Welcome to the 38th Annual Black Hills Powwow

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Black Hills Powwow Association, I am honored to welcome you to the 38th Annual Black Hills Powwow, taking place October 9–10–11, 2026 at the Summit Arena at The Monument.

For many years, our theme has been “Come Dance With Us.” It reflects our commitment to creating a space where everyone feels welcome and can experience the beauty, strength, and spirit of Great Plains Indigenous song and dance. Each year, championship singers and dancers travel from many nations to join us, and 2026 will be no exception.

This year’s dance categories will award seven places in each category, and the Champions of the Northern Plains singing contest will award ten places, with a total of $59,000 in singing prizes. Our overall prize payout will exceed $200,000—the largest in the history of the Black Hills Powwow.

The Black Hills Powwow has grown into one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, drawing thousands of dancers, singers, artisans, and spectators from across numerous U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and beyond. In addition to the powwow arena events, attendees can enjoy a fine arts show, the He Sapa Win pageant, a style show, a youth wellness symposium, and tournaments in hand games, golf, and archery.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, participants, attendees, head staff, and—most importantly—the Creator, Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka, for making this celebration possible.

Please explore our website to learn more about this year’s events and offerings. Thank you in advance for joining us for the 2026 Black Hills Powwow.

Stephen Yellowhawk  
President, Black Hills Powwow Association