Pow-wows are an important contemporary expression of American Indian heritage. A pow-wow is a Native American festival featuring traditional dancing, drumming and singing and traditional foods and arts and crafts. Various kinds of honor ceremonies and other spiritual ceremonies also form a part of most pow-wows. MSU-Bozeman's annual pow wow offers both social dancing, in which anyone may participate, along with contest or competition dancing for money prizes. Open participation social dances are usually called 'intertribal dances.'

The pow-wow today is a time for seeing relatives and old friends and for making new acquaintances. It is a time to laugh and have fun. It is also a time for celebrating and sustaining traditional American Indian life ways. Pow-wow activities are social and recreational, but many events also have deeper spiritual and religious significance. Pow wow events are vivid entertainment with visually gorgeous, artistically sophisticated outfits and exciting dance and drumming. The events also offer education and information, formal and informal, about Native cultures.

The pow-wow is a natural bridge to bring together and enhance all kinds of human relationships. Through the pow wow, Native Americans (and their non-Native guests) pay respect and honor to their families, their ancestors, their veterans and their history. Free Admission.