Who We Are

Formed in 1986, The International Folkloric Society Planning Council, Inc. (IFS) is a non-profit organization based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our mission is to promote and preserve international cultural heritage with a primary focus on the arts.

Steve Cates
1216 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
615.896.3559
​appdancer@aol.com
International Folkfest 2025 
June 8-15, 2025 

We are always planning for future festivals, so contact us with your folkloric group has interest in touring Middle Tennessee with us! 

Our History

The best way to fulfill our mission of promoting international cultures is to physically bring them to our country and vice versa. For years, IFS has played a large role in sending traditional Appalachian dancers and musicians to festivals all over the world.  Likewise, IFS has made it possible for overseas performers to bring their talents and heritage to our local communities:
    Education: International groups eagerly travel to schools and perform for enthusiastic young audiences.
     
    Community outreach: International groups also enjoy performing for civic clubs, youth and senior citizen organizations, etc.
     
    Festivals / Parades: Communities have the opportunity to build up local businesses and tourism as well as promote cultural diversity by supporting international festivals.
In order to maintain relationships & interest, it is the policy of IFS to keep the expenses of international guests to a minimum.  Upon arrival in the community, IFS ensures that all food, lodging and transportation are provided to performers (excluding international airfare).



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REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITING TROUPES

1. Participating groups must come from a country on the U.S. State Department’s Visa Waiver List. ( https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html )
2. Live music is required for all performances.
3. Total musicians and dancers allowed per group is 24.
4. Arrival at Nashville BNA Airport is on the first day listed in the festival dates advertised. Departure from Nashville BNA Airport is on the last day listed in the festival dates advertised.
5.International Folkloric Society provides food, lodging and travel within Tennessee for participants, as well as free time for touring in the area, shopping, etc..
6.Groups arriving early or staying late cannot be hosted by the International  Folkloric Society.
7.Groups are responsible for their own medical expenses.
8.Groups must follow the rules of their housing facilities or they will have to stay somewhere else – at their own expense. ( https://www.mtsu.edu/student-conduct/code/housing-policies.php )
9.Traditional costumes are required. 
10. The festival requires complete information from groups by specific dates set by the Planning Committee. This information allows planning for visitors' lodging, transportation, and more.  Groups must honor all deadlines or forfeit their place. Deviations from our deadlines must be discussed with the festival Director.
11. Gift exchanges are expected several times during our festival. They should be given to our meal hosts, venues and others. A few “larger” gifts should be provided for visiting dignitaries and the other 3 groups dancing at the festival. The exact number of gifts will be expressed when our schedule for the festival week is complete.