General Information For Spectators

Welcome to National Powwow XVII! What is a Powwow?

“We know them as ceremonies, because we are celebrating something. We are celebrating the birth of a new Grandbaby, crops were good, everybody made it around the world real good, everybody’s happy. All of these ceremonies go along with our lives. They are family oriented.” -Abe Conklin Ponca/Osage (1926-1995)

National Powwow has been held every three years since 1969, with dances taking place in different parts of the country including Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kansas. We are proud to enter our fifty-fourth year of National Powwow and invite you to join our celebration of culture and tradition. If this is your first powwow, we welcome your questions and hope that your experience is an enjoyable and inspiring one.

• ADMISSION: Daily entrance fees are $8 per adult, $5 12 and under, and children under 5 are free. A four-day pass may be purchased for $25 per adult and $15 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the gate only.
• Programs with a full schedule of events are available at the gate for $5. A portion of program sales proceeds and a $3 parking fee go to our civic partners in YOUR local community.
• The main dance arena will be in the shelter of the Equine Center pavilion. Dances will be held rain or shine, and there is plenty of shaded seating in the grandstands around the arena. Sunscreen is suggested while you explore the grounds from our Tipi Encampment to Vendor Row, to the Seminars classrooms and Craft Exhibition Hall.
• Food vendors will be available throughout regular traders hours. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
• Parking is $3 per car with a share of the proceeds going to civic partners in YOUR community. Please park in designated spectator parking areas only and enter through the spectator gate. Handicapped parking will be available.
• Lost and Found is located at the NPW Office in the Equine Center Pavilion.
• In case of a lost child, please contact our MC stand in the Equine Center Pavilion. An announcement can be made over the loudspeaker.
• Please note that though our tipi village is open for your enjoyment, lodges are private campsites so please ask before entering a lodge.
• Please follow proper powwow etiquette while in the arena.