The 38th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow will be held November 6-8, 2026 at Twin Oaks Park (Mullet Festival Grounds), located at the corner of Highway 85 and College Boulevard in Niceville. Planned events include a Children’s Day, intertribal dancing, storytelling, traditional drums and singers, authentic Native American-themed crafts, special exhibits and demonstrations. The Children’s Day will kick off the weekend beginning at 9am until 2pm on Friday, 6 November. Exhibits and demonstrations from the Indian Temple Mound, dancers, storytellers, and more will entertain over 500 children from local area schools. The powwow starts Friday, 6 Nov, with the main opening ceremonies at Noon, Saturday, Nov 7 with a Grand Entry honoring Veterans and featuring all the different dance styles; followed by contest dancing until 5 pm. The Pacific Islanders Dance Group will perform between 5 -6pm. Another Grand Entry at 7pm. Sunday, dancing starts at noon and continues until 4pm.

The three-day event is open to the public. Admission is $3 for Children’s Day. Powwow is $7 Adults / $4 Children.

What is a Powwow? A powwow is a social gathering that is designed to bring members of different tribes together in peace and harmony, a tradition that continues to this day. Since Powwows are open to the pubic and becoming more and more popular, it is good to know what to expect and be familiar with the proper etiquette before attending. A Powwow will typically include a display of traditional crafts and artifacts, dance demonstrations and contests with drum accompaniment and the preparation of Native American foods. Every Powwow has a Master of Ceremonies, usually a tribal elder or leader. He leads the entire Powwow and begins the “Grand Entry” when the dancers enter the dance arena in full regalia. The dancers will dance within a circle, representing the circle of life. An invitation to dance in the circle is the only time a spectator is allowed in the dance arena. One should accept the dance invitation with the spirit in which it is offered and enjoy the experience. Most dance steps are easily learned and someone will instruct any guests.