The Mid-America All-Indian Museum is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a special Anniversary Powwow on Saturday, November 21, 2026. This free community event will honor Native American traditions through dancing, singing, drumming, and cultural celebration while commemorating five decades of the museum’s impact in Wichita.
Whether you’ve attended a powwow before or are experiencing one for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to witness the beauty and significance of Native American culture. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy traditional dances, vibrant regalia, drum groups, and competitions featuring dancers from across the region.
Grand Entry Schedule
- 2:00–4:00 p.m. – Gourd Dance
- 4:00–5:00 p.m. – Dinner Break
- 5:00 p.m. – Grand Entry
- 5:00–10:00 p.m. – Evening Session
Dance Competitions
The anniversary powwow will feature dance competitions in several categories, including:
- Fancy Dance
- Women’s Cloth
- Men’s Traditional
- Men’s Straight
- Jingle Dress
- Tiny Tots & Potato Dance
Cash prizes will be awarded in each division.
Head Staff
- Head Singer: Sidney Toppah
- Master of Ceremonies: Creighton Moore
- Arena Director: Tahlo Moore
- Head Gourd Dancer: Wendell Buffalohead
- Head Man: Jerry Girod
- Head Lady: Sherry Lasiter
- Host Drum: Big Soldier Creek
Parking
Reserved parking near the museum is available for guests with handicap placards and elders. Overflow parking will be available at Exploration Place.
Celebrating 50 Years of MAAIM: Then, Now, Next, this anniversary powwow is a chance to experience one of Wichita’s longest-standing cultural traditions while honoring the heritage, artistry, and community of Native American nations. Whether you come for the Grand Entry, the incredible regalia, the drumming, or to learn more about Native culture, this free event offers an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Powwow Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Location: Mid-America All-Indian Museum
605 N. Seneca, Wichita, KS
Admission: FREE
Located just steps from the iconic Keeper of the Plains, the Mid-America All-Indian Museum is home to exhibits highlighting Native history, contemporary Native artwork, and one of the nation’s largest collections of works by Blackbear Bosin, the Kiowa-Comanche artist who designed the Keeper of the Plains. For five decades, the museum has served as a place where Native voices, traditions, and stories are honored and shared with future generations.
Whether you’ve attended a powwow before or it’s your very first time, these anniversary events offer a meaningful opportunity to learn, celebrate, and experience one of Wichita’s most important cultural institutions.
