Powwow Season Begins Across B.C.—Here’s Where to Celebrate First Nations Culture

As summer approaches, powwow season is in full swing across British Columbia, bringing communities together in celebration of First Nations culture. These vibrant events, open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, offer a chance to experience traditional drumming, singing, dancing, and community connection.

Powwows have long been a cultural cornerstone for Indigenous peoples, and today they continue to serve as spaces for revitalization, healing, and celebration. Most events also feature food vendors and artisans selling crafts, so bring some cash if you’d like to support local makers.

There are two main types of powwows: traditional and contest. Traditional powwows focus on community, culture, and spiritual connection. Contest powwows include competitive dance and singing performances, with participants vying for prizes.

Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and follow basic powwow etiquette. Always ask permission before taking photos, attend substance-free, and listen to the event MC, who will guide the audience through what’s happening. Everyone is welcome to join inter-tribal dances—no regalia or experience required.

Below is a list of powwows happening across B.C. this year:

May Powwows

• Creston – Yaqan Nukiy Powwow
  May 16–18 | 830 Simon Road

• 100 Mile House – Healing Our Children 2nd Annual Powwow
  May 23–25 | 2-175B Wrangler Way

June Powwows

• Mount Currie – Lil’wat Celebrations Powwow
  June 6–8 | Ullus Community Complex, 82 R #10

• Vernon – Komasket Powwow
  June 6–8 | 12420 Westside Rd.

• Taylor – Spirit of the Peace Powwow
  June 13–15 | Taylor, B.C.

• Williams Lake – Father’s Day Traditional Powwow
  June 13–15 | Chief William Powwow Arbor, 2581 Cariboo Hwy 97 S

• Boston Bar – Tuckkwiowhum Traditional Powwow
  June 21–22 | Tuckkwiowhum Powwow Arbour

• Kamloops – Kamloopa Powwow 2025
  June 27–29 | 345 Powwow Trail

• Kelowna – Two-Spirit Powwow
  June 28 | Kelowna City Park, 1600 Abbott St.

July Powwows

• Vancouver – DTES Powwow
  July 1 | Oppenheimer Park, 457 E Cordova St.

• West Vancouver – Squamish Nation Youth Powwow
  July 11–13 | Capilano Reserve Field

• Mission – VYPER Reclaiming Youth Powwow
  July 11–13 | 34110 Lougheed Hwy

• Penticton – Powwow Between the Lakes
  July 18–20 | South Okanagan Events Centre, 853 Eckhardt Ave W

• Cache Creek – St’uxwtews Powwow
  July 25–27 | Historic Hat Creek Ranch – Hwy 99 & BC-97

August Powwows

• Quesnel – Lhtako Dene Nation Powwow
  August 2–4 | 1515 Chief Dominic Road

• Mount Currie – St’at’imc Northern Tribez Powwow
  August 8–10 | 347 Kwetsa7

September Powwow

• Langley – stɑl'əw̓ Powwow
  September 12–14 | Langley Events Centre, 7888 200 St.

Powwows are about connection, celebration, and cultural pride—come with an open heart, learn something new, and enjoy the experience.