Native American Cultural Festival
Mar 1, 2026
10:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Free
Museum admission includes entry to Native American Cultural Festival
Join us in celebration of dynamic Indigenous cultures, at a free festival featuring live performances, demonstrations, artmaking activities, and gallery experiences.
Free registration
General admission to the museum and festival is free. Although you may register for admission upon arrival, we encourage advance registration for a more convenient check-in experience.
Parking
Parking is $14 per vehicle or free for museum members and guests with ADA placards.
Festival Schedule
Program subject to change
Nelson-Atkins Building
Gallery spotlight
10 am-4 pm Galleries | 208 & 209
In discussion with knowledgeable museum docents, learn about works of art from renowned contemporary Native American artists.
Tipi
10 am-4 pm | Outside on the North Lawn
Visit the Plains Indian Tipi painted by Darryl Growing Thunder, Dakota/ Nakoda, Poplar, MT
Loom and Weaving Experience
10 am-4 pm | Room 4
Try weaving on a giant loom and learn about loom work.
Live Performances
11 am-noon* & 2-3 pm | Kirkwood Hall (live simulcast with closed captioning in Atkins Auditorium)
Enjoy many different styles of Native American dance, accompanied by the drumming and singing of Bad War Cloud.
*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 Potawatomi Nation Reservation from Mayetta, KS accompanied by the singing and drumming of Bad War Cloud.
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 publishing editor America Meridith (while supplies last).
Beading Demonstration
Noon–2 pm | Room 5
Patricia Nelson, Lakota, Standing Rock demonstrates loom work and beading.
Bloch Building
Art Activity
10 am–4 pm | Lens 2
Experiment with a small beading project.
Art Activity
1–4pm | Spencer Art Reference Library
Experiment with a small beading project and explore Native American art through a special book display
.
Sensory Break Room
10 am–4 pm | Rockhill Room
Need a break from the crowds? Relax with various fidget items and enjoy the quiet.
Meet & Greet with the Kansas City Indian Center
Noon–3 pm | Bloch Lobby
Food and Drink
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
Free festival pins for Nelson-Atkins members | 10 am-5pm | Bloch Lobby Info Desk
Members are invited to stop by and claim your free, limited-edition Native American Cultural Festival enamel pin. Present your member card to collect your pin.
Help us protect the art
Please help us protect the art by following these important guidelines:
View art from two feet, but don’t touch (even outdoors)
Enjoy food or drinks in designated areas only
Wear backpacks in front of your body or use our free coat check
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 publishing editor, America Meridith.
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.
Share your pictures with us
If you take photos, tag us!
Tipi raising
Friday, February 27 | 4:30-5:15 pm
North Lawn at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us to learn and watch how a tipi is built.
Limited seats are available. Unlimited standing room. Presented in partnership with the Kansas City Indian Center.
Save the date:
Passport to India
Sunday, April 19
