How to Visit Pow Wow Long Beach Festival

The Pow Wow Long Beach Festival is one of Southern California’s most vibrant and culturally significant gatherings, celebrating Indigenous heritage through music, dance, art, food, and storytelling. Held annually in Long Beach, California, this event draws thousands of visitors from across the nation—Indigenous communities, cultural enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers alike. More than just a festival, it is a living expression of Native American identity, resilience, and artistic innovation. For first-time visitors, navigating the event can feel overwhelming without proper preparation. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to attend, experience, and respectfully engage with the Pow Wow Long Beach Festival, from planning your visit to understanding cultural protocols and maximizing your time on-site.

Whether you’re a local resident looking to connect with your community or a visitor from another state seeking authentic cultural immersion, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make your experience meaningful, enjoyable, and respectful. The Pow Wow Long Beach Festival is not merely a spectacle—it is a sacred gathering rooted in tradition, and understanding its context enhances every moment you spend there.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm the Event Date and Location

The Pow Wow Long Beach Festival typically takes place in late summer or early fall, often in August or September. Dates vary slightly each year, so it is essential to verify the official schedule through the festival’s primary website or verified social media channels. The event is held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, located at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802. This central location offers ample parking, public transit access, and proximity to hotels and restaurants.

Mark your calendar early. The festival spans multiple days—usually Friday through Sunday—and features different events each day, including grand entries, competitions, and evening concerts. Missing the opening grand entry means missing the most powerful cultural moment of the festival.

2. Purchase Tickets in Advance

While some days may offer walk-up admissions, purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets are often available through the official festival website or authorized ticketing platforms such as Eventbrite or Ticketmaster. Prices vary by day and age group: adult tickets typically range from $15 to $25, youth (ages 6–17) from $5 to $10, and children under 5 enter free.

Look for multi-day passes or family bundles, which offer savings for those planning to attend the full event. Some community organizations and tribal councils also distribute complimentary tickets to members, so inquire locally if you are connected to Indigenous networks.

3. Plan Your Transportation

Long Beach is well-connected by public transit, making it easy to reach the venue without a car. The Long Beach Transit system runs several bus lines that stop near the Convention Center, including Routes 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Metro C Line (Green Line) also connects to the Long Beach Transit Center, from which you can take a short bus ride or use a rideshare service.

If driving, parking is available at the Convention Center garage and nearby lots. However, spaces fill quickly on festival days. Arrive at least 90 minutes before the grand entry to secure parking. Consider carpooling with friends or using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft to reduce congestion and parking stress.

4. Prepare Your Attire

While there is no formal dress code for attendees, dressing respectfully is crucial. Avoid wearing costumes, headdresses, or Indigenous-inspired apparel unless you are a registered member of a tribe. These items hold deep spiritual and cultural significance and should not be appropriated.

Opt for comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor and indoor environments, as the festival spans both. Bring layers—temperatures can shift between warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Wear supportive footwear; you’ll be walking on concrete for hours. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended, as much of the event takes place outdoors.

5. Arrive Early and Locate Key Areas

Arriving early allows you to absorb the atmosphere before crowds build. Upon entry, pick up a printed festival map from the information booth. This map will guide you to the main dance arena, vendor booths, food stalls, cultural exhibits, and rest areas.

Key zones to locate:

• Main Dance Arena: The heart of the pow wow, where drum groups and dancers perform. Seating is often on bleachers or grassy areas.
• Vendor Market: Hundreds of Indigenous artists sell handmade jewelry, clothing, pottery, beadwork, and traditional crafts.
• Food Court: Features Native cuisine such as fry bread, bison burgers, wild rice bowls, and salmon tacos.
• Cultural Tent: Hosts storytelling sessions, language workshops, and historical exhibits.
• Children’s Activity Zone: Interactive games, crafts, and educational activities for younger visitors.

6. Understand the Grand Entry Protocol

The Grand Entry is the ceremonial opening of the pow wow and is the most sacred moment of the event. It typically occurs at the start of each day’s programming. During this time, all attendees are expected to stand as a sign of respect. Do not walk across the dance floor, use your phone, or take photos unless explicitly permitted by the Master of Ceremonies.

The Grand Entry includes veterans carrying flags, elders, head dancers, and drum groups entering the arena in a specific order. Each group is honored with traditional songs. This is not entertainment—it is a spiritual procession. Observe quietly, remove hats, and refrain from talking.

7. Engage with Dancers and Drummers Respectfully

Dancers and drummers are not performers in the conventional sense—they are honoring tradition, family, and community. While photography is often allowed during dances, always ask permission before taking close-up photos, especially of individuals wearing regalia. Some dancers may have personal or spiritual reasons for not being photographed.

Never touch regalia. Beadwork, feathers, and other elements are often handmade, passed down through generations, and imbued with meaning. Even a casual touch can be seen as disrespectful.

If you wish to learn more, approach dancers after the dance has ended and they’ve stepped off the arena. A simple “Thank you for sharing your dance” is appreciated. Many are happy to speak about their culture if approached with humility.

8. Explore the Vendor Market Thoughtfully

The vendor market is one of the most vibrant parts of the festival. Here, you’ll find authentic Native-made goods directly from artists who are often tribal members or descendants. Supporting these vendors helps sustain Indigenous economies and artistic traditions.

When shopping:

• Ask about the artist’s background and the meaning behind their work.
• Pay fair prices—avoid haggling over items that represent years of labor and cultural knowledge.
• Look for the “Native Owned” or “Tribally Certified” labels to ensure authenticity.
• Bring cash or a card; some vendors may not accept digital payments.

9. Sample Native Cuisine with an Open Mind

Food is a powerful connector at the Pow Wow Long Beach Festival. Traditional dishes like fry bread, wild rice soup, venison stew, and smoked salmon are prepared using ancestral recipes. Many vendors use locally sourced, organic ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Try something new. Ask vendors what their favorite dish is or what they prepare for family gatherings. This opens the door to meaningful conversation and deeper cultural understanding.

10. Attend Educational Workshops and Storytelling Sessions

Many attendees overlook the educational offerings, but these are among the most valuable parts of the festival. Cultural tents host daily sessions on Native history, language revitalization, environmental stewardship, and contemporary Indigenous issues.

Workshops may include:

• Basic phrases in Lakota, Tongva, or Chumash languages
• Traditional basket weaving demonstrations
• Panel discussions on land rights and sovereignty
• Children’s storytelling circles featuring oral histories

These sessions are often led by tribal elders, historians, or educators. Listen actively. Take notes if allowed. Ask thoughtful questions afterward.

11. Respect Quiet Zones and Sacred Spaces

Not all areas of the festival are open for public interaction. Some tents or corners may be designated as quiet zones for prayer, meditation, or family gatherings. Signs will indicate these areas. Do not enter unless invited.

Similarly, some drum groups may have specific rules about who can sit near them during performances. Always follow the lead of others or ask a volunteer if unsure.

12. Leave No Trace and Be Environmentally Conscious

The Pow Wow Long Beach Festival is held on public land and is deeply connected to the natural world. Many Indigenous traditions emphasize stewardship of the earth. Help honor that principle by:

• Using recycling and compost bins provided throughout the venue
• Avoiding single-use plastics
• Carrying a reusable water bottle (many water refill stations are available)
• Not littering, even with biodegradable items like food wrappers

Leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Humility

Cultural humility is the cornerstone of respectful engagement at the Pow Wow Long Beach Festival. It means approaching the event not as a tourist seeking a photo opportunity, but as a guest in a sacred space. Recognize that you are witnessing traditions that have survived centuries of colonization, displacement, and erasure. Your presence should be one of gratitude, not entitlement.

Ask yourself: “Am I here to learn, or to consume?” Let your actions reflect the former.

Do Not Appropriation

Appropriation occurs when elements of a culture are taken out of context and used for personal gain, fashion, or entertainment. At the pow wow, this includes wearing headdresses, using sacred symbols as tattoos or accessories, or mimicking dances without understanding their meaning.

Appreciation is different from appropriation. Appreciation means learning, listening, and honoring. Appropriation means taking without permission or understanding. Choose appreciation.

Support Indigenous-Owned Businesses

Every dollar spent at a Native-owned vendor booth supports a family, a community, and a tradition. Avoid non-Native vendors selling “Native-inspired” goods—these are often mass-produced imports that exploit cultural imagery without benefiting Indigenous people.

Look for the “Native Owned” sticker on vendor booths. If you can’t find it, ask the vendor directly. Their answer will tell you more than any label.

Be Mindful of Photography

Photography is permitted in most areas, but always ask before photographing individuals, especially children or elders. Some families do not allow photos for spiritual reasons. If someone says no, respect it without question.

When photographing the dance arena, avoid using flash. It can distract dancers and drummers. Use natural light and keep your camera at a respectful distance.

Engage with Elders with Reverence

Elders are the keepers of oral history, language, and protocol. If you see an elder sitting quietly, do not approach unless they initiate conversation. If they do, listen more than you speak. Offer thanks. A small gift—such as tobacco, a handmade item, or even a kind word—is often appreciated, but never assume what is appropriate. Ask a volunteer or staff member if you’re unsure.

Speak Up Against Disrespect

If you witness someone violating cultural protocols—taking photos without permission, wearing sacred items, or making loud, disruptive noises—politely intervene. Say something like, “I’m sorry, but this is a sacred space. Could you please step back?”

If you’re uncomfortable addressing it directly, notify a festival volunteer or staff member. They are trained to handle such situations with grace and authority.

Bring a Journal or Notebook

Many visitors leave the festival with a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture—but little to remember it by. Bring a small notebook and write down what you learned: the name of a drum group, a phrase in a Native language, the story behind a piece of art. These notes become personal archives of your journey.

Follow Up After the Event

The pow wow doesn’t end when you leave. Continue your learning. Research the tribes represented at the festival—Tongva, Chumash, Luiseño, and others native to Southern California. Follow Indigenous artists and activists on social media. Read books by Native authors. Support tribal initiatives year-round.

True cultural engagement is not a one-day event. It’s a lifelong commitment to learning and allyship.

Tools and Resources

Official Festival Website

The primary source for accurate information is the official Pow Wow Long Beach Festival website. It provides the most up-to-date schedule, vendor list, map, ticketing links, and contact details for organizers. Bookmark this site and check it weekly as the event approaches.

Mobile Apps

Download the Long Beach Convention Center app for real-time updates on parking, shuttle routes, and event changes. Some years, the festival partners with event apps like Eventbrite or AllEvents to send push notifications about schedule changes or special announcements.

Local Transit Tools

Use the Long Beach Transit app or Google Maps for real-time bus schedules. The Metro Trip Planner is also useful for connecting from other parts of Los Angeles County.

Language and Cultural Learning Platforms

Before attending, deepen your understanding by exploring these free resources:

• Tongva Language Project – Online dictionary and audio clips of the original people of the Los Angeles Basin.
• First Peoples Fund – Offers stories and profiles of Native artists and cultural leaders.
• Native Land Digital – An interactive map showing which Indigenous territories you’re on, even if you’re not in Long Beach.

Recommended Reading

Expand your knowledge with these essential books:

• An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Our Beloved Kin by Lisa Brooks
• The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer

Local Indigenous Organizations

Connect with these Long Beach and Southern California-based organizations for year-round engagement:

• Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy – Works to restore ancestral lands and cultural practices.
• Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary – Protects marine ecosystems tied to Chumash traditions.
• Native American Community Board of Long Beach – Hosts monthly gatherings and educational events.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you want to go beyond attendance, consider volunteering. Many festivals rely on community support for setup, registration, and cleanup. Contact the organizers via their website to inquire about opportunities. Volunteering gives you behind-the-scenes insight and builds meaningful relationships with the community.

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria’s First Pow Wow Experience

Maria, a college student from San Diego, attended the Pow Wow Long Beach Festival for the first time after hearing about it from a Native studies professor. She arrived early, bought a ticket online, and took the bus to avoid parking hassles. She spent her first hour studying the map and observing the Grand Entry without taking photos.

She visited the cultural tent and attended a Tongva language workshop, where she learned to say “Kaxa” (thank you). She bought a pair of handmade silver earrings from a Chumash artist and asked the vendor how the design was passed down through her family. The artist shared stories of her grandmother, who taught her to forge silver using traditional tools.

That evening, Maria wrote in her journal: “I didn’t come to see a show. I came to listen. And I heard more than music—I heard history, resilience, and love.”

Example 2: The Johnson Family’s Annual Tradition

The Johnsons, a multigenerational family from Orange County, have attended the festival for 12 years. Their 7-year-old daughter, Lily, now dances in the Jingle Dress category. Her grandmother, a retired schoolteacher, volunteers in the children’s activity tent, teaching beadwork.

Each year, they bring a handmade quilt with symbols representing their family’s journey. One patch is from the first pow wow they attended; another is from a tribal gathering in Arizona. They donate a portion of their yearly festival spending to a Native youth scholarship fund.

“It’s not just a festival,” says Mr. Johnson. “It’s where our daughter learns who she is. And we learn how to be better allies.”

Example 3: The Artist Who Turned a Booth Into a Legacy

Erin Whitefeather, a 28-year-old Ojibwe artist from Minnesota, set up her first vendor booth at the Pow Wow Long Beach Festival in 2019. She sold hand-beaded dreamcatchers and moccasins. By 2023, her booth had become one of the most popular, with customers traveling from as far as Texas to buy her work.

She now runs a nonprofit that teaches Native youth in California how to make traditional regalia. She credits the Long Beach festival with giving her the platform to grow. “I came here as a stranger,” she says. “They treated me like family. Now I’m here to give back.”

Example 4: The Visitor Who Learned to Listen

A tourist from Germany visited the festival on a whim, thinking it was “like a Native American fair.” He took dozens of photos, danced in the crowd, and wore a feathered headband. A volunteer gently approached him and explained the cultural significance of what he was doing.

He was humbled. He removed the headdress, apologized, and spent the rest of the day sitting quietly in the cultural tent, listening to elders speak. He returned the next year—not with a camera, but with a notebook and a willingness to learn.

He now runs a blog about cultural ethics in travel. His most-read post: “How I Learned to Stop Looking and Start Seeing at the Pow Wow.”

FAQs

Is the Pow Wow Long Beach Festival open to the public?

Yes, the festival is open to all members of the public. It is not a private or tribal-only event. However, all visitors are expected to follow cultural protocols and show respect for Indigenous traditions.

Can I take photos during the pow wow?

Photography is generally allowed in public areas, but always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially dancers, drummers, or elders. Never use flash during performances, and avoid photographing sacred ceremonies or private gatherings.

Are children allowed at the festival?

Yes, children are welcome and encouraged. There is a dedicated Children’s Activity Zone with crafts, storytelling, and games. Parents should supervise children closely, especially near the dance arena and food stalls.

What should I do if I don’t understand a ceremony or tradition?

Observe quietly. Do not ask questions during the ceremony. Wait until afterward and speak to a volunteer or staff member. Many are happy to explain cultural practices to curious guests.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, as the festival supports Native-owned vendors. However, exceptions may be made for medical or dietary needs. Contact the organizers in advance if you require special accommodations.

Are there wheelchair-accessible areas?

Yes. The Long Beach Convention Center is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating is available in the dance arena, and wheelchairs can be rented on-site. Sign language interpreters are often provided for major events—check the schedule in advance.

Can I join a dance or participate in the drum circle?

Participation in dances is typically reserved for registered dancers and community members. Visitors are welcome to watch respectfully. Drum circles are sacred and led by specific drum groups. Do not join unless invited.

Is there a dress code for attendees?

There is no formal dress code, but visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully. Avoid costumes, headdresses, or culturally significant items unless you are a member of the community. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.

How can I support the festival beyond attending?

You can support the festival by purchasing from Native vendors, sharing the event on social media, donating to Indigenous-led organizations, or volunteering. Year-round support helps ensure the festival continues for future generations.

What happens if it rains?

The festival is held outdoors and indoors. The main dance arena has covered seating, and vendor booths are under tents. Events typically continue rain or shine. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella if rain is forecasted.

Conclusion

The Pow Wow Long Beach Festival is more than an event—it is a living, breathing testament to the endurance and beauty of Indigenous cultures. To visit is to step into a world where history is not stored in museums but danced in rhythm, sung in song, and woven into every bead and feather. It is a space of joy, healing, and truth-telling.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you are not just attending a festival—you are honoring a legacy. You are choosing to listen when others have spent centuries silencing Native voices. You are choosing to support when others have chosen to exploit. You are choosing to learn when others have chosen to look away.

As you plan your visit, remember this: the most valuable thing you can bring is not your camera, your wallet, or even your curiosity. It is your humility. Your willingness to be still. Your openness to be changed.

When you leave the festival grounds, carry the songs with you. Share the stories. Teach others. Support Native artists. Protect sacred lands. Let your visit be the beginning of a deeper journey—not just into culture, but into conscience.

The pow wow doesn’t end when the last drumbeat fades. It lives on—in how you carry its spirit forward.