Photography
Public dance contests and the vendor row are generally OK to photograph. The Grand Entry, ceremony moments, and individual dancers in regalia require permission. When in doubt, ask. No drones.
Event · 4 days
– Mission Valley · Arlee –
CSKT · Cultural
A century of celebration
Arlee CelebrationPowwow
Jul
01–04
2026
Arlee Powwow Grounds · Arlee, MT
Annual · Free · All ages welcome
When
Jul 1 – 4
Wed – Sat
Repeats
Annual
Where
Arlee Powwow Grounds
Arlee, MT
Cost
Free
All ages welcome
Host
CSKT
Cultural event
About the eventThe details
The Arlee Celebration Powwow is the longest-running annual gathering in the Mission Valley, hosted continuously by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for more than a century. It runs over the July 4 weekend at the Arlee powwow grounds.
The four-day event includes Grand Entry processions every evening, intertribal dance competitions across multiple age and style categories, hand games, stickgame tournaments, a vendor row of food and craft tents, and fireworks on the final night.
This is a public, family-friendly event, but it is also a sacred and significant cultural gathering. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend with respect and curiosity. See the visitor protocols section below before you go.
Visitor
Protocols
Protocols
CSKT-collaborative content
Be a respectful guest
Protocols help everyone show up well at culturally significant events. Specifics for this gathering are confirmed each year through the host.
Stand for Grand Entry
When the Grand Entry begins, everyone in the arena stands. Hats off. Cell phones down. The procession honors veterans, flag carriers, and the dancers in regalia.
The arena floor
The dance arena is the dancers' space. Don't step onto the floor unless you are dancing in an intertribal round when called.
Dress and behavior
No specific dress code, but modest is the norm. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the grounds. The event is family-oriented and dry.
Regalia is not a costume
The dancers' regalia is sacred and personal. Do not touch it, do not borrow it, do not buy or wear anything resembling it. Compliments are welcome from a distance.
If you're unsure, ask
The Master of Ceremonies announces protocols throughout the day. Listen. CSKT members staffing the gates and vendor row are also happy to answer respectful questions.
Draft language · This protocol set is in review with CSKT contributors. Final canonical version forthcoming.
Char-Koosta News →
4-day program
Final schedule confirmed by host each year. Times approximate.
01
Day 1
Wed Jul 1
3 PM
Vendor row opens
5 PM
Camp setup
7 PM
Opening Grand Entry
8 PM
Intertribal dancing
02
Day 2
Thu Jul 2
12 PM
Hand games tournament
3 PM
Junior dance contests
7 PM
Grand Entry
8 PM
Adult contest session 1
03
Day 3
Fri Jul 3
11 AM
Stickgame tournament
2 PM
Specials and giveaways
7 PM
Grand Entry
10 PM
Fireworks over the grounds
04
Day 4
Sat Jul 4
1 PM
Final Grand Entry
3 PM
Contest finals
6 PM
Awards and closing
8 PM
Camp teardown
★ Recurring · annual ★
Coming up
Each year on the July 4 weekend.
Where to find it
In Arlee
Arlee Powwow Grounds
Powwow Grounds Rd
Arlee, Montana 59821
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