150th Ponca Celebration Powwow Set for August 27–30

The Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma will hold the 150th Annual Ponca Celebration Powwow from August 27 through August 30 at White Eagle Park.

This year’s gathering will recognize two major milestones: the 150th Ponca Celebration and the 100th anniversary of the Ponca Tribe earning the right to host the World Championship Fancy Dance Contest.

Four days of dancing, singing, competition and fellowship are planned.

A century of championship Fancy Dance

The centennial commemoration traces back to 1926, when Ponca tribal member Augustus Hurley McDonald earned the right for the Ponca Tribe to host the World Championship Fancy Dance Contest while at Haskell Institute.

The contest developed into a major tradition within the powwow community and remains one of the central events of the annual Ponca Celebration.

The 2026 World Championship Fancy Dance Contest is scheduled for Sunday, August 30. The Powwow Committee plans to award $10,000 to the winning dancer.

Organizers are encouraging Fancy dancers from across the country to participate in the centennial competition.

Visiting the celebration

The annual celebration is free and open to the public. Visitors may bring folding chairs or use available public seating at White Eagle Park.

Guests should respect the dance circle and the seating areas reserved for dancers and their families. Food and craft vendors are also traditionally part of the gathering.

The celebration will take place at White Eagle Park, located south of Ponca City within the Ponca tribal community.

Additional schedules and event instructions may be released by the Ponca Tribe and Powwow Committee as the celebration approaches.

Sources: Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and the City of Ponca City.