Shinnecock Pow Wow Open To Public For 1st Time Since Pandemic

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A beloved tradition is back for Labor Day weekend as the 76th Annual Shinnecock Indian Pow Wow is once again open to the public in Southampton after a pandemic pause.

The event, which takes place Friday through Monday at the Shinnecock Reservation on Church Street in Southampton, includes Native arts, crafts, and food, drum and dance contests and dance specials with prizes. A grand entry and fire lightings are also scheduled.

"The Shinnecock Indian Pow Wow is one of the largest Native American gatherings on the East Coast," the Shinnecock Indian Nation said on its site. "As we dance upon the earth we are reminded that our culture and love for one another is the resounding heartbeat that transcends all that we face; wherever we face it. We dance upon our drum. The sound of the drum and our footsteps are recorded year after year within the drum that we dance upon. We may be the only Nation that dances upon its drum."

Organizers added: "The trees that surround our circle also record our Pow Wow 's historical moments within their barks as they grow with the People. We dance with all of our relations, past and present, from nearby and from afar. We welcome home our distant families as well as our guests with open arms and prayers as we share ourselves, our culture, arts and crafts, good food and our ceremonies during each Labor Day weekend."

The Pow Wow begins at 3 p.m. Friday with the first Grand Entry of dancers from across the nation at 7 p.m. Featured each day are competitive dancing, guest entertainment, prayers, ceremonial dances, the acknowledgement of sponsors and visiting dignitaries as well as veterans.

The Grand Entry re-occurs every day of the event at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with the exception of Monday; the pow wow concludes Monday evening at 6 p.m. with the awarding of prizes to competing drums and dancers, organizers said.

Also included are 100 Native American arts, crafts and food vendors from across the nation.

"This celebration of tradition has been fostered by our community leaders and the Shinnecock Church, to whom we are forever grateful," organizers said.

Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Sunset fire lightings take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Grand entries take place at 7 p.m. on Friday ,Saturday, and Sunday, and at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Entry costs $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, children, and those with military ID. Weekend rates are available and children under 5 are free; digital tickets are also available. Parking is free.

For a full schedule and additional information, click here.