July 12, 2012 - July 15, 2012

The celebration in Browning is always held the second week in July for four days. It is an intriguing way to see authentic Blackfeet traditions such as dancing (powwow) stick games, and horse relay races.

There is no cost to park or enter the Celebration Grounds. There is a fee for photographing and video taping within the dance arbor. The fee varies from between $5 & $20. Fee is paid at the announcer's booth.

All Ages

Outdoor Activity

Tipis and wall tents are erected on the powwow grounds (locals refer to it as the "camp grounds" but calling it a "fair" or the "fair-grounds" can be offensive), for four days of contest dancing, games, a number of sports events and socializing.

Comprising one of the largest gatherings of United States and Canadian tribes, the celebration is an unforgettable experience. Once you hear and feel the mystery of the drum, see the traditional and fancy dancing, and the many proud Native people, then you will begin to understand the Blackfeet Nation.

A couple of notes about attending the Powwow - Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the honor and contest dancing. In fact there's always an "inter-tribal" dance it's a time for everyone to mingle and say hi. The contestants and other dancers wear regalia or traditional dress, not costumes. Costumes are for Halloween, the clothes worn by dancers is hand made, often passed down and at a minimum painstakingly crafted with some of the finest detail and materials of any garments produced in the world. Hundreds of hours or more, go into the crafting of the traditional regalia.

There's much that can be discussed about proper etiquette, and many have their own ideas, but in general it is recommended that you observe, and respect the honor songs; men and women should both stand, men remove your hats (except the very elderly) and stop talking. At the opening of the powwow, called the grand entry, a flag song is sung, during such time spectators should pay their respects to the colors just as they would at any event held in the United States or Canada. It is best to not take photos during honor, or prayer songs, but instead observe and honor the signing.

The dancing is meant to be healthy and fun. Please enjoy it and if you’re ever in doubt, just look around and do as others are doing. If you see people removing their hats or standing up, just follow their lead and you'll have a very enjoyable time!

Getting to Browning by road includes two main highways, US Highway 2 and MT (Montana) 89. The closest Interstates are I-90 running east-west through the southern part of Montana and I-15 running north-south 70 miles east of Browning.

Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell, is 100 miles to the west of Browning on Highway 2. Services include Big Sky Airlines, Delta Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Holman Aviation (private charters).

Great Falls International Airport is 125 miles to the southeast of Browning on Interstate 15. Great Falls International Airport is serviced by Big Sky Airlines, Delta Airlines, Horizon Airlines and Northwest Airlines.