National Powwow XIX is coming to Hendricks County. Danville, Indiana, is home to the National Powwow, July 9-12, 2026, and this is one of those Indy area events families should attend at least once.
I first took my children to the National Powwow when they were two and four years old, and I still remember how captivated they were. The colors, the drums, the dancing, the movement, the vendors, the tipi village, and the whole experience of being welcomed into something meaningful stayed with us as a core memory. They were young, but they were watching, listening, and taking it all in.
That is one of the reasons I love events like this for families. Kids (and adults) don’t have to understand every detail to know that something special is happening; they feel the energy, they notice the care, they see traditions being shared across generations. As parents, we get the chance to help them learn how to be respectful guests while experiencing culture in a way that feels alive, joyful, and real.
What Is a Powwow?
A powwow is a gathering centered around dance, music, ceremony, family, and community. It is not just a performance for spectators, although spectators ARE welcome and encouraged; for many of the people participating, it’s a celebration, a ceremony, a reunion, and a way of carrying traditions forward.
That family-centered spirit is at the heart of National Powwow.
If this is your first powwow, you are welcome. Organizers invite respectful questions and hope spectators leave feeling inspired, connected, and grateful for the experience.
Why Families Should Go to National Powwow 2026
National Powwow is colorful and exciting, but it is also meaningful. Children will see dancers in beautiful regalia, hear the drum, watch Grand Entry, explore vendors, visit the tipi village, and learn that culture is not something that only exists in history books or museums. Culture is living; it is sung, it is danced, it is worn, shared, practiced, protected, and passed down.
For families in central Indiana, this is a special opportunity to experience all of that close to home.
And yes, you can take little kids. My children were two and four the first time we went, and while I will always recommend bringing patience and snacks when you are traveling with toddlers, they were mesmerized by so much of what they saw. You can stay for a little while or make a whole day of it. You can sit in the shaded grandstands and watch the dancing, wander Vendor Row, visit the Craft Exhibition Hall, or attend one of the seminars.
National Powwow 2026 Dates and Location
National Powwow XIX will be held July 9-12, 2026, in Danville, Indiana.
The main dance arena will be located inside the Equine Center pavilion. Dances will take place rain or shine, and there will be shaded seating in the grandstands around the arena.
This is especially helpful for families because you can find a seat, take a break, and let kids watch from a comfortable spot.
Admission and Tickets National Powwow
Tickets are available at the gate only.
Daily admission is $10 per adult and $7 for youth ages 6 to 12. Children aged 5 and younger are free. Parking is $4 per car.
A four-day pass is available for families planning to attend more than one day. Four-day passes are $30 per adult and $20 for youth ages 6 to 12.
Programs with the full schedule of events will be available at the gate for $5. A portion of program sales proceeds and the $4 parking fee will support civic partners in the local community.
Spectators should park in designated spectator parking areas and enter through the spectator gate. Handicapped accessible parking will be available.
What to Expect at National Powwow
There is a lot to see and do during National Powwow, the main dance arena is the heart of the event. This is where you will see Flag Raising, Flag Lowering, Gourd Dance, Grand Entry, Intertribal Dancing, dance competitions, specials, giveaways, and more.
Families can also explore Vendor Row, visit the Craft Exhibition Hall, attend seminars, and walk through the Tipi Encampment.
Food vendors will be available during regular trader hours. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan to purchase food and drinks on-site.
Because some areas are outdoors, sunscreen is recommended. Comfortable shoes are also a good idea, especially if you plan to explore the grounds.
Visiting the Tipi Village at National Powwow
The tipi village is open for spectators to enjoy, and it can be one of the most memorable areas for children to see.
However, families should know that the lodges are private campsites. Please do not enter a lodge without asking permission first.
This is a great moment to remind kids that being invited to observe and learn does not mean everything is ours to touch or enter. We can enjoy the beauty of the space while still respecting the people who are camping there.
Powwow Etiquette for Families
One of the best things parents can do before attending National Powwow is to talk with children about being respectful spectators.
This does not have to be complicated. Kids can understand simple reminders like: listen when someone is speaking, stay out of the arena unless invited, do not touch anyone’s regalia, and ask before taking close-up photos.
The MC will help guide spectators throughout the event. Listen for announcements, especially during ceremonies or moments when photography may not be appropriate.
If you are not sure what to do, pause and watch what others are doing. Respectful questions are welcome, and learning is part of the experience.
National Powwow 2026 Schedule
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Gates open at 8 am.
Flag Raising will take place in the arena at 1 pm. The Vendor Building will be open until 9 pm, and the Tipi Village will be open until 5 pm.
Gourd Dance will take place in the arena from 2 to 5 pm. Flag Lowering will be held at 6 pm.
Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing will take place from 7 to 10:45 pm.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Gates open at 8 am.
Flag Raising will take place in the arena at 9 am. Seminars will be held in the Conference Building until noon. The Vendor Building will be open until 9 pm, and the Tipi Village will be open until 5 pm.
A 5K Race begins at 9:30 am. A Tipi Etiquette Seminar will also be held at 9:30 am.
The Veteran’s Special will take place in the arena from 2 to 5 pm. Flag Lowering will be held at 6 pm.
Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing will take place from 7 to 10:45 pm. Friday evening is “Northern Night,” and Northern Styles will dance in competition. There will also be a Jingle Special sponsored by the National Powwow Princess.
Luminary Memorials will take place in the arena at 11 pm.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Gates open at 8 am.
Craft Contest setup will take place in the Conference Building until 9 am. Flag Raising will be held in the arena at 9 am. The Vendor Building will be open until 9 pm, and the Tipi Village will be open until 5 pm.
Craft Contest judging will take place until 10 am in the Conference Building.
From 10 am to noon, families can attend the Kids’ Powwow in the arena. This is a wonderful time for families to visit, especially if you are bringing children for the first time. All dance styles will be represented during this powwow.
Craft Contest viewing will also be available in the Conference Building.
Seminars will take place from 1 to 5 pm in the Conference Building. Princess interviews will also take place, and tipi judging will continue until 3 pm.
Head Staff Specials and Giveaways will take place in the arena from 2 to 5 pm. Flag Lowering will be held at 6 pm.
Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing will take place from 7 to 10:45 pm. Saturday evening is “Southern Night,” and Southern Styles will compete.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Gates open at 8 am.
Flag Raising will take place in the arena at 9 am. The Vendor Building will be open until 5 pm, and the Tipi Village will be open until 2 pm.
Gourd Dance will take place in the arena from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing will take place from 1 to 5 pm. Flag Lowering will take place at 6 pm.
Best Times for Families to Attend National Powwow
Families can attend any day of National Powwow, but Saturday morning is especially family-friendly because of the Kids’ Powwow from 10 am to noon.
Evening Grand Entry is also a powerful experience, especially if your children can handle a later night. The drums, dancers, and energy of Grand Entry are unforgettable.
For younger children, you may want to choose one main part of the day and build your visit around that. You do not have to see everything for the experience to be worthwhile.
Tips for Taking Kids to National Powwow
Talk with your kids before you go. Let them know they will see dancing, hear drums, visit vendor areas, and be part of a gathering where respect matters.
Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and money for admission, parking, food, and vendors. Since outside food and drinks are not allowed, plan to buy food on-site.
Pick up a program at the gate so you can follow the schedule and choose the events that matter most to your family.
Remind kids that regalia is special and should not be touched. If they have questions, encourage them to ask respectfully.
Most of all, come with curiosity. You do not have to know everything before you arrive. National Powwow is a chance to learn, observe, listen, and enjoy.
National Powwow XIX will take place July 9-12, 2026, in Danville, Indiana. Tickets are available at the gate only.
