Discovery Park to host Celebration of Native American Culture

Celebration of Native American Culture
Friday, Sept. 19-Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

This Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19–20, Discovery Park of America will welcome Indigenous performers, artisans and educators from around the country for a special event: the Celebration of Native American Culture.

Continuing the tradition of past gatherings, Friday will feature interactive educational programs for school groups and visitors alike. On Saturday, the focus turns to a full day of dance, music, demonstrations and activities designed for the entire community to enjoy.

Throughout the weekend, guests can:

• Experience the beauty and energy of traditional Native American dance
• Hear stories passed down through generations
• Explore Native American crafts and goods from vendors

This event is free with membership or park admission. Native Americans with a CDIB or other certificate of tribal affiliation will also receive free admission.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the history, traditions and culture of Native American communities.

Schedule

Friday, Sept. 19
All events will take place near the Train Depot.

10:30–11 a.m.
Musical performance by John Lone Eagle

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dancing and demonstrations

11:30 a.m. to noon
A closer look at the talents and instruments of musician Arvel Bird

12:15–12:45 p.m.
Engineering Indigenous Structures
Discover the engineering behind iconic structures like the tipi, igloo and longhouse, then craft a small upright tipi model

1–2 p.m.
Musical performance by Arvel Bird

2–4 p.m.
Dancing and demonstrations

Saturday, Sept. 20
All events will take place near the Train Depot.

10:30–11 a.m.
Musical performance by John Lone Eagle

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dancing and demonstrations

Noon–12:30 p.m.
Connections in Indigenous Music
Join Discovery Park’s education director Michael Larkin as we explore Indigenous music across North America, from the music of the Pacific Northwest to the effect of the Trail of Tears on the music of the Choctaw and Cherokee

1–2 p.m.
Musical performance by John Lone Eagle

2–4 p.m.
Dancing and demonstrations

Shop Handmade Art and Goods

Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders will be displaying and selling their unique creations throughout the event. Visitors can explore a variety of handmade items, including beaded jewelry, original paintings, quilt work and more.

Visiting the Celebration for the First Time?
Here’s Some Helpful Tips

• Keep an open mind. Respect the men, women and children who are sharing their culture.
• If you must point, do so with your hand or the nod of your head, pointing with your finger is very disrespectful.
• Dancers wear regalia, it should not be referred to as a costume.
• Never touch a dancer’s regalia as it may be sacred and/or heirlooms passed down through many generations.
• Stand respectfully during special songs designated by the emcee. During these songs, hats should also be removed.
• Ask permission before taking pictures.
• Do not enter the competition arena to take a photo.
• Save seating around the circle for dancers and their family.
• Drugs and alcohol are prohibited.
• Last but not least, support the artists. The best compliment to a vendor’s art is a purchase.

Explore Discovery Park’s Native American Gallery

The Native Americans Gallery takes guests from the ancient past, through European contact and up to today. There are more than 4,800 artifacts on display in the gallery, including 4,652 arrowheads and spear points mounted to the walls.

Also included in the museum’s exhibit are painted vessels and works of art, a holographic presentation of legends, myths and storytelling and an exploration of Tennessee tribes and the Trail of Tears.

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