Photos: Dominick Totino
Queens County Farm Museum’s Thunderbird American Indian Powwow presented in partnership with the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers is back in its 44th year on Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Queens County Farm Museum is the longest running presenter of Native American arts and culture in New York City. This year, the Thunderbird American Indian Powwow will feature three days of intertribal dance competitions, a Native American Craft and Food Market, and two evening programs culminating in a bonfire at dusk welcoming the audience into the dance circle.
Over forty Indian Nations will be represented at this three-day program including Hopi, Winnebago, Cherokee, Kiowa, Lakota, Navajo, Santo Domingo, Taino, Matinecock, Shinnecock, San Blas Kuna, Rappahanock, Choctaw, Osage, and Delaware Nations. Dancers come from all over the United States and Canada to participate in this event. Welcoming Native American and non-Native people, the Thunderbird American Indian Powwow celebrates American Indian Culture through music, dance, authentic Native-made jewelry, crafts, textiles and food.
The program includes six (6) major dance categories for competing dancers. In addition, there are several other non-competitive dances such as Gourd Dance, Round Dance, Rabbit Dance, and demonstrations of Iroquois, Pueblo or Apache dances. The momentous Grand Entry is an opportunity for the public to experience the full regalia of the dancers. The bonfire is lit each evening after sunset between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Thunderbird American Indian Powwow will host a one-of-a-kind food and craft market featuring Native American vendors.
Audience tickets to view the dance competitions are $12–$18. Three-day passes are available for $24–$36. Tickets can be purchased online at queensfarm.org. Admission to Queens County Farm Museum is free, and tickets are required to attend the Powwow and the Native American Craft and Food Market. Farm is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park, New York.
