Take Your Kids to These Native American Pow Wows

Native American pow wows and celebrations are a good way to introduce children to the various cultures of the country’s first inhabitants. Filled with colorful events and activities, these are good for a day of family fun. Here are some you may find in your fall travels or you can check this calendar to find one near home. Several of these have free admission.

Trade Mill Annual Intertribal Pow Wow
Held Sept. 21–22, in Trade, Tennessee, this pow wow features traditional dances, drumming and competitions.

Natick Pow Wow 2024
On Sept. 28 in Natick, Massachusetts, expect singing, dancing, storytelling and demonstrations.

Native American Heritage Celebration,
This celebration (Sept. 28–29) in Springfield, Missouri, is not actually a pow wow, but rather a celebration of Native peoples, their rich culture and dedication to preserving the natural environment that sustained them. This event includes traditional dances, music, storytelling, demonstrations and an artisans’ market featuring crafts of Native Americans from across the Ozarks.

Annual Fall Pow Wow

Hosted Oct. 3–5 in St. George, Georgia, you’ll find Nahul Ollin Aztec Fire Dancers demonstrations and dances every day, children’s activities, and storytellers.

Redding Rancheria Stillwater Pow Wow

This pow wow, held Oct. 3–6 in Redding, California, promises traditional singing, drumming, and dancing; authentic cuisine; crafts; and learning experiences representing various tribes.

Three Sisters Intertribal Pow Wow
Held in Mineral City, Ohio, Oct. 5–6, this pow wow features the Pow Wow Glow Dance, beginning at dark (about 7:30 p.m.) on Saturday evening.

Southeastern Mvskoke Nation Creek Friend’s Festival
Don’t miss this Oct 12. Festival in Troy, Alabama. Here, you’ll find dancing, storytelling, music, and arts and crafts of the Southeastern Mvskoke Nation.

Honoring Native Nations Pow Wow
On Oct. 14, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this pow wow features Pueblo dances, gourd dancing, Native art and a Parade of Nations.

16th Annual American Indian Festival
The 16^th Annual American Indian Festival (Oct. 19) in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, will have no shortage of dancing, singing, drumming, storytelling, interactive exhibits and demonstrations, and traditional games celebrating the cultures of Eastern Woodland peoples.

Choctaw Pow Wow
Later this fall, Nov. 1–3, the Choctaw Pow Wow in Durant, Oklahoma, is one of the nation’s largest pow wows, featuring dancers from all over the country.