16th Annual Sacred Springs Powwow | San Marcos, TX

Celebrate the 16th Annual Sacred Springs Powwow with Native dance, music, arts, food, culture, and community in San Marcos, Texas. Join us for the 16th Annual Sacred Springs Powwow, October 3–4, 2026, at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos, Texas. The Sacred Springs Powwow is a two-day celebration of Native American culture, arts, music, dance, food, and community. Each year, thousands of people gather at the sacred springs to experience traditional and contest dancing, powerful drum groups and singers, Native arts and vendors, food, and opportunities to learn about the Indigenous peoples and cultures of Texas and across Turtle Island. Hosted by the Indigenous Cultures Institute, the Powwow honors the sacred springs known as Ajehuac Yana, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in North America and a place of profound cultural and spiritual significance to Indigenous peoples. 2026 Head Staff Emcee: Tim Tallchief (Osage) Arena Director: Bill Takes Horse (Crow) Head Judge: Gwen Takes Horse (Choctaw) Head Male Dancer: David Haskins (Kituwah) Head Lady Dancer: Michelle Flyingman-Haskins (Kiowa/Cheyenne) Head Gourd Dancer: Dr. Lee Walters (Blackfoot) Host Southern Drum: Ottertrail Singers Head Singer: Al Santos Host Northern Drum: Eagle Point Singers Head Singer: Chayton Hoskins Dance Contest Prizes Adult Contest Categories 1st Place — $1,000 2nd Place — $600 3rd Place — $500 4th Place — $400 Youth Contest Categories — Girls & Boys, Ages 17 & Under 1st Place — $200 2nd Place — $100 3rd Place — $75 4th Place — $50 Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience traditional and contest dancing, Gourd Dancing, Grand Entry, Native drum groups and singers, Native arts and crafts, food vendors, cultural activities, and a gathering of Native people and communities from across Texas and beyond. The Sacred Springs Powwow welcomes everyone. Whether this is your first Powwow or you return each year, we invite you to gather with us in a spirit of celebration, respect, and community. October 3–4, 2026 The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment San Marcos, Texas Admission $10 One-Day Admission $15 Two-Day Weekend Admission Children 12 and under attend free. Come spend the weekend with us at the Sacred Springs and experience one of San Marcos' most meaningful annual cultural gatherings.