Amelia Schafer
ICT
June 25 and 26 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn, also known as Greasy Grass, where Indigenous forces defeated General George Custer and the 7th cavalry on the Montana plains, marking a historic moment in the fight against westward expansion.
Celebrations will honor the Oceti Sakowin (Lakota, Nakoda and Dakota people), Cheyenne and Arapaho people’s victory against the United States on June 25 and 26, 1876.
Roughly 19 tribes are involved in planning a week’s worth of festivities in Montana leading up to the anniversary. Tribal event organizers said they’re expecting roughly 1,000 horse riders, 500 motorcyclists and thousands of attendees.
The National Parks Service is also planning its own event at the Little Big Horn National Monument on June 25, 26, and 27. The National Park Service is expecting up to 10,000 attendees, according to its event webpage.
National Park Service event
June 25, 26 and 27 the National Park Service is offering free admission to the Battle of Little Bighorn National Memorial.
Daily programming will begin at 9:30 a.m. local time each day. The commemoration will offer space for learning, reflection and cultural exchange and is organized in partnership with Tribal nations, descendants, historians, elected officials, authors, military representatives, and cultural organizations.
The visitor center will be closed during the event and the monument itself will be closed to the public prior to June 25.
Festivities will kick off June 25 with an opening prayer from Arvil Lookinghorse, a parade of nations (featuring a representative from each nation) and opening remarks from the Crow Chairman.
There will be space for cultural and educational booths at the site. However, no sales are permitted, according to a parks spokesperson who attended a planning meeting in Rapid City on June 4.
The parks service noted a separate re-enactment event will be held on private property, hosted by the Real Bird family.
Visitors are asked to bring a water bottle, snacks and sun-protection.
IF YOU GO…
DATE: Thursday-Saturday, June 25-27, 2026
TIME: 9:30 a.m. start time
WHERE: Battlefield Tour Rd, Crow Agency, Montana 59022
HOST: National Park Service
MORE INFO: NPS website
Re-enactment event
The 34th annual re-enactment is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on June 26, 27 and 28. The site is located between the Little Big Horn National Memorial and the Custer’s Battlefield museum south of the Crow Agency in Montana. Seating is limited to first-come first serve and organizers are asking that attendees bring their own seating. The reenactment takes approximately 90 minutes.
Cost of admittance $25 for adults and $15 for children 7 to 13 years of age; children under 7 free, tickets are only available at the gate.
IF YOU GO…
DATE: Friday-Sunday, June 26-28, 2026
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Located on the eastern frontage road between Crow Agency, Montana, and Garryowen, Montana. See event website for full directions.
HOST: Real Bird Family
MORE INFO: Event website
All Nations 150th Anniversary Commemoration
Details are currently limited but a large celebration planned by a group of roughly 19 tribes from across the USA and Canada will be one of the major events of the weekend.
Tribes involved include but are not limited to: Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Standing Buffalo First Nation, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Wahpeton Dakota First Nation, White Cap Dakota First Nation, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Yankton Sioux Tribe, Northern Arapaho Tribe, Northern Paiute Tribe and Fort Peck Sioux Tribe.
The event will be free and open to the general public and will allow for camping. Camping will begin on June 24 and likely end on June 27.
Tribal leaders are currently organizing emergency service personnel, restroom facilities and security personnel for the campsite.
IF YOU GO…
DATE: Wednesday-Saturday, June 24-27, 2026
TIME: TBD
WHERE: Various locations including the Real Bird Property and National Parks – 756 Battlefield Tour Rd, Crow Agency, Montana
HOST: Multiple tribal nations
MORE INFO: See Facebook for details
Youth Victory Run
Youth ages 8-25 are invited to attend a 45-mile run put on by Blue Bird Lifeways in celebration of the Battle of Greasy Grass.
The run is scheduled to begin on June 25 at 6:30 a.m. starting at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Office and is expected to finish at 2:00 p.m. at the battlefield.
The run is still accepting sign-ons.
Planning for a separate youth led event is still in progress according to a spokesperson from the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
IF YOU GO…
DATE: Thursday, June 25, 2026
TIME: 6:30 a.m. start time; 2:00 p.m. end time
WHERE: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Office (600 Cheyenne Ave Littlewolf Capital Building, Lame Deer, Montana)
HOST: Blue Bird Lifeways
MORE INFO: Blue Bird Lifeways Facebook page
Crazy Horse Memorial Honoring Greasy Grass Event
The Crazy Horse Memorial will host an honoring event for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn/Greasy Grass. The event will feature Cheyenne River Lakota historian and author Donovin Sprague with a reception, book signing, presentation and audience Q&A session exploring the history of the battle and its significance.
IF YOU GO…
DATE: Saturday, June 20, 2026
TIME: Meet and greet – 4:00-5:45 p.m. Mountain Standard Time; presentation and Q&A at 6:00-7:30 PM Mountain Standard Time
WHERE: The Crazy Horse Memorial (12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, South Dakota 57730)
HOST: Crazy Horse Memorial
MORE INFO: Website
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