The 38th annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow will be held November 6-8 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.

Children's Day will kick off the weekend beginning at 9 am to 2 pm 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 at 7pm, on Friday night with a Grand Entry of the dancers followed by intertribal dancing until 9pm. The Opening Ceremony honoring Veterans and featuring a Frand Entry of all the different Dance styles begins at Noon, Saturday, followed by Contest Dancing. A special performance by the Pacific Islanders Dance Company during the dinner break, 5-7 pm. Dancing restarts at 7pm. Sunday dancing restarts 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 and $4 children.

hat is a powwow? A powwow is a social gathering where members of different tribes come together in peace and harmony, continuing a long-standing tradition. Because powwows are open to the public and increasingly popular, visitors should know what to expect and understand proper etiquette. A typical powwow features traditional crafts and artifacts, dance demonstrations and contests accompanied by drums, and Native American foods. A master of ceremonies, often a tribal elder or leader, guides the event and begins the Grand Entry, when dancers enter the arena in full regalia. They dance in a circle that represents the circle of life. Spectators may enter the arena only when invited to join a dance. Guests should accept the invitation respectfully and enjoy the experience; most steps are easy to learn, and guidance is usually provided.