Powwow
Rodeo horse riding

North Dakota Rodeos and Powwows

Rodeos and powwows are important parts of North Dakota's culture. Eight seconds seems so long when you're watching a cowboy hang on for dear life. From national professional events, to local high school competitions, rodeo isn't just a sport in North Dakota, it's a feel-the-dirt-in-your-teeth way of life. 

The Algonquin word "pau wau" was the Native American word some of the first Europeans associated with dancing. Although pau wau meant "medicine man" to the Algonquins, the term was eventually accepted by Europeans to refer to dancing and gatherings, later being spelled "powwow." 

Powwows were originally held in the spring to celebrate the beginning of new life, but are now held throughout the year. The celebrations often have religious significance, but are also a time for people to gather, sing, dance, feast, pray, renew old friendships and make new ones. These celebrations are still an important part of life for many Native Americans. 

2023 Powwows/Celebrations

Dancers at United Tribes International Powwow

Memorial Day Weekend - 4 Bears, New Town

June 23-25 - Santee Lucky Mound, Parshall

July 7-9 - Arikara Celebration, White Shield

July 14-16 - Mandaree Celebration Powwow, Mandaree

August 4-6 - Twin Buttes Powwow, Twin Buttes

August 10 - Battle of the Plains *Chicken Dance, Earthlodge Village, New Town

August 11-13 - Little Shell Celebration/Antelope Society, New Town

August 12 - Endurance Race, Earthlodge Village, New Town

September 8-10 - United Tribes International Powwow, Bismarck

2023 Rodeos

Rodeo horse riding

TBD - All District Rodeo, Mandaree, On A Slant Arena

May 27 - Four Bears, New Town

May 29 - Dickinson High School Rodeo, Dickinson

June 16-17 - Dakota Community Bank & Trust PBR Bull Riding Challenge, Bismarck Event Center

June 17 - Roughrider Days Youth Rodeo, Dickinson

June 23-25 - Roughrider Days PRCA Rodeo, Dickinson

June 25 -Lucky Mound Rodeo Healing Horse Ranch, Parshall

June 30-July 1 - Roughrider Rodeo, Jamestown

July 2-4 - Mandan Rodeo Days, Mandan

July 8 - White Shield Stampede, Ree Ranch

July 15 - West Segment Rodeo, Mandaree, On A Slant Arena

August 5 - Twin Buttes Rodeo, Twin Buttes

August 11-12 - Medora Ranchorama, Medora

August 12 - Little Shell North Segment, Parshall, Healing Horse Ranch

August 26-27 - MHA Rodeo Association Finals, TBD

Late October (TBA) - Bucking Battle, Bismarck

Check the Events page for more information