What to Bring to a Native American Pow Wow

Heading to a Native American Pow Wow is an awesome way to immerse yourself in vibrant culture, music, and tradition. It's a day full of festivities, and being prepared can make it even more enjoyable.

Here’s my guide to what you should bring along.

1. Respect and Open-mindedness

Respect for traditions: Pow wows are cultural and spiritual events. Show respect for the ceremonies, dances, and traditions being practiced.
Open-mindedness: Be open to learning and experiencing new cultural practices. Engage with vendors, ask questions, and participate respectfully.

2. Respectful Attire

While there is no strict dress code, wearing respectful and modest clothing is appreciated. Consider the following:

Comfortable shoes: Pow Wows often involve a lot of walking and standing.
Layered clothing: Temperatures can vary throughout the day, so dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable.
Cultural sensitivity: Avoid wearing clothes that could be considered offensive or inappropriate, such as costumes or items that mimic traditional Native regalia unless you are a participant.

3. Seating

Folding chair or blanket: Many Pow Wows are held outdoors, and seating might not be provided. Bringing a portable chair or blanket ensures you have a comfortable spot to watch the events.

Bestseller No. 1

Coleman Portable Camping Chair with 4-Can Cooler, Cushioned Seat & Back with Side Pockets & Cup Holder, Carry Bag Included, Great for Camping, Tailgating, Firepits, Patio, & More

Coleman Cold – built-in 4-can cooler lets you grab a cold drink without getting up
Mesh cup holder
Fully cushioned seat and back
Side pockets
Strong steel frame

Bestseller No. 2

ALPHA CAMP Camping Chairs 250LBS Capacity, Heavy Duty Folding Chair with 4-Can Cooler Bag, Portable Outdoor Chair with Cup Holder for Adults, Collapsible for Tailgating, Beach, Fishing,Black,2PC

Value 2-Pack Set:Double the comfort for your outdoor adventures! This set includes 2 ALPHA CAMP camping chairs, perfect for couples, friends, or family. Each chair comes with a dedicated carry bag for effortless transport and storage.
Built-in 4-Can Cooler: Keep your drinks ice-cold and within reach. The integrated cooling bag on the armrest holds up to 4 cans, ensuring you stay refreshed during hot summer days at the beach, campsite, or tailgate party.
Heavy Duty & Durable:Crafted with high-grade 600D Oxford fabric and a reinforced steel frame with anti-rust coating. Supports up to 250 lbs, providing long-lasting durability and stability for all body types.
Ultimate Storage & Comfort:Features a convenient cup holder and a large side storage pocket for your phone, magazines, or snacks. The ergonomic design and padded armrests offer superior relaxation for long hours of sitting.
Portable & Versatile:Weighing only 5 lbs per chair, this collapsible design is easy to fold and unfold in seconds. An ideal choice for camping, fishing, sporting events, picnics, or simply relaxing in your backyard.

Bestseller No. 3

4 Pack Folding Camping Chairs for Adults,Foldable Portable Lawn Chairs with Carry Bag & Cup Holder, Compact Design for Camp,Beach, Picnics,and Fishing Supports 300LBS（Black）

[Upgraded and Durable]This foldable camping chair combines 600D oxford fabric with reinforced steel pipes for exceptional durability. Designed to withstand the elements, its water-resistant , scratch-resistant and rustproof yet remains soft, breathable, and gentle on skin. Easily wipes clean for maintenance free use.
[Breathable Camping Chairs] This folding chair is made of breathable fabric, allowing you to feel the coolness of autumn even in the sweltering summer! The camping lawn chair is ergonomically designed. Its backrest, seat and armrests are all comfortable, providing the perfect stretching space and curvature for your body.
[Adult Size Design] Total height of our camping chair is 30.71 inches, of which seat cushion is 17.32 inches above floor to relax your legs, 19.69x19.69 inches of seat cushion has sufficient space for a man or woman to stretch out, 18.9 inch wider backrest fully supports your back and shoulders, don't worry about the size being too small to fit.
[300LBS Reinforced Support] The foldable beach chair can bear a weight of up to 300 pounds without falling apart. The double-layer fabric and stitching ensure that the seat cushion will not sag even after long-term use. The steel pipe has a thickness of 1 millimeter and a diameter of 16 millimeters. The reinforced pipe fittings and washers further enhance the stability of the entire frame and significantly reduce the friction.
[Versatile for All Outdoor Adventures] The folding camping chair each weighs 4.3 pounds. You can take it anywhere, put it in the trunk of your car, or even place it in the yard.In addition, there is a carry bag , which is convenient for travel and storage.Ideal for any adventure, Whether you're hiking, camping,trekking, fishing, or relaxing at the beach, park, or sports events, this camping chair is your go to for comfort on the go.

4. Sun Protection

Sunscreen: Essential for outdoor events to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Hat: A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and keep you cool.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun, especially during midday events.
Water Mister: Stay cool in the hot sun with a spray bottle and fan.
Umbrella: This can provide you with much-needed shade. Be careful you aren't blocking someone's view, however.
Canopy: Some Pow Wows will allow you to set up a canopy near the arena. You can keep the whole family out of the sun with one of these!

5. Hydration and Snacks

Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, particularly if the weather is hot.
Snacks: While there will likely be food vendors offering traditional Native American foods, bringing your own snacks ensures you have something to eat if you have dietary restrictions or if the lines are long.

HYDRO CELL Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle with Straw - For Cold & Hot Drinks - Metal Vacuum Flask with Screw Cap and Modern Leakproof Sport Thermos for Adults (White 40oz)

Premium Insulation: Stay hydrated with the HYDRO CELL wide mouth insulated water bottle. Triple-wall vacuum stainless steel keeps drinks ice cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. Perfect sports water bottle, gym water bottle, or travel companion, is built to handle any adventure while delivering the coldest water bottle performance on the market.
Multiple Sizes & Options: Choose the best water bottle for your lifestyle. HYDRO CELL comes in 14 oz, 18 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, and 64 oz. From compact kids water bottles to half gallon jugs, there’s a size for everyone—perfect for school, work, sports, hiking, cycling, or outdoor travel. Wide mouth design fits ice cubes & fruit infusions for fresh hydration anywhere.
Durable & Leak Proof: Made with premium BPA-free stainless steel, this reusable sports bottle is built for durability. Each Hydro Cell features a leak-proof screw cap or sports lid with straw so you can toss it in your bag without spills. Ideal water bottle for hiking, camping, team sports, or military use, delivering performance in the toughest conditions.
Fitness & Lifestyle Ready: The Hydro Cell insulated water flask is designed for athletes & active lifestyles. Fits most car cup holders, making it the best gym water bottle for runners, cyclists, and yoga enthusiasts. The insulated water bottle with straw ensures easy sipping during workouts, while providing all-day hydration on the go.
Eco-Friendly & Stylish: Replace single-use plastic with a reusable Hydro Cell metal water bottle. Available in modern colors including black, pink, blue, and red, these insulated bottles combine sleek style with sustainable performance. Safe, reusable, and built to last, they’re the best thermos water bottles for everyday hydration, outdoor adventure, and school.

6. Cash

Cash: Most Pow Wows will have raffles and blanket dances. These help raise money for the Pow Wow Committee, singers, and dancers. Make sure you have cash to contribute. Also, many vendors and food stalls may not accept credit cards. Bringing cash, including smaller bills, makes transactions easier.

7. Camera or Smartphone

Camera: Capturing the beauty and vibrancy of the dances and regalia is a highlight for many attendees. However, always ask for permission before taking photos, especially of individuals.
Smartphone: Useful for photos, navigation, and emergency contact. Ensure it's charged, and consider bringing a portable charger.

8. Tobacco

Tobacco: Offering tobacco is a sign of respect. If you are someone for a photo, for example, offering tobacco is appropriate.

8. Miscellaneous Items

Notebook and pen: If you’re interested in learning more about the culture, you might want to take notes.
Ear protection: For young children or those sensitive to loud noises, ear protection can be helpful during the drumming and singing.
Hand sanitizer: Handy for maintaining hygiene, especially after eating or using public facilities.
Bug Spray: At outdoor events, you want to protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.
In the summer especially, you may want to bring an extra shirt to change clothes after an afternoon in the sun.

What Not To Bring To Pow Wows

While it’s important to pack the essentials for a pow wow, it’s equally crucial to know what to leave at home.

First and foremost, avoid bringing any alcohol or drugs. Pow wows are family-friendly and often spiritual events and the presence of substances like these is highly disrespectful and typically prohibited.

Similarly, refrain from bringing pets unless they are service animals. The environment can be crowded and loud, which can be stressful for animals and disruptive to the event.

Another important consideration is your attire and accessories. Avoid wearing clothing or accessories that mimic traditional Native American regalia if you’re not a participant. This includes feathered headdresses, fringed outfits, or any item that could be seen as cultural appropriation. Also, steer clear of loud or disruptive electronics. Keep your phone on silent and resist the urge to bring loudspeakers or drones, as these can disturb the atmosphere and distract from the performances and ceremonies. Being mindful of what not to bring ensures that you respect the culture and everyone’s enjoyment of the event.

Attending a pow wow is an enriching experience that offers a deep dive into Native American culture. By bringing the right items and approaching the event with respect and openness, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. Remember, the key to a successful visit is not just what you bring, but also the respect and appreciation you show for the traditions and people you are there to celebrate with.

By clicking these links you help support PowWows.com at no extra cost to you! Amazon pays us a commission off any sales from these links.