Bismarck’s Winter Jam Powwow 2026: A Jaw-Dropping Celebration of Indigenous Power, Dance, and Drums You Won’t Forget!

Published on December 30, 2025

Every year, Bismarck, North Dakota, hosts one of the most exciting and vibrant festivals celebrating Indigenous culture — the Winter Jam Powwow. In 2026, this regional festival will take place on January 24–25, bringing together Native American communities from across the Northern Plains for a weekend filled with dance, music, drum competitions, and a rich display of cultural pride. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Winter Jam Powwow promises to be an unforgettable experience that showcases the best Native talent from the region.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty and traditions of Native American culture, this is the event you can’t afford to miss. Let’s dive into what makes this festival so special and what you can expect when you attend.

What is the Winter Jam Powwow?

The Winter Jam Powwow is a celebration of Indigenous culture, featuring traditional dance performances, music, drum competitions, and an array of local vendors offering Native American arts, crafts, and food. It is a place where Indigenous communities come together to honour their heritage, showcase their talents, and engage with the wider community.

This year marks the 3rd Annual Winter Jam Powwow and promises to be bigger and better than ever. With a rich history of attracting 1,500 to 2,500 attendees, the event is quickly becoming one of the most important cultural celebrations in Bismarck and the surrounding regions. The powwow provides a unique opportunity to witness and participate in the traditions of Native American culture, from the energetic dance performances to the heart-pounding drum circles.

The Winter Jam Powwow not only serves as a platform for cultural expression but also fosters a sense of community, unity, and pride. Attendees can look forward to two full days of performances, competition, and cultural exchange, all while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere that makes this powwow so special.

Dates and Location: When and Where to Attend

The 3rd Annual Winter Jam Powwow will take place on January 24–25, 2026, at the Bismarck Event Center Arena, located in Bismarck, North Dakota. The event will span two days, allowing plenty of time for attendees to experience all the festival has to offer.

• When:January 24–25, 2026
  • Saturday, January 24: 11:00 AM – 11:50 PM
  • Sunday, January 25: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Where:Bismarck Event Center Arena
  • Address: 315 S 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58504

The Bismarck Event Center Arena is the perfect venue for this large-scale cultural event. With plenty of space for performances, competitions, and vendor booths, the arena ensures that attendees can enjoy the festivities in comfort. The venue is centrally located in Bismarck, making it easy to access from surrounding areas and providing a welcoming environment for both first-time visitors and long-time participants.

What to Expect at the Winter Jam Powwow

Traditional Dance Performances

At the heart of the Winter Jam Powwow are the dance performances. These dances are not just entertainment; they are deeply rooted in Native American traditions and are an important part of the powwow culture. Expect to see a variety of dance styles, each with its own history and significance.

Some of the most popular dance categories include:

• Traditional Dance – This dance style reflects the ancient ceremonial movements passed down through generations. Dancers wear elaborate regalia, often adorned with feathers, beads, and bells, and perform intricate, rhythmic steps.
• Grass Dance – Known for its flowing movements, the grass dance involves swift, graceful steps that mimic the sway of grass in the wind. The dancers’ regalia is often decorated with colourful ribbons.
• Fancy Dance – The fancy dance is one of the most energetic and fast-paced styles, with dancers spinning and jumping to the beat of the drums. This is a crowd favourite due to its high-energy performances.
• Jingle Dress Dance – This dance style is known for its beautiful sound, as the dancer’s dress is adorned with metal cones that create a jingling noise with every movement. The jingle dress dance is often performed to bring healing and good health.

Each dance is accompanied by the beat of the drum, which is the spiritual heart of the powwow. The drum circles at Winter Jam are highly competitive, with groups from across the Northern Plains showcasing their skills and providing the rhythm for the dancers. The powerful, resonant sounds of the drums fill the arena and add to the intensity of the performances.

Drum Competitions

The drum competitions at the Winter Jam Powwow are one of the most exciting aspects of the festival. Drum groups from various Native communities compete against each other, using their traditional drumming and singing techniques to create music that is not only rhythmic but also deeply spiritual.

The drum groups are a focal point of the powwow, providing the pulse for all the dancing and ceremony. These competitions are often intense, with drummers showcasing their skill, stamina, and ability to maintain the rhythm for extended periods. The drum circles are open to all attendees, and many visitors are drawn to the powerful energy that emanates from the drummers and their drums.

Arts, Crafts, and Vendors

Another key feature of the Winter Jam Powwow is the arts and crafts vendors who set up booths to showcase their Native American art, jewellery, clothing, and crafts. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to purchase one-of-a-kind items directly from Native artists and support Indigenous artisans.

Some of the items you can expect to find include:

• Beaded jewellery
• Handmade clothing and accessories
• Traditional pottery and artwork
• Regalia and ceremonial items

Food vendors will also be present, offering a selection of traditional Native American dishes, as well as festival favourites like fry bread and Indian tacos. The food at the powwow is just as much a part of the experience as the dance and music, and it provides a delicious way to celebrate Native American culture.

A Celebration of Community and Culture

The Winter Jam Powwow is much more than just a competition or a cultural display; it is a celebration of community and heritage. Powwows are central to many Indigenous communities, and they provide an opportunity for people to come together, reconnect, and celebrate their shared history.

Attendees will have the chance to engage in cultural exchange, interact with elders and knowledge keepers, and witness the strength and resilience of Native American culture. The event fosters a sense of pride, unity, and celebration, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Indigenous traditions and passing them on to future generations.

Why Attend the Winter Jam Powwow?

The Winter Jam Powwow is an event that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in dance, music, art, or food, there is no shortage of things to see and do. But beyond the entertainment and festivities, the powwow provides a rare opportunity to experience the richness and depth of Native American culture in a way that is accessible and engaging for all.

For those who have never attended a powwow before, the Winter Jam Powwow is the perfect introduction to Indigenous culture. It’s an event that combines fun, education, and tradition, and it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the festival is over.

If you’re a local or someone visiting the area, attending the Winter Jam Powwow is a chance to support the Native American community and show appreciation for the cultural traditions that have shaped the history and identity of North Dakota and beyond.

Don’t Miss Out on This Spectacular Event

The 3rd Annual Winter Jam Powwow in Bismarck, North Dakota is an event that should be on every cultural enthusiast’s calendar. From spectacular dance performances and drum competitions to arts and crafts vendors and traditional food, this powwow offers a truly immersive experience that celebrates the best of Native American heritage.

If you’re looking to engage with a unique cultural tradition, witness powerful performances, and experience the vibrant spirit of Indigenous culture, make sure to attend this year’s Winter Jam Powwow. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration that honours the richness of Native American culture and invites all to join in the festivities.

Be sure to mark your calendars for January 24–25, 2026, and don’t miss the opportunity to be part of one of Bismarck’s most exciting and culturally enriching events!