Fedora Linux 44 is almost here, and the global community is gearing up for the traditional virtual release party a few days before the final release. This half-day event will feature live sessions, recorded deep dives, and plenty of socializing, highlighting months of work from packagers, writers, artists, and new users alike. Below, we answer common questions about the celebration, the schedule, and how you can join.
What is the Fedora Linux 44 Release Party?
The Fedora Linux 44 Release Party is a global virtual event that brings together contributors and users from around the world to celebrate the completion of another release cycle. It offers a mix of live talks, recorded discussions, and community interaction. Whether you are a longtime maintainer or a first-time user, this party belongs to you. The event is hosted on Matrix via the Element Creations platform, ensuring easy access for everyone.
When and where is the party happening?
The party takes place on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time (13:00 UTC to 14:30 UTC). All times are listed in EDT (UTC-4) and UTC. The virtual venue is provided by Element Creations and the Matrix.org network, which the Fedora project continues to use for its global virtual events. Attendance is free, but you must register to access the venue.
How can I attend the event?
Attendance is 100% free and open to everyone. To join, you need to register via the provided link to the Matrix event. Once registered, you will receive instructions to access the Element chat platform. No special software is required—just a modern web browser or the Element app. The Fedora community thanks Element and Matrix.org for providing the tools that bring us together.
What is the schedule for the party?
The half-day schedule is packed with interesting sessions. It opens at 09:00 EDT with opening remarks from Fedora Project Leader Jef Spaleta and Community Architect Justin Wheeler. Following that are talks on Packit as Fedora dist-git CI, adding Nix to Fedora, PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE integration, and a Server Working Group update. The final half-hour at 10:30 is a break to grab coffee or chat with other attendees. Full details are available in the speaker list below.
Who are the key speakers and what will they discuss?
Several notable community members will present:
- Jef Spaleta and Justin Wheeler open the event with a retrospective on the release cycle.
- František Lachman and his team explain how Packit is taking over Fedora dist-git CI.
- Jens Petersen shares the behind-the-scenes story of bringing Nix to Fedora 44.
- Neal Gompa dives into the integration of PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE.
- Peter Boy presents the Server Working Group’s initiative for a dedicated home server spin.
Each session is about 15 minutes long, allowing for quick, focused updates.
What new features will be highlighted?
The party will spotlight several key additions to Fedora Linux 44. Most notably, Nix integration is a major highlight—enabling reproducible environments and broader package management options. Another important change is the integration of PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE, improving the desktop software management experience. The Packit project’s role in dist-git CI ensures smoother contributor workflows. Additionally, the Server Working Group is exploring a dedicated home server spin, driven by feedback from the home lab community.
Why is the party held before the actual release?
By tradition, the Fedora community celebrates the release slightly ahead of the final public launch. This allows everyone to gather, share insights, and recognize the hard work of contributors before the official release date arrives. It also builds excitement and gives attendees a preview of features and improvements that will soon be available to all users. The actual final release of Fedora Linux 44 will follow shortly after the party.
How do I register for the event?
Registration is simple and free. Use the official registration link provided on the Fedora Community blog or event page. The link directs you to the Matrix event where you can sign up. After registration, you will receive details on how to access the virtual venue via Element. Be sure to register early, as the venue may have capacity limits. The Matrix platform ensures a seamless experience for all participants.