Native American Cultural Festival
Mar 2, 2025
10:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Free
Museum admission includes entry to Native American Cultural Festival
Join us in celebration of vibrant Indigenous cultures, at a free festival featuring live demonstrations, artmaking activities, and gallery experiences.
Registration
Although the festival is free, registration is required. You may register when you get here, but for convenience we suggest registering in advance.
Parking
From 9:15 am-5 pm, free parking will be available at the UMKC Cherry Street Parking Structure, located at 5005 Oak Street. Free shuttles will transport guests from the Cherry Street side of the structure. Accessible transportation for guests with disabilities will be provided.
Schedule
Nelson-Atkins Building
Gallery spotlight
10 am-4 pm Galleries | 208 & 209 (ASL interpretation from noon-2 pm) In discussion with knowledgeable museum docents, learn about breathtaking works of art from renowned Native American artists.
Plains Indian Tipi
10 am-4 pm | Outside on the north lawn
Visit the Plains Indian Tipi painted by Aaniiih artist Chandler Good Strike.
Storytime
10:30–10:50 am | Gallery 205A
Enjoy story readings appropriate for preschool-aged children and older.
Live Performances
11 am-noon* & 2-3 pm | Kirkwood Hall (live simulcast with closed captioning in Atkins Auditorium)
Enjoy diverse styles of Native American dance accompanied by Bad War Cloud, Montana Inyan Pejuta Growingthunder and Singers *11 am show will include Grand Entry by the Haskell Indian Nations University Veterans Color Guard and an opening song.
Live Performances
12:30–1:15 pm | Kirkwood Hall (live simulcast with closed captioning in Atkins Auditorium)
Join us for Native American dances by the Royal Valley Native American Singers and Dancers of U.S.D #337 and Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation Reservation, with accompaniment by Bad War Cloud, Montana Inyan Pejuta Growingthunder and Singers.
Fibers and Weaving Experience (Preschoolers Welcome)
11–11:45 am & 3-3:45 pm | Rooms 4 & 5
Experiment with weaving on a giant loom and more.
Beading Demonstration
Noon–2 pm | Rooms 4 & 5
Patricia Nelson of the Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe demonstrates loom work and beading.
Learning Station
1-4 pm | Educator Resource Center
Explore resources about Native American art and culture. Take home a free First American Art magazine courtesy of America Meredith (while supplies last).
Bloch Building
Ledger Drawing Art Activity
10 am–4 pm | Lens 2
Draw with stencils and freehand on ledger-style paper.
Sensory Break Room
10 am–4 pm | Rockhill Room
Need a break from the crowds? Relax with various fidget items and enjoy the quiet in our calming sensory break room.
Meet & Greet with the Kansas City Indian Center
Noon–3 pm | Bloch Lobby
Ledger Drawing Art Activity
1-4 pm | Spencer Art Reference Library
Draw with stencils, freehand on ledger-style paper, and explore Native American art through a special book display.
Learning Station
2–4 pm | Bloch Lobby
Learn about the construction and history of tipis.
Food and Drinks for purchase
11 am–3 pm | Bloch Lobby
Enjoy á la carte selections inspired by Indigenous cultures (while supplies last).
11 am–3 pm* | Rozzelle Court Restaurant
Order signature salads, sandwiches, breads, and desserts.*Desserts and beverages served until 4 pm
Know the three rules of the Nelson-Atkins
To ensure the safety and preservation of the art, we ask all Nelson-Atkins guests to follow three primary rules when they come to the museum:
- Stay at least two feet from the art. Please do not touch, lean on, or sit on the art, including outdoor sculptures and the reflecting pool.
- No backpacks in the galleries. We offer free coat and bag check in the Bloch Building lobby. Backpacks should be checked or worn on the front.
- No food or drink in the galleries. Guests are permitted to eat outdoors and in designated indoor dining areas.
Special Thanks To:
Lilly Endowment Inc. for support of this year’s Native American Cultural Festival.
Thanks to the Kansas City Indian Center, the Kansas City area’s only multi-purpose social service agency for American Indians, Haskell Indian Nations University, and the Kansas City intertribal community. Thank you to First American Art magazine and America Meredith.
Members — the art and soul of the museum — and volunteers, whose support makes festivals like this possible. To learn more about membership, visit the Info Desk or artandsoulkc.org.