Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

The first song of Grand Entry isn’t for the crowd. It’s for the flags, the veterans who carried them and the ancestors. Grand Entry brings everyone to their feet as dancers from every category, from tiny tots to elders, step into the arena behind the eagle staff. Veterans carry the U.S. flag, the POW/MIA flag and tribal nation flags. In some circles, families or drum groups bring banners of their own. The beat starts slow, then builds.

The day unfolds in rounds. After the Grand Entry, you’ll see contest dances with sharp footwork and spinning regalia, social dances open to the crowd and specials: honor songs, memorials and giveaways. Grand Entry times vary, but typically, this event occurs early in the afternoon and, on a full day, in the evening. On opening day, the Grant Entry may be only in the evening and on the last day, only in early afternoon. What happens at a powwow can shift with the moment. The arena moves to the needs of the people gathered there.

Each powwow is unique, but most follow a shared code of respect. These common-sense rules help keep the arena safe, welcoming and in line with tradition.

• Arrive before Grand Entry and stand for the flags.
• Move with the flow of the dancers in the circle, not against it.
• Never walk across the dance arena. It’s not a shortcut!
• Pay attention to where you are standing and who you are standing in front of.
• Photographers and videographers are usually not allowed in the dance circle without permission.
• Never touch regalia, drums or eagle feathers.
• Keep aisles clear and give seats to elders and veterans.
• Refrain from alcohol, drugs, profanity and disruptive behavior.
• Don’t interrupt ceremonies or contests with loud talking or phone use.
• Respect the emcee’s instructions; they’re not just announcements.
• Wear respectful clothing. Do not dress in outfits that imitate regalia or stereotypes.
• Leave pets at home. Even service animals may be restricted at some powwows.
• Treat the arena like a sacred space, not a stage. Don’t stand around in the circle unless you have a good reason to be in it.

If you’re wondering what to wear to a powwow, modesty and respect will take you far. Dresses, skirts or pants that fall below the knee, shirts that cover the shoulders and appropriate shoes are a good start. Comfort matters too. You may be walking or standing for long stretches, and the ground is often uneven.

Hats and sunglasses are fine, but be ready to remove them during Grand Entry, prayer songs and veteran honors. You’ll know it’s time when the emcee asks everyone to stand.

Avoid anything that looks like a costume. That includes faux Native prints, plastic feather headbands or anything meant to imitate traditional clothing. Let dancers wear the culture they are part of.

Women who plan to join intertribal dances may want to bring a shawl. You don’t need one to participate, but it’s a good way to show respect and feel more connected in the circle. If you didn’t bring one, you may find one to purchase from a vendor.

Every powwow handles seating a little differently. Some have benches around the arena for dancers and their families. Others are open spaces where people arrive early to set up lawn chairs or place down blankets to reserve a spot. If a program is available online (even from a previous year), it can give clues about what’s expected. If not, ask someone who knows the arena layout or local customs.

The arena itself is a special place. Don’t cross into it unless you’ve been invited or you’re taking part in a dance that welcomes all.

At any powwow, it’s good practice to:

• Keep aisles and walkways clear.
• Never move someone else’s chair or blanket without permission.
• Avoid blocking an elder’s view of the arena.
• Follow seating instructions if the emcee or staff give them; if you aren’t using your chairs, take them away and allow that space for others.
• Most people are expected to rise for prayer; elders may remain seated.
• Stand and remove your hat during veteran and flag songs.

Watch the flow of the space and listen for announcements. Respect often comes down to paying attention.

Some powwows allow photography; some do not. Others allow it during contests but ask visitors not to record certain songs or specials. The emcee will usually let the crowd know what’s expected. When in doubt, ask.

Flash photography can distract dancers or interfere with the energy of the arena. Limit your flash photography as much as possible, especially during competitions. Prayer songs, memorials and honor songs are never a time for taking pictures.

If you’re taking photos or conducting interviews, stay on the edge of the arena. Don’t step inside it, even for a better angle. Journalists, influencers and tourists alike should take care not to block an elder’s view or interrupt the flow of the moment.

The drum is more than an instrument. It carries the heartbeat of the powwow and holds a presence that many describe as sacred. In different tribal traditions, the drum is often treated as a living being, something to be honored and not just heard.

When the drum begins, it gathers people in its circle. For dancers, it is more than rhythm; it can carry a spiritual force. The sound rises, steady and deep, and the shared energy moves through the arena in a way that feels unifying, even healing. Dancers say that once the drum begins, they feel joined to everyone else on the floor.

Because the drum holds this kind of presence, it is treated with care and respect. Visitors should never lean on a drum or reach across it, and handling the drum or drumsticks is reserved for the drum group.

Powwow songs come from regional traditions. Northern styles often soar in pitch and include honor beats within the song itself. Southern styles use lower tones and place honor beats between song verses. Within those broad categories, there are also regional variations, from Southeastern to Great Lakes to Plains, each carrying its own sound and rhythm. Across these traditions, many powwow songs follow a pattern in which the melody starts high and steps downward.

Just as styles vary, the way songs come into being also differs. Songs may be composed, gifted or carried through families and drum groups. Some are said to come through dreams or visions. Together, songs and drum carry more than rhythm. They create cultural memory, ceremony and community all at once.

If an eagle feather falls to the ground during a dance, the arena will pause. Dropping a feather is considered a serious matter, and a short ceremony is held to honor and recover it. Veterans are often called to retrieve the feather, sometimes with a prayer or song. Occasionally, an account of a courageous deed is shared by one of the veterans or a remembrance of a fallen warrior.

Everyone should remain still and quiet until the ceremony is finished. If you are in the dance arena when this happens, do not try to pick up the feather or assist in any way. Respect here means standing back and allowing space for those who know what to do. And do not record the ceremony in any way.

A blanket dance is a way for the community to show support. A blanket is spread on the arena floor, and as the song begins, people step forward to place money on it. The gifts go to a dancer, drum group or family, often to help with travel or to honor someone. Giveaways are similar. Families may hand out gifts such as blankets, shawls or beadwork to recognize milestones, honor relatives or thank the community.

If you’d like to take part, think of it as a three-step guide:

• Carry small bills to be prepared for multiple blanket dances.
• Follow the order set by the family or announcer, rather than rushing forward.
• Acknowledge the moment with gratitude, even a quiet word or gesture, before stepping away.

Giving etiquette can vary from powwow to powwow. Some families follow a formal protocol; others make it more relaxed and playful. No matter how experienced you are at your own community’s powwow, don’t judge others on social media or make fun of how they handle these traditions. What looks different may be deeply meaningful in that place.

Can anyone attend a powwow?

Yes. Powwows are community events, and visitors are welcome. Just come with respect, follow the etiquette and observe before jumping in.

Is “powwow” offensive?

No. In Native communities, powwow is the accepted term for these gatherings. The offense comes only if it’s misused to describe a casual meeting.

Do I need tickets?

Some powwows are free, others charge admission. Check the host’s website or flyer in advance.

What time does Grand Entry start?

It depends on the schedule. Afternoon or evening entries are common, but always check the program. Arrive early so you don’t miss it.

Can I bring my pet?

Leave pets at home. Even service animals may not be allowed at some powwows, depending on local rules. Always check the powwow program or contact organizers ahead of time.

When in doubt ask.

If you’re unsure about a rule or tradition, ask. The emcee is there to guide the crowd, and the arena director helps keep everything moving smoothly. Most people will be glad to explain. Powwows are about respect, connection and community.

Powwows are about respect, connection and community. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family who might be attending their first powwow.