Quick answer: The 2026 Choctaw Powwow takes place November 6-8 at the Choctaw Event Center, 3702 Choctaw Road, Durant, Oklahoma. Admission is complimentary, and the official program includes gourd dancing, Grand Entries, dance and drum contests, Choctaw hymns and a livestream.
Last verified September 2, 2026. Schedules can change. Check the Choctaw Cultural Center’s official event page before travelling and again within 72 hours of the powwow.
Choctaw Powwow 2026 quick facts
| Dates | November 6-8, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Choctaw Event Center |
| Address | 3702 Choctaw Road, Durant, OK 74701 |
| Host | Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma |
| Admission | Complimentary |
| Friday Grand Entry | 7 p.m. |
| Saturday Grand Entries | 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. |
| Sunday Grand Entry | 12:30 p.m. |
Friday, November 6 schedule
- 1 p.m.: doors open to the public.
- 2-6 p.m.: Gourd Dance.
- 2-6:30 p.m.: dancer and drum registration.
- 7 p.m.: Grand Entry, dance contests and drum competition.
- 10 p.m.: scheduled close.
Saturday, November 7 schedule
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: dancer and drum registration.
- 10 a.m.: doors open and Gourd Dance begins.
- 12:30 p.m.: Grand Entry flags, royalty and dignitaries, followed by contests.
- 5-7 p.m.: dance specials.
- 6:30 p.m.: evening Grand Entry for flags, royalty and dignitaries.
- 7 p.m.: Grand Entry, drum contest and dance contests.
Sunday, November 8 schedule
- 10 a.m.: doors open.
- 10:30 a.m.: Choctaw hymns.
- 12:30 p.m.: Grand Entry for flags, royalty and dignitaries.
- 1 p.m.: Grand Entry and contests, including Tiny Tots.
- 5 p.m.: sing-off and closing.
What visitors should know
The Choctaw Nation describes this as one of the country’s larger powwows and uses the gathering to open Native American Heritage Month. Dancers and singers travel from many regions for the weekend’s contests and visiting.
Visitors should follow the masters of ceremonies and event staff for changes, honour songs, photography guidance and invitations to enter the arena. Media and professional photographers must follow the official credential policy.
Attending in Durant
The powwow venue is the Choctaw Event Center at 3702 Choctaw Road in Durant. The nearby Choctaw Cultural Center is located at 1919 Hina Hanta Way in Calera. These are different addresses, so confirm which activities are taking place at each location before travelling.
Cannot attend in person? The official event page provides a powwow livestream link. Check that page close to the event for the current broadcast schedule.
New to powwows? Read What Is a Powwow?, the first-time visitor guide, and the Fall Powwows 2026 schedule.
Official source
See the official Choctaw Cultural Center powwow page for the complete agenda, contest rules, registration details, media policy and livestream.
