Let the Drumbeat Lead Us: Indigenous Festivals near Philly This Summer

What to Expect: Spot dances, raffles, giveaways, hand‑drum competition, limited camping

Why It’s Worth Going:

• This is the first year of this gathering — it still has a spirit of community and warmth.
• Free admission, open to everyone, no barriers.
• Hand-drum contest, raffles, spot dances — live, interactive events where you’re not just watching, you’re part of it.
• Held at a local fire department — the vibe is more grassroots and communal than commercial.

Place:
Franklin, PA Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, 29 Shuffstall St, 16323

What to Expect:
This isn’t just a local fair — it’s the largest Indigenous heritage celebration in the Northeast produced annually by the Redhawk Council. Expect high-caliber dancers, sweeping drum circles, fine crafts, and strong community pride

Contest Pow Wow with competitive dance categories:

• Men’s: Traditional, Smoke Dance, Grass, Fancy
• Women’s: Traditional, Smoke Dance, Jingle, Fancy

Prize money:

• 1st place: $1,000
• 2nd: $750
• 3rd: $500
• 4th: $250

Why It’s Worth Going

• One of the biggest Indigenous cultural events in the Northeast — with over 40 nations represented and full-scale dance competitions.
• Powerful Grand Entries with dancers in full regalia, drums echoing across the mountains.
• A rare chance to see traditional dances judged live, including Fancy, Grass, Smoke, and Jingle.
• Prize money adds intensity and artistry — it’s not just performance, it’s excellence.
• Hosted in the scenic Anthony Wayne Recreation Area — forest, mountains, open sky.
• Family-friendly and accessible, with crafts, food, and music for all ages.
• Organized by the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, a respected nonprofit preserving and sharing Indigenous culture for over 30 years.

Location:
Stony Point, NY 30 minutes north of New York City, roughly a 2‑hour drive from Philadelphia

What to Expect:
Each day features a marketplace and performances — from gate opening until the evening showcases.
The gate opens at 10:00 AM, followed by dancing, workshops, and interactive areas.
A traditional Pow Wow with drumming, dancing, and singing.
Tomahawk-throwing demonstrations — a rare and striking part of the program.
Vendors and artisans offering items like jewelry, knives, furs, pottery, and blankets.

What to do:
Watch the dances, shop for traditional crafts, try local food, and learn about Indigenous culture and artistry.

Facilities:
Tents and camping are not provided — bring your own umbrella or canopy, a chair, and water.

Photography:
Feel free to take photos, but always ask participants for permission before photographing them.

Why It’s Worth Going

• Down-to-earth, traditional powwow with no commercial gloss — just drums, dancing, and real connection.
• Hosted on a wooded campgrounds site, it’s quiet, welcoming, and community-led.
• Features tomahawk-throwing demonstrations — something you won’t see at most powwows.
• Dozens of artisan vendors selling handmade goods: jewelry, knives, furs, blankets, and more.
• Led by respected community figures — MC Barry Spirit Wing, Host Drum Grey Cloud — with deep roots in powwow culture.
• Free admission and parking make it especially accessible for families and spontaneous visitors.
• A place to learn, watch, shop, and talk — with space to breathe and listen.

Place:
Drums, PA Camp Rotawanis, Rotawanis Road, Drums, PA 18222

What to Expect:
NYC’s largest powwow + top 10 in the U.S.
Intertribal dance competitions featuring over 40 Indian Nations
Additional social & exhibition dances: Gourd Dance, Round Dance, Rabbit Dance, Smoke Dance — with cultural context provided
Grand Entry processions each day showcase full regalia
Bonfire lighting on Friday & Saturday at dusk (8–9 PM), with the audience invited to join the circle
Crafts & food market featuring authentic Native American goods: jewelry, pottery, moccasins, drums, beadwork, herbs, and traditional foods like fry bread, barbecue, and arepas

Friday, July 25

• Gates open: 6 PM
• Powwow: 7 PM – 10 PM

Saturday, July 26

• Gates open: 10 AM
• Grand Entry: 12 PM
• Powwow: 12 PM – 5 PM & 7 PM – 10 PM

Sunday, July 27

• Gates open: 10 AM
• Powwow: 12 PM – 5 PM

Tips for Visitors

• Bring your own seating— limited straw bale seating available
• Free parking on site
• No ATM— bring cash or be prepared for limited vendor payment options
• Storm policy: Rain or shine, dancing may move indoors if needed

Why It’s Worth Going

• One of the top 10 powwows in the U.S. — a cultural landmark in NYC for nearly half a century.
• Features over 40 Indigenous nations, coming together in a powerful intertribal celebration.
• Dance competitions in full regalia across multiple styles: Fancy, Traditional, Smoke, Jingle, Gourd, and more.
• Grand Entries that feel like ceremonies — with drums, feathers, history, and pride.
• Evening bonfires where the circle widens and the music gets under your skin.
• Huge craft and food market with authentic handmade goods and traditional dishes (yes, there’s fry bread).
• Hosted at Queens County Farm, blending Indigenous culture with a slice of NYC’s rural past.
• Proceeds support scholarships for Native youth and education programs — so every ticket means something.

Place:
Floral Park, NY 73‑50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004

What to Expect:

• Live singing and dancing, including traditional and Aztec performances
• Vendor rows with Indigenous crafts — from jewelry to herbs
• 50/50 raffle and prize giveaways
• “Luck of the draw” intertribal dances — where participants are chosen by chance
• A flute player brings in the sounds of nature

Why It’s Worth Going:

• A simple, open-air format — no frills, just culture
• Vibrant crafts and unusual cultural mash-ups (Aztec + intertribals)
• Inclusive pricing: open to the public, just $10 per car
• Strong community feel — the MC and dancers create a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere

Day money — cash prizes for dancers in full regalia
A unique cultural blend: local traditions mixed with Aztec dance
Interactive atmosphere: open-stage intertribal dances, where chance decides who joins in.

Place:
Newfoundland, PA 20 Geronimo Trail, Newfoundland, PA 18445

What to Expect

• Three-day traditional gathering with dancing, drumming, singing, and ceremony
• Grand Entries each day featuring dancers in full regalia
• Vendor booths with Native crafts, jewelry, food, and herbal goods
• Community-centered, alcohol- and drug-free environment
• Family-friendly space with areas to sit, explore, and rest
• Opportunities to camp on site — a real immersive weekend experience
• A slower, more spiritual powwow — focused on healing and Earth connection, not competition

Why It’s Worth Going

• A rare chance to spend a weekend rooted in rhythm, nature, and Indigenous worldview
• Intimate and grassroots atmosphere — not commercial, but deeply meaningful
• Welcomes everyone with respect, whether you’re new to powwows or return every year
• Set in open countryside — quiet, spacious, and grounding
• The gathering is a reminder of connection: to land, to ancestors, to each other
• You’ll leave with more than souvenirs — maybe even with a sense of alignment

Notes:
Bring your own chairs, blankets, and shade — it’s fully outdoors
Respect the circle: ask before taking photos, don’t enter the dance arena uninvited
Camping encouraged — pack water, food, and supplies
This is a rain-or-shine event
Alcohol, drugs, and disrespectful behavior are strictly prohibited

Place:
Mercer, PA 76 Ligo Road, Mercer, PA, 16137

What to Expect

• Cultural performances:
• Special guests: Crystal Shawanda (Juno Award winner), Sicanni Purizaca (Inca flutist)
• Dance shows: Aztec dance (Salinas Family), Native Nations Dance Theater, powwow social dancing
• Interactive demonstrations: tomahawk & atlatl throwing, flint-knapping, fire-making, basketry, tipi display, cooking demos
• Children’s area: crafts, pony rides, mural painting, face painting
• Marketplace: Native-made goods—jewelry (Navajo, Zuni, Iroquois), pottery, leather, drums, dreamcatchers, herbs
• Festive food: fry bread, buffalo burgers, Indian tacos, blueberry wajopi, and, of course, fire-roasted corn

Why It’s Worth Going

• Pennsylvania’s oldest Native festival—45 years of cultural celebration
• Live performances with award‑winning artists and powerful Indigenous dance groups
• Rich hands-on cultural demos—learn traditional skills and crafts
• Family-friendly fun: crafts, pony rides, outdoor space, and free activities for kids
• Support heritage: event hosted by the non-profit Museum of Indian Culture; proceeds help preserve and educate
• Accessibility & comfort: free parking, ATM onsite, lawn chairs recommended (canopy discouraged)

Notes:

• Bring cash—vendors may not take cards
• Bring your chair/blanket (limited seating)
• Event runs rain or shine
• Service animals only; uneven terrain—be mindful if mobility is an issue
• On-site camping: limited availability (check Museum website)

Place:
Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown, PA 18103

What to Expect

• Full-scale powwow featuring drumming, dance competitions, and Aztec fire dancers
• Unique Birds of Prey show included
• Multiple flute players: Lori Hawk, Richie Olivera, Eric Marczak
• Family-friendly extras: pony rides, petting zoo, children’s candy dance
• Crafts and food vendors providing cultural goods and native cuisine

Why It’s Worth Going

• An intimate community powwow capturing both tradition and local spirit
• Aztec fire dancers and Birds of Prey add flair and cultural depth
• Multi-generational appeal—great for families, learners, traditionalists
• Hosted by organizers with deep local roots and public access
• A taste of Indigenous culture in a natural, welcoming NY setting

Place:
Supply Wagon Rentals & Varin Enterprises, 212 Stoner Trail Road, Johnstown, NY 12095

What to Expect

• A multicultural arts festival that includes Indigenous elements and traditional practices
• Hosted at Fort Wadsworth, a site known for scenic views and historical resonance
• Likely to include dance, music, performances, art installations, and workshops

Why It’s Worth Going

• Combines Indigenous traditions with broader arts and social topics—a truly multicultural “melting pot”
• Chance to experience cultural resistance and celebration through art
• Free or low-cost touring accessible to diverse audiences
• Unique setting on Staten Island linking past and present

Place:
Fort Wadsworth, 210 New York Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305