Gathering of Nations Powwow to end in 2026 after 43 years

Organizers of the Gathering of Nations announced that the 2026 event will be the final year of what is billed as North America’s largest powwow, according to the Associated Press. The Albuquerque-based celebration has drawn tens of thousands of participants and spectators for more than four decades, showcasing Indigenous dancers, musicians and artisans from around the world.

In a statement shared by email and social media, Gathering of Nations Ltd. said, “There comes a time,” without providing further explanation for ending the event. The official 2026 poster carries the words “The Last Dance.” The powwow has been held at New Mexico’s state fairgrounds since 2017, but organizers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the announcement.