The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is preparing to welcome thousands of  friends from across the globe as they host the annual “Dance of the Harvest Moon” Powwow Sept. 26–28, 2025, at the Cultural Center nestled in the Red Banks Community.

This annual gathering is a celebration of Native traditions featuring competitive dancing, drum contests, cultural demonstrations and a powerful display of unity and pride among Indigenous people. Dancers and drum groups from across the nation and Canada will participate, making the event one of the largest cultural showcases in the region.

This year, the Lumbee Tribe is honored to introduce a new Women’s Eastern Woodland Category for participants ages 18 to 49. This addition reflects the tribe’s deep commitment to honoring the matrilineal foundations of its people and celebrating the vital role of women as life-givers, leaders and wisdom-keepers within the community.

Grand Entries will begin on Friday at 7:00 p.m., continue on Saturday at noon  and 7:00 p.m., and conclude on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The event will feature specials including the Women’s Fancy Spotlight Special, the Grant Dial Men’s Northern Traditional, the Chairman’s Special Women’s Southern Traditional, as well as Fancy, Jingle, Traditional, Grass Dance and more.

The 2025 Powwow welcomes siblings, Raven Dial - Stanley and Ryan Dial as Head Male Dancer and Head Female Dancer. The featured Host Northern Drum will be The Boyz from Minnesota, and the Host Southern Drum will be Southern Boyz from Oklahoma. Guests will also enjoy the energy and insight of Emcees Marty Thurman from the Sac and Fox, Comanche, Absentee Shawnee and Delaware nation and Sandon Jacobs who is from the Waccamaw-Siouan Tribe. Marty Thurman returns for his second year at the Lumbee gathering. 

“If the ”Dance of the Harvest Moon” is not on your powwow calendar, make sure you add it and plan to attend! I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve again as one of the Emcees for this year’s celebration. Coming from Shawnee, Oklahoma, my family and I look forward to a wonderful weekend of song and dance with the great Lumbee Nation," shared Thurman in a press release.  

Head Drum Judge Chris Conner and Head Dance Judge Kevin Chavis will be joined by Patrick Green as Arena Director ensuring the powwow runs smoothly.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery shared his excitement as he said the staff have been preparing for months for the event. 

“The Dance of the Harvest Moon Powwow is a time for our people and friends from across the country to come together to celebrate Lumbee culture, resilience, and community. This year, we are especially proud to uplift the strength and wisdom of women, honoring the foundations of our matrilineal heritage,” said Lowery in a press release. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend filled with dance, song, laughter, fellowship, and the spirit of unity.”

The powwow will include a living village which offers a walk through Lumbee history, local artisans will showcase their art and crafts onsite and food vendors will offer Lumbee favorites. 

Admissions & Tickets: 

Admission is $10 for adults, while seniors ages 55 and older, military personnel with valid ID, and youth under 18 may attend for $5. Children age five and under will be admitted free of charge. A Sunday-only ticket is available for $5, and weekend passes can be purchased for $20, allowing guests to enjoy all three days of the celebration.

Hotels, Camping & RV Information: 

For those planning to stay on site, camping options are available. The RV weekend fee is $50, and tent camping is $25. On-site amenities and space will make it easy for visitors to stay close to the festivities and fully immerse themselves in the powwow experience. For camping inquiries, please contact Sam Bird at (910) 374-8775. The Host Hotel is Holiday Inn Express in Pembroke, NC, offering convenient accommodations for guests traveling to the event. The Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center is located at 683 Terry Sanford Drive in Maxton, NC.