Annual Moundville Native American Festival returning for 36th year
The University of Alabama's Moundville Archaeological Park is set to host the 36th annual Moundville Native American Festival from October 3-5. The festival is a celebration of the cultures of southeastern Native Americans and aims to cultivate community and education around these cultures.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Native American artisans, watch traditional dances, listen to stories and music, and support local and Native American businesses. The festival will also feature demonstrations on Native American lifeways and art, flint knapping, storytelling, and music. A children's area will offer lessons on how to play stickball, chunky, and other activities, and a stickball demonstration match will take place on Saturday.
The festival's director, Marsha Holley, emphasized the importance of the event in providing accessible Native American education for the community. "The demonstrators, performers, artists, and craftspeople who share their knowledge and culture with our festival audience are the true backbones of the Moundville Native American Festival," she said.
In addition to the educational aspects of the festival, there will also be an array of vendors and food trucks, including the popular fry bread tacos. The Moundville Native American Festival is one of the largest celebrations of Native American communities in the state of Alabama and offers a unique experience for students and families to learn from Alabama's Descent Communities.
The festival is not limited to the people whose ancestors built Moundville, but rather includes all Native American communities that call Alabama their homeland. Admission is $10 for adults, students, and seniors, while children five years and under are free. Tickets are only available for purchase at the event.
The festival hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The event promises to be an exciting and educational experience, offering something for everyone.
