Exploring the Grateful Dead: GDSA's Sixth Annual Conference in Albuquerque, NM
The Grateful Dead Studies Association (GDSA) is hosting its sixth annual conference in Albuquerque, NM from February 25th to 28th, 2026, in conjunction with the Southwest Popular/American Culture Association (SWPACA) conference. The event will bring together scholars, artists, and fans to delve into the music, significance, and lasting impact of the Grateful Dead through panels, social gatherings, and special events. Scholars are encouraged to submit proposals for papers, panels, and special sessions by October 31st, covering various aspects of the band's music, cultural influence, and historical context.
Grateful Dead studies has gained momentum as an academic field, with over 300 scholars from 26 disciplines contributing to the discourse since the establishment of the GDSA in 2019. The Association was created to provide a permanent platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on Grateful Dead studies, fostering collaboration across different fields and theoretical perspectives. Embracing open access principles, the Association aims to make scholarly inquiry in this field accessible to a wider audience.
The Association's peer-reviewed journal, Grateful Dead Studies, is published biennially and serves as a prominent platform for academic work in this dynamic and interdisciplinary field. It offers a space for scholars to explore the band's cultural impact, fan culture, counterculture, popular music, and more. For those interested in learning more about the Grateful Dead Studies Association and its initiatives, visit deadstudies.org.