44th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Powwow

Celebrate American Indian Culture through music, dance, Native American crafts and food. This spectacular 3-day powwow features intertribal Native American dance competitions by over forty Indian Nations. Program features an expansive market of  authentic Native American art, crafts, jewelry and food (don’t miss the fry bread!). The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow is an experience not to be missed, connecting the public to ancient Native American traditions and cultures and to each other.

The Powwow includes 6 major dance categories for competing dancers. In addition, there are several other non-competitive dances such as Gourd Dance, Round Dance, Rabbit Dance, and demonstrations of various Iroquois, Pueblo and Apache dances. Each dance’s significance is explained to the public. The Grand Entry is a spectacular moment to experience the full regalia of these dancers. The bonfire on Friday and Saturday evenings is the culmination of these beautiful programs, where the audience is invited to join the dance circle. The bonfire is lit Friday and Saturday at dusk between 8:00 pm–9:00 pm.

Dance and music have always been a central part of Native American culture. Powwows are social gatherings where friends and family can enjoy each other’s company, often after many months of separation. Join us as we all have a chance to reconnect again.

Event Hours:

Friday, July 28, 2023 | Gates open @ 6pm; Performances 7–10pm

Saturday, July 29, 2023 | Gates open @ 10 am; Performances 12–5pm & 7–10pm

Sunday, July 30, 2023 | Gates open @ 10 am; Performances 12–5pm

Ticket Options:

• 1-Day Pass

• 3-Day Pass (includes all 3 days of Powwow)

FAST FAQs:

• Advance tickets recommended as tickets are limited. Online tickets only. A ticket is required to enter powwow and craft/food market; however there is no gate fee to enter farm grounds.

• Event features dance performances and American Indian Craft & Food Market. Additional fees apply for food & craft vendors (prices vary), hayrides ($6/person), and additional activities. There is no ATM on site.

• Bonfire is held on Friday and Saturday nights between 8-9pm, weather permitting.

• Ages 1 & under are free

• Eventbrite email confirmation will automatically be sent to you upon completion of purchase.

• All sales are final. No refunds/exchanges on Powwow program tickets. Tickets cannot be replaced or transferred. If event is canceled by Queens Farm due to inclement weather, Queens Farm will administer full refunds. Weather updates will be posted at queensfarm.org.

• Farm members can receive 15% off this program. Contact [email protected] to access discount and confirm your membership. To become a Farm Member, please call 718.347.3276 or email [email protected]. Queens Farm membership info can be found here.

• Queens County Farm Museum is not a participating institution of idNYC or Cool Culture.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT:

• Free event parking available

• Farm grounds and restrooms are accessible.

• Pets are not allowed, for the safety of our farm animals and visitors. Service animals are permitted as described by the ADA.

• Limited straw bale seating available. Visitors encouraged to bring lightweight, portable seating to this event. Queens Farm is not responsible for these items.

• Strollers, backpacks and bottled water are permitted on our grounds.

• No designated storage for strollers, bags, or coats.

• Bicycle rack available on-site

• This event may be affected by rain. Check for event updates at queensfarm.org if inclement weather is forecasted.

QUESTIONS? Email [email protected] between Mon–Fri and someone will get back to you.

The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers are the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. The troupe was founded in 1963 by a group of ten Native American men and women, all New Yorkers, who were descended from Mohawk, Hopi, Winnebago and San Blas tribes. The founders were “first generation,” meaning that their parents had been born on reservations. They founded the troupe to keep alive the traditions, songs and dances they had learned from their parents, and added to their repertoire from other Native Americans living in New York. The Thunderbirds pledged to help preserve and perpetuate the culture and traditions of the American Indian people through their songs and dances, and ceremonies and to bring before the general public a more realistic picture and greater understanding of the American Indian people. Members share a commitment to raising scholarships for young American Indian students.