NW Tennessee Powwow Week Is Finally Here

Shannon McFarlin
September 19, 2024
8:42 am

Powwow week is finally here. The 2024 Northwest Tennessee Native American Educational Powwow, on Thursday Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 22, will welcome Indigenous people from around the country to honor their traditions while educating visitors about the rich history and future of their heritage.

Kicking it off on Thursday evening is a free live concert by John Lone Eagle and Friends at 5 p.m. on Discovery Park’s Great Lawn. It’s the perfect way to start a weekend packed with storytelling, drumming, hoop dancing, vendors and delicious Native American cuisine.

With the anticipation of this year’s event being even bigger, we’ve added additional seating options around the powwow circle. Guests are still welcome to bring a chair or blanket.

Be sure to grab the four-day VIP Powwow Package, offering the best value at just $37.99 for adults. This package includes general admission for all four days, unlimited access to Cooper Tower, exclusive discounts at our shops and cafés and a special souvenir booklet. Get yours online and save an additional 15% today.

We’re also thrilled to welcome back Al Santos of Ottertrail as this year’s emcee. For a preview of what to expect, listen to the Grammy award-winner on episode 172 of Reelfoot Forward.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind, cultural experience. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Friday, Sept. 20

Though everyone is invited to attend, this Friday’s festivities are designed with students in mind, featuring engaging educational experiences. Highlights include ‘Birds of Prey’ demonstrations by Reelfoot Lake State Park, Choctaw storytelling and dancing, powwow drum song exhibitions and hoop dancing demonstrations.

10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. | Native American Gallery

Native American Gallery Tours

10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. | Great Lawn

Powwow Dance Exhibition

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Tennessee Room

Educational Programs Involving Native American Artifacts

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Great Lawn

Free concert by John Lone Eagle and Friends

on Discovery Park’s Great Lawn

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Birds of Prey Demonstrations | Regional History Gallery

Arvel Bird (Meet and Greet) | Entrance Hall

Brent Greenwod (Stories and Paint) | Art Hall

Terrell Anquoe (Storytelling) | Dino Hall

John Lone Eagle (Meet and Greet) | Settlement Pavilion

Craft Projects | Tennessee Room

All powwow activities will take place on

Discovery Park’s Great Lawn

Saturday, Sept. 21

10 a.m.

Discovery Park opens

11 a.m.

Greeting, announcements and itinerary for the day

12 p.m.

Grand entry, round dance, intertribal dancing, contest dancing and hoop dancing demonstration

5 p.m.

Performance from Arvel Bird

6 p.m.

Grand entry, round dance, intertribal dancing, contest dancing and hoop dancing demonstration

9 p.m.

Closing ceremony on

Sunday, Sept. 22

10 a.m.

Discovery Park opens

11 a.m.

Performance from Arvel Bird

12 p.m.

Greeting, announcements and gourd dancing

1 p.m.

Grand entry, round dance, intertribal dancing, contest dancing and hoop dancing demonstration

3 p.m.

Announcement of dance contest winners

3:30 p.m.

Closing ceremony

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NW Tennessee Powwow Week Is Finally Here

Friday, Sept. 20

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