Powwow spectating: What to know before you go - ICT
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How to navigate powwows across the country like a pro

This story is part of ICT’s 2026 Powwow Newsletter. You can sign up here for the newsletter.

Amelia Schafer
ICT

Going to your first powwow is exciting, but it can also be nerve wracking, especially if you don’t know what to expect. In reality, there’s nothing to be afraid of. You’ll be able to watch some amazing dancers, listen to drums and meet new friends.

I didn’t grow up powwowing, I went to my first powwow in Chicago in 2022. I’ve been hooked ever since and have even begun dancing myself. These past few years I’ve come up with a couple tips and tricks to help you navigate like a pro.

Powwows can be very small or very large. They can be outdoor or indoor. In many situations it’s really important to check the organizers page for details regarding parking, start and end times, and if there’s an entry fee. Larger powwows such as Denver March Powwow, Gathering of Nations and Black Hills Powwow do require daily entry fees. You can sometimes save money by buying tickets in a group for the whole weekend or length of the event (the flyer will detail if this is available).

One important note before reading this guide is to remember that different tribes have different protocols.

Here’s an overall guide of things to know before you go.

An elder mens traditional dancer leads Grand Entry during the Saturday session for the 2025 Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City, South Dakota. Credit: Amelia Schafer/ICT

PROTOCOL

  • Listen to the emcee. The announcer (emcee) will tell you when to stand and remove your headgear. They will also inform you of if/when photos or videos are not permitted.
  • Be patient. There’s often really no set schedule in terms of exact times for each category. If you’re coming with a dancer, especially a young adult contestant, be ready to wait all night for their category to compete – this is fairly common, especially at outdoor events. Indoor powwows renting an arena may end sooner, but there’s typically no set schedule or timeline. At the 2023 Black Hills powwow I contested at 1:15 a.m. Elders dance first, then youth, teens, adults and finally young adults. Tiny tots are sprinkled somewhere towards the beginning.
  • Grand entry. Grand entry will kick off each session of the powwow, and many larger powwows include separate grand entries for veterans and elected powwow royalty. These grand entries can take an hour each sometimes, and the emcee will ask spectators to stand if they’re able and remove any hats during this time.
  • Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. I’ve made so many random friends at powwows just by chatting with the dancer standing in front of me for grand entry or other powwow goers. Any time I can make a new friend I come away so much happier.
  • Do not refer to a dancer’s outfit as a costume. This is seen as disrespectful. Refer to their clothing as regalia (preferred term) or just their outfit. Culture is not a costume.
  • Photos. It is ok to ask a dancer if you can take a photo of/with them! Just make sure to be respectful and ask permission. You can even ask them about their style, I really enjoy being asked about my Woodland regalia and getting to tell the story.
  • Never bring drugs or alcohol. Kind of a given, but powwows are a 100 percent sober space. It is disrespectful to bring any alcohol or drugs (including marijuanna). While not a ceremony, a powwow is still a sacred space and the arena is blessed beforehand.
  • The arena. As a spectator, you can participate in intertribals where everyone gets to come together and dance. If spectating, only enter the arena when the emcee announces its intertribal. Follow the herd and have fun! You can just walk and talk.
    • Do not enter the arena if you are menstruating. In a nutshell, many tribes vary, but the common understanding is that people who are menstruating are said to have a lot of energy and power surrounding them during that time. Anyone menstruating should not stand next to a drum or dance in the arena because of the power and energy they are possessing during that time.
    • Ask the emcee or arena director what the protocol is on bringing babies into the arena. For some tribes it is taboo to allow babies into the arena if they cannot walk/enter on their own. This depends on the tribe.
    • For powwows outside of the northwest coast, dancers (aside from male dancers) will move in a clockwise direction.

A woman competes in the adult women fancy shawl category at the 2025 Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City, South Dakota. Credit: Amelia Schafer/ICT

SEATING

  • Pay attention to reserved seats. Powwows often include reserved seating for tribal elders. Double check that you’re not sitting in these areas.
  • BYOC (bring your own chair). Some powwows (especially outdoor) encourage or require you to bring your own seating. I often pack two lawn chairs in my car just in case.
  • Seating placement. Ensure you’re not in a walkway or potential area where dancers may need to line up, especially for grand entry or contest categories.

ITEMS TO PACK

  • Cash. Many vendors do accept credit cards, particularly tap to pay. However, it’s always a good idea to bring cash just in case.
  • Sun protection. Summer powwows can get extremely hot or sneakily hot (if outdoors), make sure to pack a hat and apply sunscreen!
  • Snacks and drinks. If you’re allowed to bring a cooler (very common at outdoor powwows), I often find it’s a great idea to bring water and Redbull. People will love you if you can spot them a Redbull. Pro tip: pack PB&J ingredients.
  • A warm hoodie. Even if it’s hot during the day, powwows can get pretty chilly at night. I love bringing a warm comfy sweatshirt to wear while I wait for my category.

PRO TIP: Amelia’s powwow tote. I have a specific bag I sewed that I take to every powwow. I’m super forgetful so it really helps to have a bag ready to go. In it I’ve got lipstick, safety pins, an emergency sewing kit, a handheld mirror, travel size sunscreen, bobby pins, hair ties and hand sanitizer. I love my powwow tote.

A men’s traditional dancer competes at the 2025 Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City, South Dakota. Credit: Amelia Schafer/ICT

WHAT TO WEAR

  • Cute or comfortable. You can either wear your best ribbon shirt/skirt or just jeans and a t-shirt, but there’s really nothing stopping you from being the most stylish auntie/uncle in the venue.
  • Comfy shoes. Depending on how long you’ll be at the powwow, it’s a good idea to bring sturdy, comfortable shoes. Some outdoor arenas, especially in rural areas, can have gopher holes, so don’t twist your ankle or lose a flip flop!
  • Rock your mocs and beadwork. Powwows are a great time to show off that new medallion you’ve been looking for the right occasion to wear or your new mocs. I will be jealous if I see anyone rocking the Manitobah x Jaime Occuma mocs and I won’t be the only one… so you’ve been warned. (I missed out on that drop.)

PRO TIP: If you own a replica of Thomas Builds-the-Fire’s Frybread Power Shirt from “Smoke Signals,” definitely wear that.

Two junior adult women’s jingle dress dancers participate in an intertribal at the 2025 He Sapa Nagi Nunpa Wacipi (Black Hills Two Spirit Powwow) in Rapid City, South Dakota. Credit: Amelia Schafer/ICT

PARKING

  • Follow instructions. Depending on the powwow, there may be parking attendants to help wave you into the right area. There’s often a designated area. Pay attention to signs!
  • Be respectful. Dancers will often be getting ready in the parking lot, generally out of suitcases in their vehicle’s trunk. Make sure to give them space and don’t stare.

Don’t let this list’s length discourage you from attending! Powwows are a fun and incredible experience.

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