Annual Meetings

The Western States Folklore Society (formerly California Folklore Society) holds Annual Meetings to encourage professional and amateur folklorists to meet each other, present papers, and engage in discussions of all aspects of folklore and folklife. The Meetings, usually held on a weekend in April and extending from Friday through Sunday morning, are hosted by different colleges or universities throughout the western states from the Rockies to the Pacific. Information about the next Annual Meeting will appear on this page as plans develop.

One important event in the Society’s Meetings is the invitational Archer Taylor Lecture Series, given by a folklorist of note. The lectures are subsequently published in the Society’s journal, Western Folklore. See the Publications page for information about the journal.

Members and nonmembers alike can present papers. Abstracts of proposed papers are typically due by February 15 of the Meeting year; applicants should check this page for any changes. Abstracts must be 100-200 words in length and must be accompanied by a registration fee. Special discount rates are available for regular members, student members, and student nonmembers. Nonmembers who join the Society at the time of registration are eligible for membership benefits, including reduced registration fees and a subscription to Western Folklore. Registration fees for regular members are $45; for non-members $70. Registration fees for student/retired members are $25; for non-members $40.