Why a HOmesteading Conference can transform your journey
A homesteading conference might not be on your calendar yet, but it could be the best decision you make this year. Homesteading is more than a lifestyle—it’s a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and building connections. Whether you’re just starting out or experienced in growing, raising, and preserving, attending a homesteading conference can be a game-changer. These gatherings bring together experts, seasoned homesteaders, and beginners alike. They create a unique environment where knowledge is freely shared, skills are sharpened, and lasting relationships are formed.
you'll find workshops and demonstrations covering a wide range of essential topics
From regenerative gardening and permaculture design to animal husbandry, off-grid energy solutions, and food preservation techniques, the hands-on learning opportunities are invaluable. Want to learn how to keep bees naturally, process livestock humanely, or build a root cellar? These conferences offer real-world skills you can take home and apply immediately. You can bypass years of mistakes by learning from the experts
foundational discussions will strengthen your mindset and philosophy of homesteading
Beyond practical lessons, many events explore the deeper principles of self-sufficiency—how to build resilience, embrace simplicity, and approach challenges with adaptability and problem-solving. This “why” of your homesteading journey is vital to the success of all your efforts.
A homesteading Conference: where knowledge meets Community
Homesteading can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re the only one in your community pursuing a self-reliant lifestyle. Conferences offer the chance to meet like-minded individuals who understand the joys and challenges of this path. These connections with experienced homesteaders and industry experts can open doors to mentorships, bartering opportunities, and friendships. All of these support you on your homesteading journey, creating a rich environment for collaboration and encouragement.
2025 upcoming conferences :
The Okie Homesteading Expo: Pryor, Oklahoma, March 21-22, 2025 The Okie Homesteading Expo is geared toward homesteaders, farmers, gardeners and anyone wanting a more self-sufficient lifestyle. With a goal to teach and inspire, the Expo provides a context for learning and networking laced with live bluegrass music throughout. A wide variety of presentations, demonstrations and lectures will be given by leading homesteaders including Joel Salatin, Shawn and Beth Doughtery and Dr. Patrick Jones. Click here to learn more!
The Homestead Festival, Hardison Mills, Tennessee, June 6-7, 2025 Truly a festival in the full sense of the word, this festival is a celebration of homesteading. It provides inspiration and tools you need to build your sustainable life from tending animals to homeschooling. National homesteading influencers, such as Joel Salatin, Justin Rhodes, and Shawn and Beth Dougherty share their expertise. Demonstrations, presentations, networking, lots of vendors and exhibits and even terrific Nashville music is part of this festival. Find more information here!
The Modern Homesteading Conference: Coeur D’Alene, Idaho June 27-28, 2025 The Modern Homesteading Conference brings together the art of simple living and traditional skills. Workshops and demonstrations cover topics from permaculture and gardening to making soap and home butchering and much more. Vendors with everything from apothecary supplies to cattle equipment provide an educational opportunity on their own. Sessions include the top homesteading influencers, including Josh and Carolyn Thomas, Joel Salatin, Melissa K. Norris and Shawn and Beth Dougherty. Click here for info!
The Self-Reliance Festival: Camden, Tennessee. October 5-6, 2025: The Self-Reliance Festival incorporates both strategic and tactical skills for self reliance but includes skills that most homesteaders will use. Demonstrations include emergency medical training, aquaponics, permaculture design and even blacksmithing. There will be a wide variety of presentations, vendor exhibits and even music! There are some pre-festival workshops that you can also attend. Learn more here!
Homesteaders of American Conference Front Royal, Virginia October 10-11, 2025: The Homesteaders of America Conference provides fun learning opportunities for the whole family. Along with more lecture styled presentations, there will be hands on demonstrations and opportunities to learn skills first hand. Understanding that the next generation of homesteaders need to be encouraged, children attend free. Speakers include top homesteading influencers such as Joel Salatin, Justin Rhodes, and Shawn & Beth Dougherty. Click here to learn more!
take advantage of the opportunity
Successful homesteaders share common traits: they are resourceful, patient, and continuously willing to learn. They embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and understand that self-sufficiency doesn’t mean going it alone but rather building strong, interdependent networks. By attending a conference, you’re not just expanding your knowledge—you’re strengthening your place in a thriving, ever-growing community of people committed to a more sustainable way of life.
