Fedora Linux 44 is almost here, and with it comes the beloved tradition of a Global Virtual Release Party! This year, we're celebrating a bit early on Friday, April 24, 2026, offering a half-day of live sessions, recorded deep-dives, and community socializing. Whether you're a seasoned maintainer or a brand-new user, this event is for you. Below, we answer your top questions about the party, schedule, and how to join.
What is the Fedora Linux 44 Release Party?
The Fedora Linux 44 Global Virtual Release Party is a free, online celebration marking the upcoming release of Fedora Linux 44. It brings together the global Fedora community—contributors, users, and enthusiasts—to share insights, celebrate hard work, and preview new features. The event features talks from Fedora leaders, behind-the-scenes looks at new integrations like Nix and DNF5, and a sneak peek at the Flock conference. It's a tradition that honors the months of testing and collaboration behind every Fedora release.
When is the party and what's the schedule?
The party takes place on Friday, April 24, 2026, running from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM EDT (13:00 to 14:30 UTC). The half-day schedule includes a series of focused sessions: Opening Remarks at 09:00 AM, an FPL Update from Jef Spaleta at 09:15 AM, a talk on Packit as Fedora dist-git CI at 09:30 AM, followed by sessions on adding Nix to Fedora, PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE integration, a Server Working Group update, and a short break. All times are listed in US Eastern and UTC. You can find the full schedule with descriptions in the detailed table below.
| Time (EDT) | Time (UTC) | Session | Speaker(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | 13:00 | Opening Remarks | Jef Spaleta, Justin Wheeler | Kickoff celebration, look back on release cycle, and project news. |
| 09:15 AM | 13:15 | FPL Update | Jef Spaleta | Reflections on F44 and vision ahead. |
| 09:30 AM | 13:30 | Packit as Fedora dist-git CI | František Lachman et al. | How Packit is taking over dist-git CI. |
| 09:45 AM | 13:45 | Adding Nix to Fedora | Jens Petersen | Behind-the-scenes of Nix integration. |
| 10:00 AM | 14:00 | PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE | Neal Gompa | Under the hood changes for desktop experience. |
| 10:15 AM | 14:15 | Server WG | Peter Boy | Home server spin initiative. |
| 10:30 AM | 14:30 | Break | None | Screen break, grab coffee. |
How do I attend and register?
Attendance is 100% free and open to everyone, but you must register to access the virtual venue. The party will be hosted on Matrix using Element Creations, thanks to support from Element and Matrix.org. To register, simply sign up via the official registration link provided on the Fedora community page. Once registered, you'll receive instructions to join the Matrix room where all live sessions and social interactions will take place. No specialized software is needed—just a modern web browser or the Element app.
Who should attend?
Everyone in the Fedora ecosystem is welcome! Whether you are a long-time package maintainer, a dedicated documentation writer, a creative graphic artist, or a brand-new user firing up a Fedora Atomic Desktop for the first time, this release party belongs to you. It's a chance to connect with others who share your passion, learn about cutting-edge features, and get inspired for future contributions. The event is designed to be inclusive and engaging for all skill levels.
What are the highlights of Fedora 44?
Fedora 44 brings several exciting features. Notable sessions cover the integration of Nix as a package tool, enabling reproducible environments; the rollout of DNF5 with PackageKit and KDE integration for a smoother desktop experience; and Packit taking over Fedora dist-git CI, simplifying contributor workflows. The Server Working Group also presents a home server spin tailored for community home labs. These innovations, combined with many other improvements, make F44 a landmark release. The party offers deep-dives into these topics—don't miss them!
Can I watch recordings later?
Yes! While the live event is a unique opportunity to interact in real time, all sessions will be recorded and made available after the party. Recordings will be posted on the Fedora Project's YouTube channel and the community blog. You'll also find links to slides and additional resources. So if you can't attend live, you can still catch up on all the insights shared during the celebration.