Indian Summer Festival’s 25th Annual Pow Wow will take place Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

The traditional pow wow brings together people of all ages and from many nations to dance, sing, and enjoy each other’s company, eat and shop.

The pow wow opens with the pageantry of the “not to be missed” Grand Entry. Veterans carrying the eagle feather staff and the American flag are followed by men, women, teens and tiny tots wearing their best dancing outfits. All of the participants enter the arena to an energetic song. 

There are plenty of opportunities for audience members to participate. When the emcee announces an “intertribal,” everyone is encouraged to join in the dancing. When a veteran’s song is announced, veterans, regardless of background, are honored and can participate.

Special entertainment on Saturday at 5:00 PM will be provided by the Aztec Dancers. A non-denominational prayer ceremony will be held on Sunday.

The pow wow features an extensive marketplace where vendors offer arts and crafts, traditional foods and herbs, jewelry, books, and other items for purchase. Food vendors will offer fry bread, Indian tacos, corn soup and wild rice along with family friendly fare such as hot dogs and soft drinks. 

The pow wow is held at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, reached by entering at Gate 5, 640 S. 84th St.

The Pow wow will be held from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. Grand Entry times are 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM on Sunday. Those attending the prayer ceremony at 10:00 AM are admitted free.

Admission prices are $8 for general admission, $6 for elders 60 and over. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.

Dates for this year’s 31st Anniversary Indian Summer Festival are September 8-10 at Maier Festival Park. Indian Summer Festival is North America’s largest American Indian festival and provides an entertaining, fun and educational experience with American Indian traditions joined by contemporary features. Regular admission prices for the festival are $15 at the gate for adult admission (ages 13 and older) and $12 for elders. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free of charge.