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Shinnecock Indian Nation Powwow Returns for 79th Year This Labor Day Weekend; August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025

By George Mcgregor
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Shinnecock Indian Nation Powwow
Attendees can expect four days of dance and drum performances, artisan markets featuring authentic Native crafts, and a variety of traditional foods. The event also serves as an educational experience, offering insight into the Shinnecock Nation’s history and the broader Indigenous experience in the United States. File photo: Kim Kelley-Wagner, licensed.

SOUTHAMPTON, NY – Southampton will once again come alive with tradition, song, and dance as the Shinnecock Indian Nation hosts its 79th Annual Powwow over Labor Day Weekend, Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Shinnecock Powwow Grounds on Montauk Highway.

Widely regarded as one of the top five powwows in the nation, the event brings together dancers, drummers, artists, and visitors from across Indian Country and beyond. The gathering celebrates Native culture through dazzling regalia, rhythmic drum circles, and competitive dance exhibitions that highlight centuries-old traditions passed through generations.

The powwow is more than a spectacle; it is a cultural touchstone for the Shinnecock people and the wider community. Since its beginnings in 1946, and with earlier ceremonies dating back to 1912, the annual gathering has stood as both a homecoming and an opportunity to share heritage with the public.

Attendees can expect four days of dance and drum performances, artisan markets featuring authentic Native crafts, and a variety of traditional foods. The event also serves as an educational experience, offering insight into the Shinnecock Nation’s history and the broader Indigenous experience in the United States.

The powwow opens Friday at 3:00 p.m. and continues through Monday evening, with Grand Entry ceremonies each day marking the official start of dancing and competition. Thousands are expected to attend, making it one of the largest cultural gatherings on Long Island each year.

For the Shinnecock Indian Nation, the annual powwow is a way to honor ancestors, preserve traditions, and ensure that their voices remain strong in modern times. For visitors, it is an invitation to witness living culture, join in celebration, and take part in one of Long Island’s most enduring and meaningful holiday weekend traditions.

Shinnecock Indian Powwow – Quick Snapshot

  • Event: 79th Annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow
  • Dates: Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025
  • Hours:
    • Friday: Opens 3:00 p.m.
    • Sat–Mon: Opens 10:00 a.m.
    • Closing each night at 10:00 p.m. (Mon ends at 8:00 p.m.)
  • Location: Shinnecock Powwow Grounds, 100 Montauk Hwy, Southampton, NY
  • Highlights:
    • Daily Grand Entry ceremonies with dancers and drum groups
    • Competitive dance exhibitions in traditional regalia
    • Native artisans’ marketplace and cultural demonstrations
    • Indigenous foods including fry bread and corn dishes
  • Admission: Ticket prices vary by day and age (details announced closer to event). Children under 5 are typically free.
  • Founded: First hosted in 1946; rooted in ceremonies dating back to 1912
  • Ranked: Among the Top 5 Powwows in the U.S.

Background on the Shinnecock Indian Nation Powwow

Origins and History

  • The Shinnecock Indian Nation is one of the oldest self-governing communities in North America, with roots on Long Island stretching back thousands of years.
  • Public powwows on Shinnecock land began as early as 1912, when the Nation first hosted traditional gatherings to celebrate culture, community, and spirituality.
  • The Annual Powwow in its current form was formally established in 1946, making it one of the longest-running Native American cultural celebrations on the East Coast.
  • In 2025, the event marks its 79th year, reflecting nearly eight decades of continuous tradition while remaining one of the premier powwows in the country.

Significance of the Event

  • The powwow is a ceremonial and social gathering that blends sacred Native traditions with community festivities. It functions as both a homecoming for Shinnecock families and an open invitation for visitors to experience Native culture.
  • Beyond entertainment, the event is a platform for cultural preservation and education, allowing the Shinnecock Nation to share its history, identity, and artistry with wider audiences.
  • Recognized nationally, the Shinnecock Powwow is consistently ranked among the top five powwows in the United States.

Location and Setting

  • The event takes place at the Shinnecock Powwow Grounds, located along Montauk Highway in Southampton on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation.
  • The grounds transform into a vibrant celebration space featuring the main dance arena, artisan booths, food vendors, and cultural displays.
  • Daily ceremonies such as the Grand Entry showcase dancers in traditional regalia, accompanied by the heartbeat of the drum and songs sung by Native drum groups.

What Visitors Experience

  • Dance Competitions: Featuring participants from across Indian Country, judged on authenticity, skill, and regalia. Categories range from traditional to contemporary powwow styles.
  • Drumming and Singing: Drum groups provide the rhythm and power for the dancers, representing the heart of Native community life.
  • Regalia: Each dancer’s attire is deeply symbolic, incorporating handcrafted beadwork, feathers, leather, and colors representing family, tribe, or personal meaning.
  • Artisan Marketplace: Authentic Native-made jewelry, beadwork, crafts, and artwork are available, providing a direct way to support Indigenous artists.
  • Food: Visitors enjoy traditional Native foods such as fry bread, corn dishes, and game, alongside other festival offerings.
  • Educational Value: The powwow serves as an interactive introduction to Native traditions, often including storytelling, historical interpretation, and cultural demonstrations.

Community and Cultural Importance

  • The powwow functions as a fundraiser and community anchor for the Shinnecock Indian Nation, supporting programs and initiatives that benefit tribal members.
  • It is also a cultural reaffirmation: a way for younger generations to connect with elders, learn traditions, and maintain identity in a modern world.
  • For the wider Long Island community, the event represents an opportunity to engage directly with one of the region’s founding peoples and to appreciate the endurance of their culture.

Modern Recognition

  • The Shinnecock Powwow regularly attracts thousands of visitors from across Long Island, New York City, and beyond.
  • The event is covered in regional and national media, celebrated as a vibrant cultural festival that bridges heritage with modern tourism.
  • Its reputation has grown far beyond Long Island, making it a destination for Native and non-Native visitors alike who are seeking authentic cultural experiences.
George Mcgregor

Mr. McGregor is our staff news reporter who focuses primarily on reviewing and editing (if necessary) all media alerts and press releases for Long Island Guide. Media advisories, alerts and press releases can be sent via this online form and, if approved, will be published free of charge. There is no guarantee your release will be published; inclusion is at the discretion of our editors. We receive hundreds of media advisories and news alerts per day and choose a select few for publication. Please see our editorial guidelines and terms of service.

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