Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7
Native American Weekend
The Cowboy Carousel Center in downtown Buffalo presents “Native American Weekend: Life. Lore. Legends.” on the weekend of June 4 to June 6.
Guests are invited to discover, listen, celebrate, and create during this event, which will offer a meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate Indigenous heritage.
The weekend will include guest speakers, trades and skills, music and culture, symbols, horses, history, stories, performances, food, and crafts.
Cowboy Carousel Center is honored to welcome Henry Real Bird, an acclaimed Apsáalooke (Crow) poet, cultural educator, horseman, and former Montana Poet Laureate, to lead the opening ceremonies for Native American Weekend.
On Friday evening, Henry Real Bird will begin the weekend with a traditional tipi raising, followed by smudging, and an opening prayer to ground the gathering in respect, gratitude, and cultural understanding. His presence brings deep authenticity and spiritual significance to this shared experience.
On Saturday, Henry Real Bird will be speaking, dancing, and leading children’s cultural activities all day long — songs, stories, games, and more. Cheryl Real Bird will host beautiful dream catcher and dream weaving workshops. Bring the family and enjoy a day of culture and connection.
Visit Buffalo for a vibrant weekend honoring the rich traditions and spirit of Native American cultures. “Life, Lore & Legends” will bring together an engaging blend of interactive activities, live performances, guest speakers, traditional music, storytelling, hands-on experiences, and more.
Tickets: One‑day general admission (any day) is $10; all‑weekend admission (all three days) is $25.
Native American Weekend Schedule
New performers and presenters are added daily. Native American regalia art display will be open throughout all event hours. Vendors will be open during all operating hours. Fresh fry bread and refreshments will be available for purchase daily. Educational Native American films will be shown in the Micro Theater throughout the weekend at no additional charge.
Native American Belt‑Making — Two‑day Workshop featuring hands‑on instruction and completion of a traditional‑style belt.
Friday, June 5
3:00 — Doors Open / Regalia & Vendors
3:30–4:30 — Opening Prayer & Smudging Presentation (Henry Real Bird)
5:00–6:00 — Tipi Raising, following a presentation by the Native American Woman Warriors (the nation’s first all‑women Native American color guard)
Featured Sioux Talks (speakers: Brandon Ferguson, Twila Hopkins, Chance Mato).
Topics: Untold Story of the Lakota Nation; Life of Young Cub: Orphan of the Wounded Knee Massacre; Cowboy and Native American Indian Impact on Film & Television.
Saturday, June 6
10:00 — Doors Open / Regalia & Vendors
10:30 — Navajo Jewelery Class by Odessa Olhan (fifth‑generation Navajo artist)
11:00 — Flute Performance, Rider Parot
11:30 — Talk and Grass Dance Presentation, JR Parot
12:00 — Break
1:00 — Vision Quest Teachings, Henry Real Bird
2:00 — Hoop Dance Performance, by JR Parot
3:00 — Talk: Meaning of Symbols Painted on War Horses
3:30 — Jewelry Making with Sinew, Neta Old Elk
3:30 — Dream Catcher Class, Lucy Real Bird
4:00 — Traditional Dance, Johnee Washakie and Emma White Man Runs Him; Singer: Robert Crow
5:00 — Native Plants & Healing Balms, Cedar Rose Bulltail
5:00 — Children’s Songs in the Crow Language, Henry Real Bird
6:00 — Break
7:00 — Evening Traditional Dance with Chief White Man Runs Him, Jack Real Bird, Henry Real Bird, John White Man Runs Him; Singer: Robert Howe. Includes audience participation.
Sunday, June 7
10:00 — Doors Open / Regalia & Vendors
10:30 — Jewelry Making Class, Odessa Oldham
10:30 — Yakusoky Art Class, Lili
11:00 — Hoop Dance Performance, by JR Parot
11:30 — Flute Performance, Rider Parot
12:00 — Kids’ Craft: Ring of Hope Game, Lucy Real Bird
1:00 — Traditional Dance with Chief White Man Runs Him, Jack Real Bird, Henry Real Bird, John White Man Runs Him; Singer: Robert Howe. Includes audience participation.
WHEN: Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7
WHERE: Cowboy Carousel Center, 59 N. Lobban Ave., Buffalo WY 82834
