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A Primer for Native Cultural Events

   By Joshua Arce

Selections from a range of art, film and fashion events

As 2025 draws to a close, Native artists, filmmakers, and designers are bringing their voices to the spotlight through an exciting lineup of events across the U.S. You can select a family outing from events ranging from traditional arts and markets to contemporary fashion pageants and film festivals. These gatherings are great opportunities to celebrate Indigenous identity, storytelling, and resilience.

If you’re looking to experience Native creativity firsthand this fall, here are some events happening from October through December:

Art Shows & Festivals

áyA Con Indigenous Comic and Art Festival
The Truss House in RINO Park, Denver, CO
October 3–5, 2025

Cherokee Art Market
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, OK
October 11–12, 2025

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025: Everybody Dance
Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ
October 13, 2025

Yanaguana Festival
Essex Modern City, San Antonio, TX
November 1, 2025

Indian Frybread & Arts Festival
Rawhide Western Town, Chandler, AZ
November 22, 2025

Ornament Marketplace
Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ
November 28–30, 2025

Lakota Nation Invitational Art Show
Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD
December 16–20, 2025

Phoenix Indigenous People’s Day – Nite Market
Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
October 12–13, 2025

Fashion

Indigenous Fashion Gala
Los Angeles, CA
October 11, 2025

Akwesasne Indigenous Fashion Show
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, Hogansburg, NY
October 12, 2025

Indigenous People’s Fashion Show
Hood Museum of Art, Hanover, NH
October 16, 2025

Western Navajo Fashion Show
Western Navajo Fair, Tuba City, AZ
October 19, 2025

Film

Sundance Film Festival Indigenous Film Tour
Multiple Locations
October 11-13, 2025

Shining Mountains Film Festival
Wheeler Opera House, Aspen, CO
October 17–18, 2025

Red Nation International Film Festival
Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
November 1–16, 2025

Even if you can’t attend one of these events, there are many ways to learn more about Indigenous art and culture right in your own community.

Seek out Native-owned galleries, follow Native artists and musicians online, or visit cultural centers and museums that highlight Indigenous history and creativity. You can also learn about the Tribal Nations whose homelands you live on today and support local organizations uplifting Native voices. Every connection you make helps sustain and celebrate Native traditions, talent, and storytelling.