Fedora Linux 44 is nearly here, and with it comes a beloved tradition: the Global Virtual Release Party! This event celebrates the months of hard work from our worldwide community—from maintainers and writers to newcomers exploring Fedora Atomic Desktop for the first time. The party takes place slightly before the final release, giving everyone a chance to connect, learn, and have fun. Below, we answer your burning questions about the Fedora Linux 44 Virtual Release Party, including how to attend, the packed schedule, and the exciting new features like Nix integration and DNF5.
What Is the Fedora Linux 44 Virtual Release Party?
The Fedora Linux 44 Virtual Release Party is a half-day online event that brings the global Fedora community together to celebrate the upcoming release. It features live sessions, recorded deep-dives, and plenty of opportunities for socializing. The party includes updates from the Fedora Project Leader, behind-the-scenes looks at new features, and a sneak peek at the upcoming Flock conference. Whether you're a longtime contributor or a brand-new user, this party is for you. It's a chance to reflect on the work behind F44 and to connect with fellow Fedora enthusiasts from around the world.
When and Where Is the Party?
The virtual celebration will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM EDT (13:00 UTC). The event runs for about half a day, with a scheduled break at 10:30 AM EDT. The venue is hosted on Matrix using Element Creations, the same platform used for previous Global Virtual Release Parties. Thanks to Element and Matrix.org, we have a reliable and inclusive space for our global community. To join, you must register in advance (see the next question).
How Do I Register and Attend?
Attendance is 100% free and open to everyone, but registration is required to access the virtual venue. To register, visit the official event page and sign up. Once registered, you'll receive a link to the Matrix room where the party will be held. We recommend setting up an Element account beforehand to ensure a smooth experience. The chat platform allows you to interact with speakers, ask questions, and chat with other attendees throughout the event. Don't forget to mark your calendar and set a reminder so you don't miss the opening remarks!
What's on the Schedule?
The schedule is packed with exciting sessions, all listed in US Eastern (UTC-4) and UTC. Here's a quick overview:
- 09:00 EDT / 13:00 UTC – Opening Remarks by Jef Spaleta and Justin Wheeler.
- 09:15 EDT / 13:15 UTC – Fedora Project Leader Update by Jef Spaleta.
- 09:30 EDT / 13:30 UTC – Packit as Fedora dist-git CI (with the Packit team).
- 09:45 EDT / 13:45 UTC – Adding Nix to Fedora: We Did a Thing by Jens Petersen.
- 10:00 EDT / 14:00 UTC – PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE Integration by Neal Gompa.
- 10:15 EDT / 14:15 UTC – Server WG: Home Server Spin by Peter Boy.
- 10:30 EDT / 14:30 UTC – Break – take a screen break or merge some code!
Each session explores a key feature or initiative in Fedora 44.
What Is the Packit dist-git CI Session About?
In this session, the Packit team (František Lachman, Laura Barcziova, Maja Massarini, Matej Focko, and Nikola Forro) will explain how Packit is taking over Fedora dist-git CI. They'll walk through what this change means for contributors—simplifying the continuous integration process for package maintenance. The talk will cover the background, the implementation details, and what to expect going forward. If you contribute packages to Fedora, this session is especially relevant, as it could change how your updates are tested and merged.
What's the Nix Integration About?
Jens Petersen presents a behind-the-scenes look at bringing the Nix package tool to Fedora 44. This session covers what it took to integrate Nix, what it unlocks for users (like reproducible environments), and what it means for the Fedora ecosystem. Nix is a powerful package manager with its own unique approach to dependency management and reproducibility. The talk is titled Adding Nix to Fedora: We Did a Thing and promises a mix of technical insight and community story. Whether you're a Nix enthusiast or just curious, this is a must-see.
What Is the PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE Session?
Neal Gompa will dive into the integration of PackageKit with DNF5 and KDE in F44. This session explains what changed under the hood and what it means for the desktop experience. DNF5 is the next generation of Fedora's package manager, and its integration with PackageKit improves how graphical package management tools work within KDE Plasma. Attendees will learn about performance improvements, better compatibility, and new features that enhance the day-to-day use of Fedora on the desktop. If you use KDE, this session is especially valuable.
What Is the Server Working Group Home Server Spin?
Peter Boy from the Server Working Group provides an overview of their initiative to create a dedicated home server spin. This effort is driven by feedback from the community's home lab enthusiasts. The session will cover the goals, the design decisions, and how the spin will differ from the standard Fedora Server edition. It's a great opportunity for anyone interested in running Fedora on a home server or NAS to learn about this focused spin. The talk will also invite community input on features and packaging.