Back to New Mexico Home

Nowhere else in the United States have so many ancient Indian rituals and customs survived as in New Mexico.

Anyone who has stood on the edge of a sun-filled Pueblo plaza and watched as ceremonially attired dancers move gracefully to the resonating drums can attest to the profound relationship between the land and her chosen caretakers. Celebrate this heritage at annual events that attract patrons and visitors alike from around the world.

Annual Native American Events

The events displayed on this page occur every year. For specific dates, times, and location information, please visit their websites by clicking on the "Learn More" button.

Before You Go
Gathering of Nations Powwow

The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow

Nearly 3,000 American Indian dancers and singers representing more than 700 Tribes of Canada and the United Stated gather in Albuquerque on the 4th weekend every April for the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. Activities and events include competition Indian singing and dancing. Indian traders' market, and a street fair on Pow Wow Alley, filled with aisles of shopping, and native foods and music. The Indian Trader's Market offers a very special shopping experience and exhibition of Native artifacts from throughout the Americas featuring over 800 artists, crafters and traders, and the crowning of Miss Indian World. All events are open to the public, and photos are encouraged.

Learn More
Spirit of the Ceremonial - Final

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

The historic Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial – complete with Native American juried art show and exhibits, tribal dances, rodeo, parades, powwow, pageant and more – is held annually each August in Gallup at the nearby Red Rock Park. Showcasing the diversity of Native American traditions and heritage the annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial is a genuine cultural experience opportunity for all.

Learn More

Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival

Native Treasures: Indian Arts Festival is Santa Fe’s only museum-quality Indian art show and sale. Over 200 Native American artists participate, each of whom is specially invited by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, to represent the best and brightest of the Indian art world. In fact, many of the artists at Native Treasures are included in the Museum’s permanent collection. Participating artists represent a wide range of Tribes and Pueblos, as well as a wide range of art forms, from traditional to contemporary, and from emerging artists to masters.

Learn More

The SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market

Santa Fe Plaza plays host to the most prestigious Native American arts show in the world - the annual Santa Fe Indian Market is a week of exciting events - every August culminating with the market on Saturday and Sunday. This one-of-a-kind event provides a unique opportunity to buy directly from Native American artists from across North America. The Santa Fe Indian Market has long been the place where Native American art meets the world.  Nearly 1,200 artists will be presenting their newest and best work for sale and admiration. The outdoor market provides a unique place to meet and buy directly from the nation’s top Native American artists, including youth, who represent nearly 100 Tribes. Demonstrations by Native American groups and artists allow visitors a chance to learn more about different Tribal and artistic traditions.

Learn More
SWAIA Winter Indian Market Performance by Nakotah LaRance and Brian Frejo

Winter Indian Market®

The Annual Winter Indian Market® is held every Thanksgiving weekend at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A smaller, more intimate version of summer Santa Fe Indian Market®, Winter Indian Market® is held during Santa Fe's magical winter season. Winter Indian Market® gives visitors an opportunity to spend time interacting with their favorite artists and the opportunity to discover new ones.

Learn More