Recommended group pricing available.

Online Registration
Register online today!

Mail-In Registration
Statewide 2025 Registration Form Send completed registration form with your check made payable to Folk Dance Federation of CA, South to:
Statewide registrar
c/o M. Lange
421 N Las Flores Dr
Nipomo, CA 93444
Please write one check for registration and additional offerings.
More details…

34th Annual Polish Festival
2025-09-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Polish American Community Hall, 327 Main Street, Roseville, CA, 95678, United States
A 34 Year Tradition of Celebrating Polish Culture
Have you danced the Polka, ate Pierogi, and had your picture taken with a “Polish Princess”? Never, you say? Well, it’s about time you did!
Join the Polish American Club of Sacramento, Inc. at the 34th Annual Polish Festival. Come celebrate and learn about the Polish culture through traditional food, drink and song.
The best part of the Festival is the food and entertainment. There are no Polish Restaurants in the greater Sacramento area, so the Polish Festival is the only time when people can enjoy authentic Polish food while listening to traditional Polish music, performed by professional musicians.
Bogdan Komorniczak
PAC Entertainment VP
More than 1500 people are expected to attend this year’s festival. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of food. Come fill up on home-made Polish delicacies – over 5,000 Pierogi (potato-cheese filled, meat filled, or mushroom and sauerkraut filled dumplings); 1,000 Golabki (cabbage rolls); 700 pounds of Kielbasa (Polish sausage), hundreds of servings of Placki (potato pancakes) and a variety of Polish Pastries will be served.
Beside all the wonderful food and entertainment there will be several vendors on-hand selling Baltic Amber, handmade crafts, Polish souvenirs, and Polish Sausages. Don’t forget to visit the Polish marketplace! If you’re in a bidding mood there is also the silent auction. For those that wish to try their luck, tickets for the raffle will be available. You can commemorate your visit with a picture with a “Polish Princess” at the photo booth.
Dance the Polka or while you eat, enjoy the music of Chet Chwalik Polmuz Polka Band and Accordian music from Nicolai Prisacar. The performances of the Bay Area Polish Dance groups of Lowicznie and Sokoly are sure to impress.
There is something for everyone at the 34th Annual Polish Festival! The event is for all ages.
Admission and Parking are free. Wheelchair Access. Credit Cards Accepted.
Polish American Club of Sacramento
The Polish American Club of Sacramento, Inc preserves and perpetuates Polish traditions, customs, culture, and heritage through social events and activities. Since the foundation of the club in 1959 membership and the festival have grown. For more information about the performers and vendors please visit the festival website.

Berkeley Folk Dancer's "Pajama Parade"
2025-11-21 19:30 - 22:30 | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709 , United States
A “Pajama Parade” dance party sponsored by the BFD Advanced class. Come early to help decorate.

Kolo Festival 2025
2025-11-28 09:00 - 2025-11-30 00:00 | Croatian Cultural Center, 60 Onondaga Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94708, United States
2025 will be the 74nd annual Kolo Festival! Kolo Festival includes dance, vocal, and instrumental classes, along with dancing, sing-alongs, culture corners, instrumental jam sessions, kafanas and parties, brass, Bitov, Izvorno bands and more!
Musicians from around the world playing folk dance music from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Norway, Romany communities, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.
Schedule
Kolo Festival 2025 Schedule
Dance Instructors

Roberto Bagnoli
Bulgarian, Romani and Turkish Dance
Roberto Bagnoli Roberto Bagnoli grew up in Rome, where he was first introduced to folk music and dance, eventually taking part in several performances and teaching dance classes. He subsequently studied various forms of folk dance in workshops throughout Europe, Israel, and North America under the guidance of renowned choreographers and teachers. Roberto now lives in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy, considered to have one of the most important dance communities in Italy.
From 1995 to 2003, he performed as a dancer and choreographer with the Terra di Danza Dance Company and was involved in the production of Raggi di luna Italiana and Capriccio Italiano (Italian dances), GiroGiroMondo (dances from around the world), Keltic Emotion (Celtic dances), Mazal Tov (Israeli dances), and Ethnos (international folk dances).
He is the founder of Folk Atelier Reggio Emilia (FARE), devoted to the development and conservation of folk dance heritage. As director of FARE, he is in charge of organizing and conducting folk dance classes, workshops with Italian and foreign specialists, and of the performing sector, staging various performances, parties, and dance gatherings.
He currently organizes two dance camps in Europe: Balkanot (Balkan and Israeli dance) and Camp Yofi (Israeli Dance).
Roberto teaches weekly classes in various cities in the north of Italy and conducts monthly sessions in Rome and Milan besides conducting workshops and seminars throughout Europe, the United States (notably the Stockton Folk Dance Camp), and Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. Read more…
Sonia Dion and Cristian Florescu
Romanian Folk Dance
Cristian and Sonia have been guest performers with the Collage International Dance Ensemble of Boston, have been regular teachers at l’ École supérieure de danse du Québec and have been selected to be part of the Artists in the Schools program sponsored by the Québec Ministry of Education. In recent years, they have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups in Canada and the United States, Mexico and Brazil. They have been teaching in Europa (Austria, England, Poland, Germany, Italy,  Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France) in Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia) and Australia  to share their love of Romanian folk traditions.
In recent years, Cristian and Sonia have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups. They’ve been teaching in Brazil, Canada and the United States, Europe (Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands), Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan) to share their love of Romanian folk traditions. They have taught workshops in Canada and the United States and choreographed Romanian suites for performing groups, including the world-renowned BYU Folk Dance Ensemble in Utah.Read more…
Tanya Dimitrov
Tanya Dimitrov’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of six in the small village of Petarch, Bulgaria, where traditional music and dance were a vibrant part of daily life. Inspired by her father, who instilled in her a profound love for Bulgarian culture, Tanya knew from an early age that dance was her true calling — the only path she ever wished to follow. She pursued this passion with unwavering dedication, training at the prestigious National School of Dance Art in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a specialization in Bulgarian folk dances. Tanya continued her education, earning an MFA in Dance from the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Bulgaria, an MFA in Dance from Arizona State University, an MA in Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership from ASU, and a Masters degree in Business Economics from the University of Plovdiv. Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Tanya is the Artistic Director of the Balkanik Dance Group and a leading organizer of the Bulgarian Folklore Festival “Tupan Bie.” Her work bridges generations and geographies, celebrating the richness of not only Bulgarian traditions but also the diverse tapestry of Balkan dances. For Tanya, dance is more than performance; it is storytelling, memory, and community made visible. With over two decades of experience, she is dedicated to ensuring that these living traditions are passed on, honoring the past while inspiring new generations to keep the spirit of Bulgarian and Balkan folk dance alive. Read more…
Maria Bebelekova
Bulgarian Singing
Maria Bebelekova from the Bulgarian Rhodope town of Shiroka Luka, learned singing from her mother and grandmother. She studied at the Shiroka Luka Folk Music School and the Plovdiv Conservatory, then returned to her hometown, where she taught at the music school for 15 years. She sang with the Bulgarian women’s choir Angelite for three seasons, and has performed and recorded regularly with other ensembles. Maria teaches kindergarten and singing for adults and children at the Khan Asparuh Bulgarian School in Sunnyvale, CA, and gives private singing lessons in the San Jose, CA area.Read more…
John Morovich
Tamburica, Croatian Singing
John Morovich John Morovich, born in 1965, grew up in Seattle’s sizable Croatian community. Since 1973, he has studied, taught, and performed traditional music and dance of Croatia and other parts of Southeastern Europe. He was awarded the prestigious Washington State Arts Commission Folk Arts Fellowship for 2001.
He is currently the artistic director of the Seattle Junior Tamburitzans, a 50-member youth ensemble of which he was a performer from 1974 through 1987 and since 2013 has directed Tamburaski Orkestar Kisobran. He conducted the Jele Croatian Women’s Choir and Klapa Ruzmarin in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He was selected as Guest Conductor for the Croatian Fraternal Union of America Junior Cultural Federation Festival held in Chicago, in July 2005.
John has taught at many camps and seminars, including the California Kolo Festival in San Francisco, the Balkana Seattle Balkan Camp, the Texas Camp, the East European Folklife Center’s Balkan Music & Dance Workshops, and the Seattle Folk Dance Festival. John has also worked with many folklore ensembles across the United States and Canada. He most recently choreographed for the Ban Jelačić Croatian Dance Ensemble of Penticton, B.C., Canada; Hrvatski Vitezovi; Sarajevo of Vancouver; and Zagreb of Victoria, B.C., Canada, and Ethnic Dance Theatre of Minneapolis. MN. Dances John has taught include Kabanica i Seksera, Grizlica, H’ajd Na Lievo, Mazulka, Okrani Se Moje Kolo Malo, Repa, Sad Moi Dragi u Šumi Kod Koza, Saljsko Kolo, Slavonsko Kukunješče, Sroteš, Sˇ’tiri Snehe, Tanac po Susasko, Veloluški Tanac, and Žena Ide Na Gosti. Read more…
Musicians (aka Performers)
Registration

Chubritza International Folk Band
Fanfare Zambelata
Orkestar Unbound
Sinovi
More performers to be announced!

More details…
Registration

Register

Kolo Festival 2026
2025-11-28 09:00 - 2025-11-30 00:00 | Croatian Cultural Center, 60 Onondaga Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94708, United States
2026 will be the 75th annual Kolo Festival! Kolo Festival includes dance, vocal, and instrumental classes, along with dancing, sing-alongs, culture corners, instrumental jam sessions, kafanas and parties, brass, Bitov, Izvorno bands and more!
Musicians from around the world playing folk dance music from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Norway, Romany communities, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States.
Schedule
Kolo Festival 2026 Schedule
Dance Instructors

Ahmet Lüleci
Dances of Turkey
Ahmet Luleci A native of Turkey, Ahmet is an accomplished choreographer, dance teacher and performer as well as a researcher of Anatolian culture. He is currently the artistic director of the Boston based Collage Dance Ensemble, which allows him to further his goal of making folk dance and music accessible to a wider audience.
Since arriving in North America in 1985, he has taught many workshops and camps throughout the United States as well as Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Holland, England, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain and Australia. He has set innumerable suites of dances for the stage working with dance organizations around the world. Read more…
Sonia Dion and Cristian Florescu
Romanian Folk Dance
Cristian and Sonia have been guest performers with the Collage International Dance Ensemble of Boston, have been regular teachers at l’ École supérieure de danse du Québec and have been selected to be part of the Artists in the Schools program sponsored by the Québec Ministry of Education. In recent years, they have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups in Canada and the United States, Mexico and Brazil. They have been teaching in Europa (Austria, England, Poland, Germany, Italy,  Norway, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, France) in Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia) and Australia  to share their love of Romanian folk traditions.
In recent years, Cristian and Sonia have developed a specific interest in working with recreational folk dance groups. They’ve been teaching in Brazil, Canada and the United States, Europe (Austria, Belgium, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the Netherlands), Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan) to share their love of Romanian folk traditions. They have taught workshops in Canada and the United States and choreographed Romanian suites for performing groups, including the world-renowned BYU Folk Dance Ensemble in Utah.Read more…
Tanya Dimitrov
Bulgarian, Romani and Turkish Dance
Tanya Dimitrov’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of six in the small village of Petarch, Bulgaria, where traditional music and dance were a vibrant part of daily life. Inspired by her father, who instilled in her a profound love for Bulgarian culture, Tanya knew from an early age that dance was her true calling — the only path she ever wished to follow. She pursued this passion with unwavering dedication, training at the prestigious National School of Dance Art in Sofia, Bulgaria, with a specialization in Bulgarian folk dances. Tanya continued her education, earning an MFA in Dance from the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Bulgaria, an MFA in Dance from Arizona State University, an MA in Creative Enterprise and Cultural Leadership from ASU, and a Masters degree in Business Economics from the University of Plovdiv. Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Tanya is the Artistic Director of the Balkanik Dance Group and a leading organizer of the Bulgarian Folklore Festival “Tupan Bie.” Her work bridges generations and geographies, celebrating the richness of not only Bulgarian traditions but also the diverse tapestry of Balkan dances. For Tanya, dance is more than performance; it is storytelling, memory, and community made visible. With over two decades of experience, she is dedicated to ensuring that these living traditions are passed on, honoring the past while inspiring new generations to keep the spirit of Bulgarian and Balkan folk dance alive. Read more…
Maria Bebelekova
Bulgarian Singing
Maria Bebelekova from the Bulgarian Rhodope town of Shiroka Luka, learned singing from her mother and grandmother. She studied at the Shiroka Luka Folk Music School and the Plovdiv Conservatory, then returned to her hometown, where she taught at the music school for 15 years. She sang with the Bulgarian women’s choir Angelite for three seasons, and has performed and recorded regularly with other ensembles. Maria teaches kindergarten and singing for adults and children at the Khan Asparuh Bulgarian School in Sunnyvale, CA, and gives private singing lessons in the San Jose, CA area.Read more…
Musicians (aka Performers)
Registration
More details…
Registration

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Hungarian Christmas Fair
2025-12-20 17:00 - 21:00 | Hungarian Cultural Center, 35660 Cedar Boulevard, Newark, CA, 94560, United States
For the first time, Eszterlánc — in collaboration with the Hungarian Cultural Center — is bringing the magical atmosphere of Budapest’s and Europe’s Christmas markets to the San Francisco Bay Area!
Join us on Saturday, December 20th at 5:00 PM at the Hungarian Cultural Center in Newark for a warm and festive holiday afternoon.
Dress warmly!
Program includes:

artisan market and creative workshops
homemade holiday treats
mulled wine
hot chocolate
Christmas cultural program
community caroling
traditional Hungarian dance house

Celebrate with us and soak in the holiday spirit — mark your calendar so you don’t miss it!
Admission is free.

NFO Conference 2026
2026-03-05 - 2026-03-08 | Old Murphey School, Shared Visions Retreat Center, 3717 Murphy School Road, Durham, NC, 27705, United States
Annual NFO Meeting and Conference 2026
March 5 – 8, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina
Save the date!
Arrive in time for the Welcoming Reception on Thursday evening. Friday starts out with the NFO Annual Membership. The rest of the weekend will be full of presentations, workshops, performances, and parties, and the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening. Plan to stay through Monday morning for the post-conference debrief.
We hope you will join us in Durham for three+ days of cultural activities, events, and friends, including:

Presentations
Dance instruction
Music workshops
Evening dance parties
Workshops
Performances
Live music
Singing
Networking opportunities
Awards banquet
Annual business meeting

Presenters
Many more presenters and performers will be announced, but here’s a preview of our exciting program.

Phil Jamison – Appalachian Dance Traditions
Erik Bendix – International Dancing
Sheila Kay Adams – Storytelling
Ben Owen – Pottery
Triangle Shape Note Singers – Singing
Apple Chill Cloggers – Dancing
Debby Szajnberg – NFO Grant Report: Global Rhythm Games

Registration opens November 28, 2025. More info will be posted to the website as updates are available.
For ongoing updates in programming, schedule, and registration visit the NFO 2026 Conference Web Page.

Bay Area Dance Week 2026
2026-04-24 - 2026-05-03 | San Francisco Bay Area, CA, United States

Mosaic Festival
2026-06-06 11:00 - 18:00 | History Park, Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States
Experience the diverse cultures from our very own neighborhoods: food, arts, crafts, healing practices, vendors, music, dance, and more! Presented by Mosaic America, in partnership with History San José.
Celebrate the American mosaic of cultures at the Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley at San José’s very own History Park through multicultural music, martial arts, dance, vendors, visual art, and activities. This destination event is a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony.
Mosaic America and its partners encourage you to come as you are. This free event is for ALL, no prerequisites: We are committed to intentionally creating a space for empathy and compassion where everyone is welcome.
For more details and schedule visit http://mosaicfestival.org
Register

Statewide 2026
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-14 | First Christian Church, Chico, 295 E Washington Avenue, Chico, 95926, United States
The 2026 Statewide Folk Dance Festival, the highly-anticipated annual weekend festival of folk dance and parties, returns June 12-14, 2026 in Chico California. This year’s Statewide theme is “Village Dance-What is it anyway?”
Statewide 2026 features

Ahmet Luleci (Turkish dance)
“Kotse” Marinov (Bulgarian dance)
Petar Aleksiev (Bulgarian music)
Evening parties dancing to live music by Da! Mozhem
And more…

Instructors and Band
Ahmet Luleci
Ahmet Luleci – Turkish Dance
A native of Turkey, Ahmet is an accomplished choreographer, dance teacher and performer as well as a researcher of Anatolian culture. He is currently the artistic director of the Boston based Collage Dance Ensemble, which allows him to further his goal of making folk dance and music accessible to a wider audience.
Since arriving in North America in 1985, he has taught many workshops and camps throughout the United States as well as Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Holland, England, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain and Australia. He has set innumerable suites of dances for the stage working with dance organizations around the world. Read more…
Konstantine “Kotse” Marinov – Bulgarian Dance
Konstantine “Kose” Marinov
Konstantin “Kotse” Marinov is from Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. From the age of five he performed with Ensemble Zagorche. Kotse was born into a dancing family; he and his father, mother, and sister all have dancing in their blood! His father is a choreographer, and is a long-time soloist of the Military Ensemble in Sofia. His mother dances with the Ensemble Zagore.
In 1987, Kotse entered the State Choreographic School (now the National School of Dance Arts) in Sofia, graduating with a diploma as artist/ballet dancer and teacher of dance arts. He has danced as a soloist with Ensemble Zagore and the Ensemble Slănčev Brjag, was assistant choreographer with the Ensemble Zornitsa, and he toured with both Slănčev Brjag and Zagore in Europe, Canada, and the United States.
In 2000 Kotse emigrated to the United States and settled in the Chicago area, where he established several Bulgarian folklore clubs that preserve and nurture Bulgarian folk dance and folklore in a dynamic way.
Kotse organizes annual festivals in Chicago that feature multiple Bulgarian folk ensembles and cultural groups under the umbrella and name of his Vereya dance ensemble. Kotse has produced other concerts and festivals in North America and Europe. Read more…
Petar Aleksiev – Bulgarian Music
Petar Aleksiev
Petar “Usmivkata” (The Smile) Aleksiev was born in Varna, Bulgaria. He graduated from “Philip Kutev” Music School in Kotel, then from Plovdiv’s Academy for Music and Dance Arts. He was part of the representative folk orchestra of the Plovdiv Academy. There he received his master’s degree in Music Arts with honors, specializing in bagpipe.
While he was at school Petar accompanied the world-known Grammy-winning women’s choir Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares. He has participated in many groups in numerous projects, and has played with the most famous musicians and bands in Bulgaria. Petar has made recordings with the Bulgarian National Radio, and Bulgarian National Television. He has participated in many international projects, folklore events, and festivals in Greece, Italy, Malta, Israel, Netherlands, Belgium, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and elsewhere. Petar frequently composes for dance groups and bands, and is a member of the UNESCO International Organization for Folk Art.
Since 2008 Petar has been living in Chicago, where he performs with Kolorit Orchestra, Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society, and plays Bulgarian, Greek, and Macedonian music at various events and camps. Read more…
Da! Mozhem
Da! Mozhem at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival
Da! Mozhem plays and sings high-energy pan-Balkan music for the joy of dancing. D!M is a group of friends who have been playing together for well over a decade. The group has veterans from many excellent folklore bands such as the People’s International Silver String Macedonian Band, Born to Drone, Westwind, Sviraci, and the Slavonian Traveling Band. The band plays with emphasis on Bulgarian, Macedonian, and ex-Yugoslav traditions. Several members frequently travel to the Balkans to learn more about the folkloric music of the region. The group plays on traditional instruments unique to the region as well as modern instruments.

Schedule

Venues

Fri-Sat: First Christian Church, 295 E Washington Avenue, Chico, CA
Sun: Chico Women’s Club, Third & Pine Streets, Chico, CA

Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chico
Our host hotel is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chico, 2074 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928. Conveniently located off Highway 99 and a short drive from Chico State University, the hotel offers easy access to stunning landscapes and charming local attractions, including Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Silver Dollar Speedway, and Bidwell Park. This three-star hotel features a free breakfast, fitness center, pool, wi-fi, laundry, business center, on-site parking, outdoor patio with cozy fire pit, and quality coffee anytime. The hotel is about a 10min drive from either of our dance venues.
Reservations: 1 888 465 4329. Ask for the “Statewide 2026” rate of $139. More details…

Registration
Lodging should be purchased separately. Recommended group pricing available. As of January, unless changed, the Saturday catered meal option is Greek/Mediterranean cuisine.
Due to popular demand, we’ve extended the 2026 Statewide “Early Bird” full package deadlines: $180 until March 8th, then $200 afterward until April 30th, and $240 thereafter.

Online Registration
Register online today!

Mail-In Registration
2026 Statewide Registration Form
Do NOT mail after June 6th, instead pay at door. Make checks payable to FOLK DANCE FEDERATION. Send completed registration form with your check postmarked by the deadline to:
Statewide Registrar
153 Race Street
San Jose, CA 95126
Please write one check for registration and additional offerings.
Short of funds? For work scholarships contact Memo Keswick.
The Federation also has a Scholarship Program that helps pay for tuition. More details…
Masks optional and proof of vaccination requirements will follow CDC, State, and County COVID regulations at the time of the event.

Roseville Polish Festival 2026
2026-09-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Polish American Community Hall, 327 Main Street, Roseville, CA, 95678, United States
Mark your calendars for a day of cultural flavor, joy, and tradition at the 35th annual Polish Fesitival Experience the Vibrancy of Poland at Our Annual Cultural Festival!
Indulge in a Celebration of Polish Cuisine, Music, and Dance! Join us for a Spectacular Journey through Polish Culture:

Savor Authentic Polish Delicacies and Traditional Treats!
Immerse Yourself in Folk Dances and Mesmerizing Performances!
Groove to Live Polish Music and Melodies!

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable cultural extravaganza!
Delicious Polish Food

Babcia’s Polish Dinner – Pierogi, Golabki & Kielbasa
Zywiec Piwo (Beer)
Bigos
Lody (Ice Cream)
Pierogi

Dancing
Polka the day away in our air-conditioned ballroom!
Crafts for Children
Photo Booth

Entertainment

Lowiczanie and Sokoly – Polish Dance Groups
Chet Chwalik Polmuz – Polka Band

San Jose Polish Festival 2026
2026-09-27 11:30 - 17:00 | St. Brother Albert Church, 10250 Clayton Rd, San Jose, CA, 95127, United States
Finding authentic Polish culture can be a challenge in this area, but we’ve got you covered! Every September annually, the Polish community in the South Bay throws an unforgettable celebration at St. Brother Albert’s, and you’re invited!
The 25th Annual Polish Festival takes place at St. Brother Albert Church in San Jose, on Sunday, September 27th, 2026.
10:30am Bilingual Mass,
11:30am-5pm Festival on mission grounds.
Traditional Polish food, beer, music, songs and folk dancing throughout the day.
Festival Lineup
Łowiczanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
Since their formation in 1975, this group has been a vibrant part of the Bay Area’s Polish community. They have also actively supported other folk dance groups and the wider Bay Area community by participating in and producing events that shine a spotlight on folk culture.
Sokoły – Łowiczanie Ensemble for Kids
SOKOLY (“Falcons” in Polish) is a team of young performers who present traditional dances and songs of Poland. The group was founded in April 2015 under the umbrella of Łowiczanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble. Group was co-founded by Gosia Wojciechowska and Piotr Irby, but it would not have survived the covid and later years without Kasia Hudack, their wonderful music director and singing teacher.
Chór Wujów
Chór Wujów (The Choir of Uncles) is a fun, one-off project by a group of friends who have come together to pay tribute to the golden years of Polish music. They will be joined on stage by special guests to perform a curated selection of covers that we all know and love. Get ready for a great time!
and many more… Visit the San Jose 2026 Polish Festival site for more details.

NFO Conference 2027
2027-04-07 - 2027-04-11 | Old Murphey School, Shared Visions Retreat Center, 3717 Murphy School Road, Durham, NC, 27705, United States
Annual NFO Meeting and Conference 2027
April 7 – 11, 2027 in Twin Cities, Minnisota
Save the date!
The NFO Conference in Twin Cities, MN will be presented in conjunction with IFest-MN – International Festival of Minnesota
For ongoing updates in programming, schedule, and registration visit the NFO 2027 Conference Web Page.
