How to Catch the Red Earth Native American Festival

The Red Earth Native American Festival is one of the most vibrant, culturally significant, and widely attended Indigenous celebrations in the United States. Held annually in Oklahoma City, this event brings together hundreds of Native American artists, dancers, musicians, and tribal communities to honor tradition, showcase contemporary expression, and foster cross-cultural understanding. For visitors—whether first-timers or seasoned attendees—“catching” the festival means more than simply attending; it means immersing yourself in a living, breathing celebration of Native heritage that spans centuries and continues to evolve. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you experience the Red Earth Native American Festival in its fullest, most respectful, and most rewarding form.

Unlike commercialized cultural events, Red Earth is deeply rooted in authenticity. Organized by the Red Earth organization—a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Native American arts and culture—it features juried art markets, competitive dance powwows, educational workshops, storytelling circles, and traditional food vendors. To truly “catch” the festival is to engage with it intentionally: to plan ahead, understand protocols, respect sacred elements, and connect meaningfully with the communities who make it possible.

This tutorial will walk you through every critical phase—from pre-festival preparation to post-event reflection—ensuring you don’t just attend, but participate with awareness, reverence, and joy. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a photographer, an art collector, a parent seeking educational experiences, or a traveler looking for authentic regional experiences, this guide is designed to transform your visit from passive observation to profound connection.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Festival’s Core Elements

Before making travel plans or purchasing tickets, familiarize yourself with the structure of the Red Earth Native American Festival. It typically spans three days in late June and features five major components:

• Art Market: Over 200 Native artists display and sell original works including beadwork, pottery, jewelry, paintings, textiles, and sculpture. All artists are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes and must pass a rigorous juried selection process.
• Dance Competitions: The heart of the festival. Multiple dance categories (Traditional, Fancy, Grass, Jingle Dress, Chicken) are performed in a large arena with live drumming. Competitors are judged on authenticity, technique, regalia craftsmanship, and spiritual presence.
• Storytelling and Cultural Demonstrations: Elders and cultural bearers share oral histories, language lessons, traditional crafts, and ceremonial knowledge in intimate, seated sessions.
• Food Court: Indigenous cuisine from across North America, including frybread, bison stew, wild rice dishes, corn soup, and berry desserts—prepared using ancestral methods.
• Children’s Activities: Hands-on workshops in beadwork, drum-making, native plant identification, and dance for young attendees.

Understanding these pillars helps you prioritize your time and approach the festival with intention. Don’t treat it like a fair or festival in the conventional sense—it is a ceremonial gathering with deep spiritual and communal significance.

Step 2: Plan Your Visit Dates and Schedule

The Red Earth Festival runs annually from Thursday to Saturday in late June. Dates vary slightly each year, so always confirm on the official website (redearth.org) at least six months in advance. The festival opens at 10:00 a.m. daily and closes at 7:00 p.m., with key events scheduled as follows:

• Thursday: Opening ceremony, artist meet-and-greets, and children’s workshops. Less crowded, ideal for first-time visitors.
• Friday: Peak attendance. Major dance competitions begin in the afternoon. Art market is fully operational.
• Saturday: Grand Powwow and closing ceremonies. Often features special guest performers and the announcement of art competition winners.

Plan to arrive early—especially on Friday and Saturday. Parking fills by 9:00 a.m., and popular dance performances draw large crowds. Use the official festival app or printed schedule to map out which events you want to prioritize. Many attendees spend entire days at the venue, so bring water, sunscreen, and a folding chair.

Step 3: Secure Tickets and Parking

Admission to the Red Earth Festival is not free, but it is reasonably priced and supports the nonprofit mission. As of the latest season:

• Adults: $15
• Seniors (65+), Students, and Military: $10
• Children (6–12): $5
• Children under 6: Free
• Three-day pass: $35

Tickets are available online through the official website or at the gate. Purchasing online in advance saves time and guarantees entry, as day-of sales can be limited during peak attendance. Parking is free and abundant at the festival grounds (Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center and surrounding lots), but carpooling is encouraged. Rideshare drop-off zones are clearly marked. If you’re coming from out of town, consider booking accommodations in downtown Oklahoma City, which is a 10-minute drive from the venue.

Step 4: Prepare for Cultural Etiquette

This is perhaps the most critical step. The Red Earth Festival is not a theme park. It is a sacred gathering rooted in Native traditions. Respectful behavior is non-negotiable.

• Do not touch regalia. Dance regalia is not costume—it is spiritual, often handmade over months or years, and imbued with personal and ancestral meaning. Never reach out to touch beads, feathers, or clothing unless explicitly invited by the wearer.
• Ask before photographing. While photography is permitted in public areas, always ask permission before taking close-up photos of dancers, artists, or elders. Some individuals may decline due to cultural or spiritual reasons. Respect their decision without question.
• Stay quiet during ceremonies. Drumming and singing are sacred. Avoid talking, walking in front of the drum circle, or using your phone during performances. Silence is a form of reverence.
• Do not mimic dances or songs. Even if you’re inspired, refrain from attempting to dance or sing along unless invited to participate in a specific, open community circle. These are not performances for audience entertainment—they are acts of prayer and identity.
• Support artists directly. Buy art from the vendors. Do not haggle. Many artists rely on festival sales for their livelihood. If you can’t afford a piece, leave a kind word or share their booth on social media.

These guidelines aren’t suggestions—they are cultural imperatives. Your mindfulness ensures the festival remains a safe, authentic space for Native communities to share their heritage.

Step 5: Navigate the Art Market with Purpose

The art market is the largest component of the festival and features over 200 juried artists from more than 50 tribes. To make the most of it:

• Start early. Popular artists sell out quickly. Arrive by 10:30 a.m. to have first pick.
• Ask questions. Most artists love to talk about their work. Ask about materials, techniques, tribal origins, and inspiration. This shows respect and deepens your appreciation.
• Look for the “Juried Artist” badge. This ensures you’re buying directly from a verified Native creator, not a mass-produced replica.
• Don’t assume price equals quality. Some of the most powerful pieces are small, subtle, and handmade with natural pigments or wild-harvested materials. A $25 beaded bracelet may carry more cultural weight than a $500 mass-produced necklace.
• Carry cash. While many vendors accept cards, smaller booths and elders may prefer cash. Bring $50–$100 in small bills for easy transactions.

Keep an eye out for special categories: “Best of Show,” “Best Traditional,” and “Emerging Artist.” Winners are announced Saturday afternoon and often become collector’s items.

Step 6: Attend the Dance Competitions with Reverence

The powwow arena is the emotional center of the festival. Here’s how to experience it properly:

• Arrive 15–20 minutes before the start time. Seating fills quickly, and the opening Grand Entry is a powerful, moving procession of dancers in full regalia, led by veterans and elders.
• Stand during the Grand Entry. This is a moment of honor. Stand respectfully as the flag bearers, veterans, and dancers enter the circle. Remain standing until the prayer is complete and the drumming begins.
• Do not enter the arena unless invited. The dance circle is sacred space. Only registered competitors, drum groups, and honored guests are permitted inside.
• Listen to the MC. The Master of Ceremonies provides context for each dance, explains its origins, and announces winners. Pay attention—it’s part of the learning.
• Applaud appropriately. Clap after a dance is complete, not during. A loud cheer mid-performance can disrupt the rhythm and spiritual flow.

Many attendees return year after year just to witness the dance competitions. The energy is electric, the colors breathtaking, and the connection to ancestral tradition palpable.

Step 7: Engage with Storytelling and Workshops

While the art and dance draw the crowds, the storytelling sessions are where the soul of the festival resides. These are often held in quiet tents or shaded pavilions and are open to all.

Topics may include:

• Oral histories of the Kiowa, Comanche, Osage, and other Plains tribes
• Language revitalization efforts (e.g., teaching basic phrases in Cherokee or Muscogee)
• Traditional herbal medicine and plant use
• Survival and resilience through colonization and displacement

Bring a notebook. Many attendees find these sessions transformative. Ask thoughtful questions. If someone shares something deeply personal, acknowledge it with silence or a quiet “thank you.” Do not rush to respond or share your own story unless invited.

Step 8: Savor the Food with Cultural Awareness

The food court is a celebration of Indigenous culinary heritage. Dishes are prepared using ancestral methods and locally sourced ingredients.

Must-try items:

• Frybread: A staple across many tribes. Often served plain, with honey, or topped with savory ingredients like bison chili.
• Bison stew: Slow-cooked with wild onions, garlic, and native herbs. Rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying.
• Wild rice salad: Made with cranberries, pecans, and maple vinaigrette—a modern twist on ancient ingredients.
• Three Sisters soup: A traditional blend of corn, beans, and squash, representing the sacred trio of Indigenous agriculture.

Ask vendors about the origins of their recipes. Many share family traditions passed down for generations. Avoid ordering “Native American” food that’s been Americanized—look for authenticity in ingredients and preparation.

Step 9: Connect with the Community

One of the greatest gifts of attending Red Earth is the opportunity to meet people—artists, elders, students, and activists—who are keeping Native culture alive.

Approach conversations with humility:

• Start with: “Thank you for sharing your culture.”
• Ask: “What does this tradition mean to you?”
• Listen more than you speak.
• If someone invites you to sit with them, accept. These moments are rare and precious.

Many tribal youth volunteers are on-site to assist visitors. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions—they are often the most passionate and informed ambassadors.

Step 10: Reflect and Carry the Experience Forward

Leaving the festival is not the end—it’s the beginning of deeper engagement. Take time after the event to:

• Write down your reflections in a journal.
• Share your experience with friends, emphasizing cultural respect.
• Follow artists and organizations on social media.
• Donate to Red Earth or similar Native-led nonprofits.
• Advocate for accurate Native representation in schools and media.

The festival’s power lies not in the spectacle, but in the ripple effect of awareness and respect you carry into the world.

Best Practices

Attending the Red Earth Native American Festival is an honor—and with that honor comes responsibility. Below are best practices distilled from decades of cultural exchange, community feedback, and ethical tourism guidelines.

Practice Cultural Humility

Do not assume you understand Native cultures based on books, movies, or stereotypes. Approach every interaction with the mindset: “I am here to learn, not to perform or consume.”

Support Native-Owned Businesses

Buy art, food, and merchandise only from vendors who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. Avoid “Native-inspired” products sold by non-Native corporations. These often appropriate and commodify sacred symbols.

Use Correct Terminology

Use specific tribal names when possible (e.g., “Cherokee artist” instead of “Native artist”). Avoid outdated or offensive terms like “Indian,” “tribe” as a verb, or “warrior” unless used by the community itself.

Minimize Environmental Impact

The land where the festival is held is sacred to many Plains tribes. Use recycling bins, avoid single-use plastics, and never litter. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Respect Sacred Objects

Feathers, eagle plumage, medicine bundles, and ceremonial drums are not souvenirs. Never attempt to purchase or handle them unless you are part of the tradition. If you see one, observe quietly and move on.

Teach Others

If you bring friends or family, educate them beforehand on etiquette. Model respectful behavior. If you see someone violating cultural norms, gently correct them—not with anger, but with clarity: “I think we should ask before taking photos.”

Give Back

Consider donating to Red Earth’s youth scholarship fund, art mentorship programs, or language preservation initiatives. Your visit supports more than a festival—it sustains a movement.

Stay All Three Days

Each day offers something unique. Thursday is quieter and more intimate. Friday is the energy peak. Saturday is the culmination. Missing one day means missing a layer of the experience.

Be Patient

Lines for food, art, and seating can be long. Crowds can be overwhelming. Breathe. Sit down. Watch. Listen. The festival is not a race—it’s a ceremony.

Tools and Resources

Maximize your Red Earth experience with these trusted tools and resources.

Official Festival Resources

• Red Earth Website: redearth.org — Full schedule, artist directory, ticketing, and educational materials.
• Red Earth App: Available on iOS and Android. Interactive map, real-time updates, artist bios, and push notifications for event changes.
• Festival Program Booklet: Free at the entrance. Contains maps, artist profiles, dance schedules, and cultural notes.

Books for Deeper Understanding

• Our Beloved Kin by Lisa Brooks — A reimagining of King Philip’s War through Native voices.
• Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States by Devon A. Mihesuah — Explores traditional foodways and their cultural significance.
• The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer — A modern history of Native resilience and survival.
• Native American Art in the Twentieth Century by M. Katherine G. Shear — Context for the art you’ll see at the festival.

Podcasts and Documentaries

• All My Relations (podcast) — Hosted by Matika Wilbur and Adrienne Keene, explores contemporary Native life.
• We Shall Remain (PBS documentary) — A five-part series on Native resistance and survival.
• Dark Winds (AMC series) — A fictional crime drama set on the Navajo Nation, with authentic cultural consultants.

Organizations to Support

• National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian) — Offers virtual exhibits and educational toolkits.
• Native American Rights Fund (NARF) — Legal advocacy for tribal sovereignty.
• First Peoples Fund — Supports Native artists and cultural entrepreneurs.
• Native American Language Preservation Network — Works to revitalize endangered Indigenous languages.

Mobile Tools

• Google Translate (for Native languages): Some apps now include Cherokee, Navajo, and Ojibwe phrases.
• Photo Archive Apps: Use Google Photos or Apple Photos to tag and organize your festival images with cultural context (e.g., “Kiowa Fancy Dance, 2024 Red Earth Festival”).
• Calendar Apps: Sync festival events to your calendar with reminders for Grand Entry times and artist talks.

Real Examples

Real stories from past attendees illustrate how intentional participation transforms the Red Earth experience.

Example 1: Maria, a High School Teacher from Texas

Maria brought her social studies class to Red Earth after learning about the Trail of Tears in class. She prepared her students with readings on Osage history and cultural protocols. During the festival, one Osage elder invited the class to sit in a storytelling circle. He shared how his great-grandmother walked the Trail and how his family still sings the songs she taught him. “My students cried,” Maria said. “Not because it was sad—but because they finally understood that history isn’t over. It’s alive.”

Example 2: Jamal, a Photographer from Chicago

Jamal came to Red Earth to capture “Native culture.” He took hundreds of photos without asking. One dancer, a young Jingle Dress dancer, approached him after the event. “You took my picture,” she said. “But you didn’t ask if it was okay. That’s not how we do things.” Jamal was humbled. He returned the next year with a printed copy of her photo, a handwritten note of apology, and a donation to the festival’s youth art fund. He now runs a photography workshop for Native teens, teaching them to tell their own stories through their lenses.

Example 3: Evelyn, a Retiree from Arizona

Evelyn bought a beaded necklace from a Navajo artist named Linda. They talked for 45 minutes about how Linda learned beadwork from her grandmother, who survived the boarding school era. Evelyn returned home and started a book club focused on Native authors. She now hosts an annual “Red Earth Night” in her community, featuring Indigenous music, food, and films. “I didn’t just buy a necklace,” she said. “I bought a relationship.”

Example 4: The Thompson Family

A multi-generational family from Oklahoma attended Red Earth for the first time. The grandparents danced in a traditional circle during a community powwow. The teenagers bought art from a young Chickasaw artist. The 8-year-old learned to make a corn husk doll. “We came for the dancing,” said the father. “We left with a new family tradition.”

FAQs

Is the Red Earth Festival open to non-Native people?

Yes. The festival welcomes all visitors who come with respect, curiosity, and humility. It is not a private or closed ceremony—it is an invitation to learn and witness.

Can I bring my pet to the festival?

No. Only service animals are permitted. The festival grounds are crowded, and many animals are sensitive to loud noises and large crowds.

Are there wheelchair-accessible facilities?

Yes. The venue is fully ADA-compliant with accessible restrooms, seating, and parking. Contact the Red Earth office in advance if you need special accommodations.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, but only for medical or dietary needs. The festival encourages supporting Native food vendors. Coolers are allowed but subject to inspection.

Do I need to wear traditional clothing?

No. You are not expected to dress as a Native person. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. If you wear Native-inspired patterns or symbols, ensure they are from a Native-owned brand and not culturally appropriated.

What if I accidentally break a cultural rule?

Apologize sincerely. Most Native people appreciate honesty and humility. Say, “I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I’ll do better.” Learning is part of the process.

Can I volunteer at the festival?

Yes. Volunteer applications open in March each year. Visit redearth.org/volunteer. Volunteers receive free admission and behind-the-scenes access.

Is there a children’s program?

Yes. The Children’s Cultural Village offers hands-on activities daily. It’s free with admission and designed for ages 3–12.

How can I support the festival year-round?

Donate to Red Earth, follow them on social media, attend their year-round workshops, and share their mission with others. You can also purchase art from their online gallery.

Are there lodging discounts for attendees?

Yes. Several downtown hotels offer Red Earth festival rates. Check the official website for a list of partner accommodations.

Conclusion

Catching the Red Earth Native American Festival is not about checking a box on your travel itinerary. It is about stepping into a living, breathing tradition that has endured centuries of erasure, assimilation, and injustice—and yet, continues to thrive. It is about witnessing art that carries ancestral memory, hearing songs that echo across generations, and listening to stories that have been silenced for too long.

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge, tools, and ethical framework to attend not as a tourist, but as a respectful guest. You now understand the significance of each dance, the weight behind each bead, and the quiet power of a shared silence during a drum circle.

As you prepare for your visit, remember: the true value of Red Earth lies not in what you take home—but in what you carry forward. The art you buy becomes a conversation starter. The stories you hear become part of your understanding of America’s true history. The respect you show becomes a model for others.

The Red Earth Festival is not a spectacle to be consumed. It is a sacred offering to be received with an open heart and a humble mind. When you leave, do not say, “I went to the festival.” Say instead: “I was invited into a world that refuses to be forgotten.”

And in that invitation, you become part of its continuation.