Watch Tradition Come Alive at the Barona Powwow
The Barona Band of Mission Indians is hosting the 54th Annual Barona Powwow over Labor Day Weekend, and this is one celebration you won’t want to miss.
Three days of traditional dance, drumming, food, and crafts, all completely free to attend. Fifty-four years in, it’s still one of the best ways to spend a holiday weekend in San Diego.
Three Days of Dance, Drums, and Tradition
Hundreds of Native American dancers from across the country come together for this one, competing and showcasing traditional and contemporary styles like the Fancy Shawl Dance and Grass Dance.
It kicks off with gourd dancing followed by a grand entry of dancers in full regalia, and contest dancing runs across all categories throughout the weekend.
Dry camping is permitted, and all drums and dancers are welcome, so this is a genuinely open, community-driven event. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or camping out for the full weekend, it’s an experience built for everyone to take part in.
The Flow of the Festivities
With so much packed into one weekend, it helps to know what’s coming each day. Here’s how the weekend flows:
- Day one opens with gourd dancing followed by the grand entry that evening
- Day two adds a morning FunRun 5K, with gourd dancing and grand entries happening twice, plus a Drum Contest following the evening session
- Day three closes things out with another round of gourd dancing and grand entries
However you decide to spend it, each day builds on the last, so it’s worth showing up for more than just one.
Food, Crafts, and Community
Beyond the dancing, the powwow brings Hand Drum contests, singing, and drumming throughout the weekend, plus food favorites like Indian fry bread tacos to keep you fueled.
A wide selection of arts, crafts, and handmade jewelry will also be on hand from local and traveling vendors, so it’s worth setting aside time to browse.
See you there!
Three days of dance, drums, and community, all free to attend. This is a powwow worth making a tradition of your own.
📆 Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 7 AM – 8 PM
📍 1095 Barona Rd, Lakeside
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
