The 38th annual Black Hills Powwow, also known as He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate, is scheduled for October 9-11, 2026 at Summit Arena at The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota.
This is one of the largest fall powwows in the United States and a major destination for dancers, singers, families, vendors and visitors traveling through powwow country.
Black Hills Powwow 2026 dates and location
Dates: October 9, 10 and 11, 2026
Location: Summit Arena at The Monument, Rapid City, South Dakota
The Black Hills Powwow Association describes the event as a celebration of Great Plains Indigenous song and dance and says championship singers and dancers travel from many Nations to take part each year.
How much are Black Hills Powwow tickets?
The official 2026 admission information lists a three-day pass at $40 for ages 13-64 and $28 for ages 4-12. A one-day pass is listed at $25 for ages 13-64 and $18 for ages 4-12. Children under four and adults 65 and older are listed as free.
Ticket sales were still marked as coming soon when this guide was updated, so visitors should verify current ticket details with the Black Hills Powwow Association before traveling.
More than $200,000 in prize money
Organizers say the overall 2026 prize payout will exceed $200,000, the largest in the event’s history. The Champions of the Northern Plains singing contest alone is listed with $59,000 in singing prizes.
That level of competition is one reason Black Hills draws high-level dancers and drum groups from across the United States and Canada.
What else happens at Black Hills Powwow?
The weekend is much more than arena competition. The event also includes a fine arts show, He Sapa Win pageant, fashion programming, youth wellness activities and tournaments. Visitors can also browse vendors and Indigenous artwork.
For first-time visitors, Rapid City’s tourism information also highlights a Wacipi 101 program designed to explain powwow etiquette, dance styles, regalia and key arena moments while the gathering is underway.
2026 schedule
The detailed arena schedule was still listed as coming soon at the time of this update. We will refresh this page when Grand Entry times and the full weekend schedule are officially posted.
Planning your first powwow?
If Black Hills will be your first powwow, read our first powwow visitor guide before you go. You can also learn what a powwow is and how the gathering works.
Black Hills is also part of our growing Fall Powwows 2026 guide, where we are tracking major gatherings across Canada and the United States.
Official information
Because schedules, ticket availability and contest details can change, always confirm your travel plans with the official Black Hills Powwow website.
