FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
Traditional Drumming, Dancing and Tribal Cultural Highlight the Annual Gathering
PENDLETON, Ore. (June 30, 2026) — Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Eastern Oregon’s premier family and entertainment destination, today announced the details of its 30th Annual Pow Wow, taking place this weekend. Festivities begin on Friday, July 3, and continue through Sunday, July 5, on the south lawn of the resort’s property. Spectators are encouraged to attend, and admission is free.
The Pow Wow celebrates the cultures and traditions of Tribes, bringing traditional songs, dances, regalia, and community to Pendleton for the weekend. Dancing and drumming competitions will feature participants from across the western United States and Canada. Prize money will be awarded in multiple categories based on age, gender and dance style, with judges evaluating competitors on technical skill, rhythm and their ability to finish precisely on the final drumbeat.
Vendors offering artisan goods, jewelry and a variety of food and beverages will be on site throughout the weekend, including frybread, Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine, shaved ice and coffee.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, July 3
- 4pm: Registration
- 7 pm: Grand Entry
- Evening: Grass vs Jingle Special
Saturday, July 4
- 11 am: Registration opens
- 1 pm: Grand Entry
- Afternoon: Honoring Our Veterans Special
- 5 pm: Break
- 7 pm: Pow Wow resumes
- Evening War Bonnet Special
Sunday, July 5
- 1 pm: Grand Entry
- Afternoon: Owl Dance Special
- Finals: contest results and prize presentations
Throughout the weekend, the JUNO Award-nominated Bad Eagle drum group will serve as the host drum, providing the central drum and songs that guide the gathering’s ceremonies and dancing.
Preceding the Pow Wow, a free stand-up comedy show featuring two performers on the evening of Thursday, July 2, at the property’s Rivers Event Center for patrons 21 or older. Headlining the evening will be Jim Ruel, an Ojibwe comedian, writer and actor from the Bay Mills Indian Community. His television credits include The World Stands Up and Showtime’s Goin’ Native: The American Indian Comedy Slam. Tammy Pescatelli, a regular on the syndicated talk show Sherri who has appeared on Showtime’s Women of a Certain Age 2, will open the evening.
Learn more information on the 30th Annual Pow Wow by visiting wildhorseresort.com/2026-pow-wow.
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