November honors Native American Heritage Month, and Texas offers dozens of ways to celebrate the rich traditions, history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples who first called this land home.
From powwows featuring traditional dancing and drumming to museum exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and cultural workshops, you can experience authentic Native American culture throughout the month. Many events are free and family-friendly, making it easy to learn, celebrate, and support Indigenous communities.
Dallas: Major Powwow Returns Downtown
The 5th Annual Native American Heritage Month Powwow takes over AT&T Discovery District on Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Inter-Tribal Council of AT&T Employees hosts this free celebration featuring gourd dancing, performances from tribes across the USA, dance contests and exhibitions, and traditional drumming. Cameras capture performances live on the Media Wall, giving everyone great views of the action.
Bring a lawn chair and settle in for the day. The North Lawn and The Grove offer designated viewing areas—just don’t block sidewalks or pedestrian paths. The south lawn stays reserved for performances only, so no seating there.
Self-parking at the 1212 Jackson Street garage runs free with validation from The Exchange Food Hall, Cowboy Chow, or the AT&T Store.
AT&T Discovery District is at 208 S. Akard St., Dallas. Find details at discoverydistrictdallas.com.
San Antonio: Pow Wow at Olmos Basin Park
The Native American Heritage Month Honor Pow Wow brings traditional dancing, drumming, and Native American arts and crafts vendors to Olmos Basin Park this November.
Watch skilled dancers compete in traditional regalia while drummers provide the heartbeat of Indigenous culture. Browse authentic handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and artwork from Native artisans. Food vendors serve traditional Indigenous cuisine alongside the entertainment.
This family-friendly event celebrates the diverse Native American communities who have shaped San Antonio’s history and continue contributing to the city’s cultural fabric today.
Check San Antonio event calendars for specific date and time details.
San Antonio College: Storytelling and Music Workshops
San Antonio College hosts two special Native American Heritage Month programs:
Tuesday, November 19, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., NAHC 218 Emma “Grandma Coyote” Ortega, a storyteller from San Antonio with deep Lipan Apache and Carrizo Comecrudo roots, shares ancestral cultural and spiritual insights passed through generations. Her storytelling preserves teachings for future generations.
Wednesday, November 20, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., NAHC 218 Cultural educator and musician Ceiba ili from Honduras leads a workshop exploring the cultural significance of music in Indigenous communities. Learn how instruments like clay flutes and Native American flutes connect to land and tradition in daily life.
Both events are free and open to the community.
Austin: Largest Single-Day Powwow in the Country
The Austin Powwow returns Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Travis County Expo Center.
This massive celebration claims the title of largest single-day Native American powwow in the country. Grand Entry happens at noon—don’t miss seeing all the dancers enter the arena in full regalia.
Beyond traditional powwow dance contests, you’ll find a sprawling Native American arts and crafts market and Native American food court. Shop authentic handmade items directly from Native artisans and taste traditional Indigenous foods.
The event draws thousands and showcases the diversity of Native American cultures from across the nation.
Austin Public Libraries: Free Fingerweaving Workshops
The Central Texas Cherokee Township offers free fingerweaving workshops at Austin Public Library branches throughout November:
Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hampton at Oak Hill Branch
Saturday, November 9, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch
Monday, November 18, 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. John Gillum Branch
Fingerweaving is a traditional Native American textile technique. Learn this ancient craft from experienced instructors and create your own woven piece to take home.
Abilene: Museum Exhibition All Month
The Grace Museum in Abilene presents a Native American Heritage Month exhibition throughout November, curated by Abilene Christian University’s Public History Program.
Learn about the history and culture of Native peoples in Texas and the Big Country region. The exhibition explores how Indigenous communities continue their traditions and work to preserve their culture today.
The display features historical photographs, artwork, and artifacts telling the story of Texas tribes including the Comanche, Kiowa, and Alabama-Coushatta.
The Grace Museum is at 102 Cypress St., Abilene. Visit thegracemuseum.org for hours and admission.
Houston: Children’s Museum Celebration
The Children’s Museum Houston celebrates Native American Heritage Month with hands-on activities perfect for families:
Art Workshops run at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Alexander Art Academy. Create sand art and weave bracelets using traditional techniques.
Native American Storytime at 11 a.m. in the Parent Resource Library features authentic Native American tales sharing timeless wisdom and cultural insights.
Songs and Drums at noon in Kid’s Hall Alcove lets you experience the rhythm of Indigenous heritage through drum circles.
Danza Azteca Performance at 1 p.m. in Kid’s Hall Alcove showcases powerful traditional Aztec dance.
Artifacts Viewing Table and Corn Grinding Demo runs throughout the day. See ancient artifacts up close and try grinding corn using traditional methods.
Check cmhouston.org for specific dates and details.
Dallas: Museum and Cultural Centers
The Dallas Museum of Art showcases its extensive Indigenous American art collection year-round in recently refreshed galleries. The collection spans from Alaska to the Andes, representing nearly 150 cultures and artistic traditions across approximately 4,500 years.
The collection includes about 4,500 artworks displaying the vibrant culture of Indigenous peoples. Visit during November to experience special programming celebrating Native American Heritage Month.
The museum is at 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. Admission is free. Visit DMA.org.
Understanding Texas Native American History
Three federally recognized tribes maintain reservations in Texas today: the Alabama-Coushatta, Tigua (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo), and Kickapoo.
Historically, North Texas was home to the Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, Tawakoni, and Wichita tribes. Central Texas saw Apache, Tonkawa, and various Coahuiltecan peoples. The Texas coastal regions were inhabited by Karankawa and Atakapa peoples.
Many Texans have Indigenous ancestry they may not fully recognize. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of people in San Antonio identifying as American Indian jumped by nearly a third. The number of American Indians identifying as Hispanic or Latino grew even faster—by 46 percent.
Why This Month Matters
President George H.W. Bush officially designated November as Native American Heritage Month in 1990, building on earlier proclamations dating back to 1976.
The month celebrates the traditions, languages, stories, and invaluable contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. It’s also a time to educate about historical and ongoing challenges these communities face.
Native Americans have made profound contributions to American society in agriculture, medicine, music, language, art, military service, and countless other fields. Yet Native peoples remain largely invisible in many communities, making up less than 2 percent of the U.S. population.
This month offers opportunities to learn authentic history, support Native artisans and businesses, and recognize the Indigenous peoples whose land we occupy.
How to Participate Respectfully
When attending powwows and cultural events, remember these guidelines:
Stand during Grand Entry and when the flag passes. Remove hats during prayer and the national anthem. Don’t touch regalia, drums, or ceremonial items without permission. Ask before taking photos of dancers or participants. Support Native vendors by purchasing authentic handmade items. Listen respectfully during storytelling and cultural presentations.
Many events welcome non-Native attendees specifically to share culture and educate. Your respectful participation honors Indigenous communities and helps preserve traditions for future generations.
Supporting Indigenous Communities Year-Round
Beyond November events, you can support Native American communities in Texas:
Visit and support the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation near Livingston, which offers cultural tours, traditional crafts demonstrations, and a museum.
Shop from Native-owned businesses and artisans. Look for authentic items marked with tribal affiliation rather than mass-produced “Native-inspired” products.
Read books by Native American authors. Support Indigenous-owned restaurants and food businesses. Donate to organizations supporting Native communities in Texas.
Learn whose land you occupy. Many events and organizations begin by acknowledging Indigenous peoples’ ancestral territories. In Texas, this includes Alabama-Coushatta, Caddo, Carrizo/Comecrudo, Coahuiltecan, Comanche, Kickapoo, Lipan Apache, Tonkawa, and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo lands.
Event Calendar Summary
November 8 5th Annual Native American Heritage Month Powwow AT&T Discovery District, Dallas, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Free
November 9 Fingerweaving Workshops Austin Public Library branches, times vary, Free
November 18 Fingerweaving Workshop John Gillum Branch, Austin, 6 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Free
November 19 Storytelling with Emma “Grandma Coyote” Ortega San Antonio College, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Free
November 20 Native American Flute Workshop San Antonio College, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Free
November 23 Austin Powwow Travis County Expo Center, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Check website for admission
Throughout November Native American Heritage Month Exhibition The Grace Museum, Abilene Indigenous American Art Galleries Dallas Museum of Art, Free admission Various children’s programs Children’s Museum Houston
November (Date TBD) Native American Heritage Month Honor Pow Wow Olmos Basin Park, San Antonio
Resources and Information: Visit your local library for Native American Heritage Month displays and resources Check museum websites for special exhibitions and programming Follow local Indigenous organizations on social media for additional events Contact visitor bureaus in major cities for complete event listings
This November, take time to learn, celebrate, and honor the Indigenous peoples who have shaped Texas history and continue enriching our communities today.
