Most powwows are open to the public, if you know where to find them. If you are unsure, call a phone number on the flyer (if you've seen one), or ask someone when you arrive. If you aren't familiar with powwows, it's best to sit back and watch quietly. Buy a program if they are available, and listen to the Emcee, so you'll know what's going on. Buy some raffle tickets, you could go home with a treasure. Visit the concession stands, try some frybread or an Indian Taco. The money raised by admissions, parking, concessions, and raffles often pay for the dancer's prize money, if there are contests. These events can cost a lot of money to put on, so everyone's money is welcome.

Control Your Children

Do not allow children to run into the arena, or to run amongst the crowd. Elderly people can be knocked off-balance by running children, and a splattered soft drink can ruin an expensive buckskin dress.

Seating Accomodations

There may be bleachers around the arena, where anyone may sit. The benches around the edge of the arena are reserved for dancers. There will be many lawn chairs sitting around the arena. Don't move them, their owners have been there earlier to reserve their spot. There are two things powwow Indians always have in their car; lawn chairs and extra toilet paper. Bring your own of both, just to be safe. Blankets are good for children who may fall asleep during the evening, but they aren't a very good vantage point for spectators. Don't block the aisles with your chairs or blankets.

Photography

Most powwows allow onlookers to take photographs, but some won't. If in doubt, ask. There are certain times onlookers are never allowed to take pictures, such as during prayers. You may film or take photographs during Grand Entry, when all the dancers parade into the arena. If you want to take an individual's picture, be polite and ask them first. Some people DO NOT want their picture taken; please respect their wishes. There may be other photographers entering the arena to take pictures, but onlookers should never do this; those photographers may be family members of dancers, club photographers, or professionals who have permission to film.

ABSOLUTELY NO FLASH PICTURES are allowed during contest songs, as the flash may make a dancer lose their concentration.

Dancing

Most public pow-wows will have dances throughout the evening when everyone is welcome to enter the arena to dance, with or without regalia; listen for the Emcee to announce these.

There is a saying that the only thing that moves on a good traditional lady dancer is her feet and her eagle plume. Non-Indian ladies are always welcome to dance with a shawl over their street clothes, just as Indians ladies do. Ladies should not wear very short skirts or shorts, or other brief clothing into the arena.

NEVER "Do a Dunbar" (as Indians call it), referring to the famous movie scene where Kevin Costner dances around a fire like a wild man. Indians don’t dance like that anywhere.

Dance Outfits

NEVER touch a dancer's outfit without their permission. Many of the items worn are heirlooms, and some may be very fragile or valuable. A Southern buckskin dress can cost $4000; a fully-beaded Northern buckskin could be worth even more. Eagle feathers are sacred and should never be touched.

Regalia (some say costumes) are for Indians. If you are of Indian descent, honor your ancestors and dress in their style. A Delaware dress is just as beautiful as a Cheyenne dress. Be prepared to spend some time and money making a proper outfit; you’ll be glad you did in the long run.

If you aren’t Indian, the Indian way is to have permission from an Indian to dance in regalia. Many Indians consider it "stealing" if you don‘t have permission.

Indian men wear shorts under their "apron sets" today. The old "breechcloth" styles belong with re-enactors, entertainers, and others who are portraying a "historical" look, but should not be worn into the arena.

Refreshments

NO ALCHOLICS BEVERAGES are allowed at pow-wows, nor are drugs of any kind. If you smell something "funny", it's probably just sage, which is burned ceremonially to purify.

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