Quick answer: The 35th annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow takes place September 25-27, 2026, in Cabazon, California. Admission is free and families are encouraged to attend.
Last verified September 2, 2026. Event details can change. Confirm with the official organizer before travelling and check again within 72 hours of the gathering.
Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow 2026 quick facts
| Dates | September 25-27, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Location | Morongo Indian Reservation, just off I-10 in Cabazon, California |
| Host | Morongo Band of Mission Indians |
| Admission | Free |
| Friday Grand Entry | 8 p.m. |
| Saturday Grand Entries | 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. |
| Sunday Grand Entry | 1 p.m. |
What to expect
The event welcomes dancers, singers, families and visitors for competition, bird singing and dancing, an Indian marketplace, food and community gathering. The host emphasizes that everyone present has a place in the circle and should participate respectfully.
Follow event signs from Seminole Drive to the powwow site. The official location page provides driving directions and nearby lodging information.
Schedule highlights
- Friday, September 25: marketplace and registration open at 4 p.m.; open bird singing and dancing at 4:15 p.m.; Grand Entry at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26: marketplace opens at 11 a.m.; Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; registration closes at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, September 27: marketplace and bird singing begin at 11 a.m.; Grand Entry at 1 p.m.; closing at 6 p.m.
Visitor etiquette and planning
Follow the masters of ceremonies and event staff. They will announce schedule changes, photography restrictions, when guests should stand, and when visitors are invited to dance. Ask permission before taking close photographs of people, do not enter the arena unless invited, and never touch regalia or cultural items without permission.
- Check parking, bag, chair and venue rules on the organizer’s site.
- Allow extra time for entry and parking.
- Bring water or weather protection only where venue rules allow.
- Support Native artists and food vendors when available.
- Confirm accessibility arrangements directly with the venue.
First visit? Start with What Is a Powwow?, the first-time visitor guide, and the Fall Powwows 2026 schedule.
Official information
Powwow Times summarized the public information above from the official Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow website. The organizer’s announcement controls if dates, times, admission, registration or venue rules change.
