There is nothing quite like the annual Choctaw Powwow, an event that engages all the senses.
This year’s event will take place Nov. 6-8, 2026, at the Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3702 Choctaw Road, Durant, Oklahoma. Grand entries are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Dancers range from tiny tots (ages 0-6), junior teens (7-12), teens (13-17), junior adults (18-34), senior adults (35-54), Golden Age (55-69) and Senior Golden Age (70 and older).
Fan favorites include the men’s fancy dance, Woodlands and the head-to-head drum competition.
Members of tribes from across the United States and Canada will compete for cash prizes and the bragging rights of wearing championship jackets. The event draws thousands of attendees each year.
Admission to the powwow is free and open to the public. Dozens of food and vendor booths will offer guests a variety of traditional foods and snacks from different tribes, as well as Native-made crafts and souvenirs. Powwow T-shirts will also be available for purchase.
Last year, the powwow featured more than 450 dancers and 10 drum groups competing. The event was livestreamed to more than 110 countries and watched by over 2.9 million viewers.
According to the October 2025 Iti Fabvssa, “powwows are not only a celebration of life but a vital form of education. They serve as gathering spaces to celebrate and maintain tradition while inviting visitors to experience Indigeneity firsthand.”
During powwow weekend, additional events will take place across the highway at the Choctaw Cultural Center.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the center, explore its exhibits and participate in planned activities. The gift shop is open, and the Champuli Café offers a dining experience for all tastes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to gather with members of other tribes and experience the spirit and unity of Choctaw powwow weekend in Durant, Oklahoma.
For those unable to attend the powwow, check out the livestream.
For more history on the Choctaw Powwow, visit The Choctaw Powwow, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
For questions or inquiries, contact Kerry Steve, powwow director.