Queens County Farm Museum’s Thunderbird American Indian Powwow, presented in partnership with the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, is back in its 47th year on Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026. Queens County Farm Museum is the longest running presenter of Native American arts and culture in New York City. The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow will feature three days of intertribal dance competitions, a Native American Craft and Food Market, and two evening programs culminating in a bonfire at dusk welcoming the audience into the dance circle.
Native American powwows are significant cultural gatherings that hold deep meaning for indigenous communities. They serve as a vibrant celebration of Native American traditions, heritage, and values, while also providing an opportunity for intertribal connections and cultural exchange. Powwows have evolved over time and vary among different tribes, but they generally share common elements that highlight the richness of indigenous cultures. Powwows are social gatherings where friends and family can enjoy each other’s company, often after many months of separation – a tradition that goes back thousands of years. The modern powwow, developed after the institution of the Reservation System, is derived from the Plains Indians Dance gatherings and primarily features dance styles developed in the Plains.
The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow experience at Queens County Farm Museum connects the public to these Native traditions and cultures. Visitors can learn firsthand how the original inhabitants of this great land celebrate their continued legacy. The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow at Queens County Farm Museum is one of the ten largest Powwows in the United States. “Most people think of Native American culture as a thing of the past,” stated Louis Mofsie, Director of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers. “This Powwow showcases a living, developing culture. This is a wonderfully educational and entertaining cultural event.”
Audience tickets are $12–$19. Three-day passes are available for $24–$38. Tickets can be purchased online at queensfarm.org. Admission to Queens County Farm Museum is free, and tickets are required to attend the Powwow and the Native American Craft and Food Market. Queens Farm is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park.
Queens County Farm Museum’s Thunderbird American Indian Powwow, presented in partnership with the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, is back in its 47th year on Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Photo Courtesy of Lorraine Heany