Free; Zoo Admission Extra
Join us for a Powwow! Experience a cultural celebration featuring Native American traditional dancing, singing, arts, and crafts. Guests will have two opportunities to enjoy the Powwow dance and singing performances. Learn about the indigenous people of North Carolina. The tribes represented are Lumbee, Coharie, and Waccamaw Siouan.
Location: Solar Pointe Picnic Area near the Zoo's North America entrance
Date & Time: October 4, 10:30 - 3 p.m.
First Show: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Second Show: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free; Zoo admission extra
Additional Activities: 10:30 - 3 p.m.
Demonstrations of traditional arts
Interactive craft stations
Educational tables with hands-on learning opportunities
Know Before You Go:
What is a Powwow?
Powwows are traditional social gatherings celebrated across many indigenous cultures. Most powwows include song and dance, but styles and customs may vary.
Why is the Zoo hosting this event?
The state of North Carolina is situated on the ancestral lands of many American Indian tribes who have lived in this place, cared for these lands, and traveled throughout the region for thousands of years. We honor them as the first stewards of this place, and celebrate the enduring presence, vibrance, and diversity of contemporary Indigenous communities. The Zoo serves and welcomes all cultures, and values the sharing of knowledge, history, and tradition. Singers, dancers, and artisans at this event are excited to share their culture and heritage with you, so please treat them and their craft with appropriate reverence and respect.
How do I participate?
Attend the event with an open heart and mind. Listen for announcements from the Master of Ceremonies (MC) to specify who is to dance and when, and when guests may participate (if desired). Do not cross the circle where dancers are demonstrating as this can lead to interruptions or accidents. Do not enter the drum area unless invited and keep all little ones away from instruments to avoid injury. When not participating, please remain quiet and respectful to allow others to experience the occasion without being disturbed. It is important not to appropriate cultural items or practices, so when in doubt, seek permission from the MC.
Are photos/videos allowed?
Photography and videography is welcome during both live demonstrations (11 AM - Noon and 1:30-2:30 PM) as long as any recordings are taken from outside the circle and not used for commercial purposes. However, guests may be explicitly instructed to lower cameras during certain dances/songs, so listen out for guidance from the MC; when in doubt, ask a nearby Zoo Team member! When photo/video is permitted, please remain at a respectful distance from singers, musicians, vendors, and dancers to avoid disturbance and avoid crowding. If you wish to take a photo with an individual or group after a live demonstration has concluded, follow these steps:
- Approach and introduce yourself
- Politely make your request
- Avoid touching or tugging on any regalia (traditional attire) or referring to this attire as a "costume"
- Thank the individual/group for their time and step aside for others who may also be waiting behind you
- Share any photos/videos responsibly
Are there any restrictions?
No alcohol, drugs, weapons, or pets are allowed at this event. Service animals are welcome but may not interfere with demonstrations. Any form of harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Violators will be asked to leave the event and/or Zoo grounds.
What else should I keep in mind?
Guests may bring their own seats to place in designated areas only. Snacks are allowed, but please ensure all trash/recycling is deposited into proper receptacles or returned to your vehicle when you depart. Children must remain supervised at all times and may not be left unattended before, during, or after the event.