What is Filk?

This is a difficult question to answer because each person you ask will give you a different definition. One short answer is that filk songs are the folk songs of the future. However, this does not emcompass everything that filk is.

For more detailed information about filk, the Interfilk website has articles and more definitions to help you understand this corner of the fannish reality. Be sure to read Jordin Kare's excellent article. It's a very good starting place.

Another excellent source for what filk is, is a definition by Jane Mailander.

The thing to keep in mind is that filk is a fun musical form typically done late at night at science fiction and fantasy conventions. Also, you're allowed to listen to everyone else. You don't have to sing but most everyone choses to.