Open to the Public
Free Admission & Parking
Always the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving.
November 21st-23rd, 2025
Friday 12 pm – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Place:
Petrack Park, 150 NV – 160, Pahrump, NV 89060
Pahrump Inter-tribal Social Powwow was once again a great show.
The formal start to the Powwow is the Grand Entry led by the Honorary Leader and Native American Veterans Color Guard.
After the Color Guard passes, participants file into the circle as the drum crew, the Phoenix Boys’, sets a pounding beat.
This was my fifth Pahrump Powwow and I saw many familiar faces.
Earlier in the week – nothin’ but rain.
But good fortune favored us and it was a sunny day.
I got there early so I could sit close-in – on the soggy ground.
It was fortunate the skies cleared. You always want an outdoor event blessed with sunshine.
The Phoenix Boys drum crew.
Once the Grand Entry participants entered the circle and took a turn or two, the pageantry stopped for remembrance and prayer.
Native American Powwows are both celebration and thanksgiving.
A Powwow is a “gathering of tribes” as its origins are based on cooperation and coexistence, a shared humanity.
Powwows encourage the public to join the circle – as to walk among friends.
But traditions don’t stop the fun and spectacle.
With a break after the Grand Entry, Dads have a chance to rest before the dance competition.
A charming Michael Reifel (above) of the San Carlos Apaches was MC and he was everywhere and anywhere helping, directing, coordinating, assembling, and storytelling to keep things humming with a relentless smile and magnanimous goodwill.
During a lull, a blanket was placed to receive offerings.
The Princess for the Cedar Band of Paiutes reminded folks to come on up to Cedar City, Utah, for their special brand of Powwow.
As something quite unique, the Powwow promotors invited any veterans in the audience to come up and give their name and years of service – and at least 40 men and women – a third of the audience – responded. It was very moving.
There were plenty of show-stopping costumes…
…including this little number that was the envy of all play-dates.
But the afternoon highlight was the Gourde dancers…
…who stirred the crowd with a ten-minute choreographed routine that included…
…two drums at the center of the circle…
…and thirty men, women and children in a manic frenzy…
…dancing to a thunderous drumbeat ending in…
…THE BIG FINISH!!!
The eagle is always watching.
(Seen between the children’s heads.)
Grand Entry Starts at NOON on Sat. and Sun.
Free Admission & Free Parking
Thanks for visiting. 😊
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