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
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
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
