Chumash Intertribal Powwow Santa Ynez Returns for 60th Anniversary Powwow, Drawing Tribes and Visitors for Two Days of Culture and Contests
The Chumash Intertribal Powwow returns to Santa Ynez Oct. 4–5, 2025, celebrating its 60th anniversary with traditional dance, drumming, vendors, and contests bringing tribes and visitors together for two days of culture, education and competition.
Key takeaways
- When: Saturday, Oct. 4 (10 a.m.–10 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 5 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.).
- Cost: Admission $5 for adults; kids 12 and under free; parking is free.
- Competitions: Dance and drum contests with more than $155,000 in cash prizes across many age divisions and categories.
- Rules & sustainability: Zero Waste event — no drugs, alcohol, smoking, pets (except service animals), or weapons; vendors and educational booths on site.
Event details and location
Event: Chumash press release — Annual Chumash Intertribal Powwow Santa Ynez (60th Anniversary).
Location: Corner of Meadowvale Road and Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA (official notice).
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 4 (10 a.m.–10 p.m.); Sunday, Oct. 5 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.).
Admission & parking: $5 adults; kids 12 and under free; parking free per the tribe’s release.
Origins and significance: Why 60 years matters
The powwow began in 1965 as a fundraiser to bring running water to the reservation and has since grown into the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ largest annual cultural gathering. Tribal leaders describe the event as both an educational forum and a place where traditions are shared with visiting tribes and the broader public. Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman, called the 2025 powwow “extra special” as it marks 60 years since the tribe’s first powwow in Santa Ynez (Chumash press release; Noozhawk coverage).
What to expect: schedule, competitions and demonstrations
Organizers published a full schedule: Grand Entry and formal ceremonies daily at 1 p.m., with exhibition and intertribal dancing beginning at 2 p.m. each day. Competitors from the U.S. and Canada will contest for over $155,000 in cash prizes. Dance categories include traditional, straight, fancy, grass, jingle dress, buckskin, cloth and chicken, with age divisions from young children to those 70+ (Powwows calendar listing).
The powwow will also feature artisans and food vendors offering traditional Native foods, regalia, arts and crafts, plus informational booths highlighting music, arts, customs and cultural pride (Powwows event page; Noozhawk).
Organization, safety and sustainability
The powwow is produced by a committee of Chumash tribal volunteers. Key staff include Master of Ceremonies Howie Thompson, Arena Director Wayne Silas, Jr., Head Dance Judge Chaske LeBlanc, and Head Singing Judge Jared Brown (official listing).
“We emphasize community safety and environmental stewardship,” organizers said, highlighting the Zero Waste designation and rules prohibiting drugs, alcohol, smoking and weapons.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and umbrellas; vendors and performers may camp on site. Parking is free and volunteer staff manage logistics from judging to vendor placement (event listing).
History and return to traditional grounds
After years at Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara, the powwow returned to its traditional Santa Ynez grounds about four years ago. The move back to tribal lands allowed expansion of educational programming and restored local governance of the event’s operations (Chumash press release; Noozhawk).
Tickets, travel and visitor tips
Tickets: $5 adults; children 12 and under free. Parking: free on-site. Bring: shade, seating, water and comfortable shoes for grassy terrain. Vendors and performers may camp; plan for extra travel time and consult official channels for updates (Chumash press release).
Implications for San Luis Obispo County
Economic: Regional lodging, dining and retail may see a short-term uptick as visitors travel for the weekend.
Cultural & educational: Schools, museums and cultural groups in San Luis Obispo can leverage the powwow for field trips, partnerships and programming that support Indigenous arts and oral histories.
Logistics: Increased traffic on Highway 246 could affect travelers; county public works and emergency agencies may coordinate if needed.
Where to find more information
- Official Chumash press release and event details
- Noozhawk local reporting
- Powwows calendar: Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day and Powwows calendar: Chumash Intertribal Pow Wow
Practical next steps for reporters and residents
Reporters should request interviews with the powwow organizing committee or the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ communications office for operational details. Residents planning to attend should review event rules, plan transportation in advance and respect cultural protocols at performances and vendor spaces (tribal release; powwows listing).
Contacts & vendor inquiries: See the tribe’s official event pages listed above for vendor registration, camping information and organizer contact channels.
