Indio, CA - November 28 - 29, 2026
When the drum begins to sound across the desert, the Cabazon Indio Powwow comes alive with color, movement and community. Held each Thanksgiving weekend at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, the annual gathering brings Native dancers, singers, drum groups, artists, families and visitors together for a celebration of Indigenous culture and community.
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, part of the Cahuilla Nation, has lived in the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert and mountain regions of Southern California for thousands of years. The Tribe's Reservation was formally established in 1876, and despite generations of displacement and pressure to assimilate, the Cabazon Band continues to maintain its cultural identity, sovereignty and connection to its homeland.
The powwow offers visitors an opportunity to experience that living culture firsthand. As dancers enter the arena in brightly colored regalia decorated with feathers, beadwork and intricate designs, the steady beat of the drums creates a rhythm that carries across the gathering. Dancers compete in a variety of traditional and contemporary categories, with each style carrying its own history, meaning and movement.
Beyond the dance arena, bird singing, drum groups, Native arts and crafts, food vendors and community activities give visitors additional ways to experience the gathering. Handmade artwork, traditional foods and conversations between families and visitors create an atmosphere that feels less like a performance and more like an invitation into a community celebration.
For dancers, singers and families, the Cabazon Indio Powwow is much more than an annual event. It is a place where traditions are practiced, taught and passed between generations — a living expression of cultural continuity and resilience.
Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome to attend, observe respectfully and learn. Set against the desert landscape of the Coachella Valley, the powwow offers a memorable opportunity to experience the sound of the drum, the movement of the dance and the enduring cultural presence of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.
Cultural Experiences
Grand Entry – Experience the powerful opening procession as dancers in colorful regalia enter the arena accompanied by drum groups and singers.
Dance Competitions – Watch dancers compete in multiple categories and styles, each with its own traditions, movements and cultural significance.
Bird Singing – Experience traditional Cahuilla bird songs, an important cultural tradition connected to storytelling, history and community.
Drum Groups – Hear the deep, resonant rhythms of intertribal and competition singing throughout the gathering.
Native Arts & Crafts – Browse handmade jewelry, artwork, beadwork, clothing and other items created by Native artists.
Native Foods – Sample foods and refreshments from vendors during the event.
Community Gathering – Meet Native families, dancers, singers, artists and visitors from communities across North America.
Intertribal Dancing – Visitors may have opportunities to participate in or observe intertribal dancing, depending on the event schedule.
Visitor Information
Event: Annual Cabazon Indio Powwow
Timing: Traditionally held over Thanksgiving weekend; confirm the current year's dates before traveling.
Admission: Check the current event announcement for admission and parking information.
Event Hours: Vary by year and daily schedule.
Photography: Visitors should follow event guidelines and ask permission before photographing individuals, ceremonies or culturally sensitive activities.
Visitor Tip: Plan to spend several hours at the gathering rather than attending only the dance competitions. Exploring the arts and crafts booths, listening to the drum groups and learning about the participating Native communities adds depth to the experience.
