Powwows and Celebrations

Festive best describes the atmosphere of a powwow or "wacipi" (dance). Spirited drumming and singing fills the air, as dancers complete their fancy footwork. Many of today's powwows feature competitions in categories such as traditional, fancy and jingle-dress dancing. During the intertribal dance, spectators get their chance to enter the dance ring. At most powwows, you'll also have the opportunity to sample traditional foods like Indian tacos, Indian fry bread or "wojapi," a fruit pudding. Catch the spirit at one of these or many other powwows across the state.

 

The summer powwow circuit draws dancers from across the state.

Powwow Schedule

Below is a list of major powwows that occur annually throughout the state. Please call ahead to verify time and location.

Kenel Memorial Day Wacipi
Kenel
Late May
(701) 854-7207
Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe Traditional Wacipi
Agency Village, near Sisseton
Early July
(605) 698-3911
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Annual Wacipi
Flandreau
Mid-July
(605) 997-3844
Fort Randall Powwow
Lake Andes
First full weekend in August
(605) 384-3641
Oglala Nation Powwow and Rodeo
Pine Ridge
Early August
(605) 867-5821
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Annual Fair and Powwow
Lower Brule
Mid-August
(605) 473-5561
Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Annual Powwow
Fort Thompson
Mid-August
(605) 245-2221
Annual Rosebud Fair and All-Indian Rodeo
Rosebud
Fourth weekend in August
(605) 747-2381
Cheyenne River Labor Day Fair and Rodeo
Eagle Butte
Early September
(605) 964-4155
Northern Plains Tribal Arts Powwow
Sioux Falls
Mid-September
(605) 334-4060
Gathering of the Wakanyeja
St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain
Mid-September
(605) 734-3475
www.stjo.org/powwow
Annual Black Hills Powwow and Art Market
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City
Early October
(605) 341-0925
www.blackhillspowwow.com

Search our statewide calendar of events for specific dates and locations of powwows.

Many powwows are held at the same time each year. However, it's best to call ahead to verify dates and times. When attending a powwow, please remember to be respectful. For more information see our Visitor Etiquette section.