Indigenous culture, art, music and tradition will take centre stage in Okotoks this weekend as the 2026 Powwow, Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market returns from May 29 to 31 at the Vikings Rentals Centre.
This annual event reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities through cultural celebration, learning and connection. It also honours the historic moment on June 3, 2023, when Town of Okotoks Mayor, Tanya Thorn, and Chief Administrative Officer, Elaine Vincent, were ceremonially transferred a Blackfoot‑style painted lodge (tipi) by Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
The transfer also marked the introduction of the Town’s first Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market, or Iitohpoom’op — a Blackfoot word meaning “store” — with programming later expanding to include the first competition Powwow in 2025.
“We are so excited to host our annual Powwow, Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Market again in 2026, and invite the community to come together to celebrate and learn from the rich cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples,” said Mayor Tanya Thorn. “This event is an important part of the Town’s ongoing Truth and Reconciliation Journey, and we encourage residents and visitors alike to join us to experience this vibrant and meaningful weekend.”
Throughout the weekend, visitors can experience the sights, sounds and spirit of the Powwow with incredible dancers, drummers and live music; explore unique, handcrafted goods from Indigenous artisans; enjoy delicious food truck fare and activities and games for all ages.
The weekend also features a Special Meeting of Council in the Town Tipi, along with fireside stories told by Blackfoot Elders. The full schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, May 29:
- All-Indigenous Artisan Market | 4 to 8 p.m.
- Fireside Stories at the Tipi Camp | 7 to 9 p.m.
- Tipi Camp in Howard Park | All Weekend Long
Saturday, May 30
- Special Meeting of Council at the Tipi Camp | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- All-Indigenous Artisan Market | 12 to 8 p.m.
- Competition Powwow | 1 p.m. Grand Entry
- Mini Tipi Races at the Tipi Camp | 2 to 5 p.m.
- Foothills School Division Indigenous High School Graduation Ceremony | 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 31
- All-Indigenous Artisan Market | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Competition Powwow | 1 p.m. Grand Entry
This exciting event takes place at the Viking Rentals Centre, located at 204 Community Way. The Powwow and All-Indigenous Artisan Market will be held indoors in the Infinity Paving Arena and Events Hall, while the Tipi Camp will be set up behind the building in Howard Park (229 Woodhaven Drive).
Parking will be available on site at Viking Rentals Centre, in front of the arena and the events hall, with overflow parking available at Foothills Composite High School. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase throughout the weekend inside the facility, as well as from food trucks located on the north end of the Viking Rentals Centre parking lot.
Thank you to all the amazing event sponsors: TD Bank Group, Travel Alberta, Scotiabank, MODUS Structures and CPKC, for helping us bring this free, three-day event to life!
For more information, visit okotoks.ca/powwow.