Greater Palm Springs offers a variety of must-attend Native American cultural events throughout the year. Experience one-of-a-kind celebrations and start planning your visit with this comprehensive round-up.

Agua Caliente's Annual Singing the Birds

January 25, 2025 | Palm Springs
Since time immemorial, Cahuilla people have been Singing the Birds. This tradition continues today, as the modern descendants of those ancient Cahuilla — and other tribes throughout Southern California — celebrate their heritage and culture by performing the bird songs that tell the stories of the Cahuilla, from creation to migration and beyond, and the lessons learned along the way. These sacred songs, accompanied by rattles made from gourds and numbering more than 300, have been passed down from generation to generation, sharing the stories of the Cahuilla’s combined experience as a people.

 

Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike & 5K Run

March 8, 2025 | Palm Springs
Richard M. Milanovich helmed the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Palm Springs for nearly 30 years as Tribal Chairman, cementing his role as a leader in local and national tribal affairs. Agua Caliente is bringing back its annual hike and 5K run in Milanovich's memory. Attendees can either join the "trading post challenge" walk or the 5K run. The route for both options is the same, starting from an area at the intersection of South Palm Canyon Drive and Acanto Drive and ending at Palm Canyon. The route will wind into the Indian Canyons in south Palm Springs. Proceeds will go towards the University of California, Los Angeles' Native Nations Law & Policy Center.

 

MORONGO THUNDER & LIGHTING POW WOWMorongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow

TBD 2025 | Cabazon

The Morongo Thunder and Lightning Powwow is a celebration of Native American heritage and traditions, reaffirming old ways and sharing in the discovery of new ones. This three-day event will feature the Grand Entry, a parade that includes hundreds of dancers in traditional regalia as drum groups and singers perform. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians Powwow also will feature Native American drummers, bird singers, and dancers from across North America and Canada. Vendors will sell food, authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, clothing, and baskets. 

More Morongo Band of Mission Indians events. 

 

Cabazon Indio Powwow

TBD 2025 | Indio
The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians  keeps their cultural traditions alive by holding annual powwows. The powwows take place in the Special Events Center of the Tribe’s Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, which is located on the Cabazon Indian Reservation located near Indio. Included in the celebration are Native American dance competitions for contestants of all ages, traditional bird singing, drum contests, and peon games. Peon is a guessing game that is played at any type of Native American gathering or fiesta. Four members of opposing teams of either men or women play. Each player has two peon bones (one black and one white) made from coyote or deer leg bones. Then, the opposing team begins guessing the location of the black and white peons. There are also opportunities for visitors to join dancers in the arena during non-competitive, inter-tribal dancing. You’ll also have an opportunity to taste Native American foods, such as Indian fry bread, and shop among vendors for jewelry, weaving, dream catchers, and other types of Native American arts and crafts.

More Cabazon Band of Mission Indians events.


Kewet Native American Day & Market

TBD 2025 | Palm Springs

Kewet Native American Day & Market

Kewet, the Cahuilla word for “fiesta,” features bird singers and dancers; cultural activities such as basket weaving, beading, and gourd rattle making; and traditional games, food, and a Native American market. The event — hosted in partnership with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians , the City of Palm Springs , and the Palm Springs Unified School District — is free. 

More Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian events.

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