The Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe will welcome visitors from across the region for the 61st Annual Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow, set for April 17–19, 2026, at 130 Haliwa Saponi Trail in Hollister.

Recognized as the oldest powwow in North Carolina, the Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow has historically drawn crowds of up to 10,000 visitors in a single weekend. The three-day cultural celebration showcases Native traditions through competitive dancing, drum contests, art exhibitions, and multiple Grand Entry ceremonies open to the public.

Competition Highlights

This year’s powwow features a highly anticipated drum contest with a $5,000 first-place prize, followed by awards of $4,000, $3,000, and $2,000. Dance competitions will include Golden Age, Adult, Teen, Junior, and Tiny Tots categories, with cash prizes awarded in each division. Registration for participants is $10 per person, and tribal identification may be requested.

The Pine Lodge Singers of Pembroke, N.C., will serve as the host drum for the weekend.

Grand Entry & Schedule

Grand Entry times are scheduled as follows (all times Eastern):
Friday: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon and 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.

A worship service will also be held Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Admission & Event Details

Daily admission is:
$10 for ages 7–61
$8 for ages 62 and older
Free for children 6 and under

A weekend pass is available for $20. Admission and on-site purchases are cash only. Camping will be available, but pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited on tribal grounds.

Traditional and contemporary art entries must be delivered to the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School cafeteria by 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

Featured Staff & Guests

This year’s featured staff includes:

Head Male Dancer: Eric Plainbull
Head Female Dancer: Charlize Evans
Arena Director: Will Richardson
Head Judge: Kevin Chavis
MCs: JD Moore and Sandon Jacobs

Host hotels for the event include the Holiday Inn Rocky Mount and the Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids.

Vendor & Contact Information

Vendor applications will be accepted exclusively through the official online form. The only way to apply for vendor space is by submitting an application at the Tribe’s designated link.

Headquartered in Hollister, the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe is a sovereign Indian nation committed to protecting its identity, cultural heritage, and the well-being of its citizens. Through education, health initiatives, economic development, housing, and cultural programming, the Tribe continues to serve as an advocate for its people while building partnerships with local, state, and federal entities to strengthen the broader region.

For more information, contact the Tribe at (252) 586-4017.

Community members and visitors alike are invited to experience the rich traditions, powerful drumming, vibrant regalia, and cultural pride that define this longstanding North Carolina tradition.

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