Discovery Park of America Hosts 2025 Celebration of Native American Culture

Discovery Park of America hosted the 2025 Celebration of Native American Culture on Sept. 19–20, bringing together music, dance and storytelling to highlight the heritage of Indigenous communities. More than 500 students attended Friday’s educational programming, and the momentum continued into Saturday as crowds of all ages gathered to experience two powwow exhibitions along with music, workshops and demonstrations.

This year’s event was moved near the Train Depot. The new setting brought the audience closer to the dancers and musicians, creating a more personal and engaging experience for guests.

Highlights included powwow-style competitions, interactive workshops on Indigenous engineering and live music from the John Lone Eagle Band. Acclaimed musician Arvel Bird also greeted guests with performances on flute, fiddle and violin, while Discovery Park’s education director, Michael Larkin, shared insights during his session on Connections in Indigenous Music. Vendors and artisans added to the experience, offering handmade jewelry, traditional beadwork and more.

Throughout both days, emcee Al Santos guided visitors through the schedule, sharing cultural context and keeping the atmosphere lively. Arena Director Jimmy Reedy and Dance Coordinator Nicole Santos also played vital roles in bringing the event together.

From powwow exhibitions to handcrafted Indigenous items, Discovery Park’s Celebration of Native American Culture offered guests a memorable opportunity to engage with the history, artistry and contributions of Native peoples.

A recap video is available on Discovery Park’s YouTube channel.

Missed the celebration? View highlights in the photos below, and explore even more in our Flickr album here.

Save the date for next year’s event on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19.