Updated October 25, 2026 by Bonnie Gross
Folks may expect fry bread and alligator wrestling, but when they journey into the Everglades for the Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration Nov. 6-7, 2026, they’re also going to see dancers, hear native musicians and meet some wildlife.
The Seminole’s annual cultural festival unfolds on the Big Cypress reservation, halfway between Naples and Fort Lauderdale off Alligator Alley, at the exceptional Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.
The festival features a long list of events, including: alligator wrestling; Native American dance troupe performances; native art and craft vendors; tribal food vendors; live wildlife show and live music.
The celebration begins with a Grand Entry Powwow led by Seminole Medicine Man Bobby Henry, Tribal dignitaries, Native drummers, dancers, and hoop dance performers on Friday.
The event was renamed Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration in 2023 from its original name, the Seminoles American Indian Arts Celebration.
Even without the festival, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is worth a visit. It opens with a dramatic multi-screen media presentation and its well-designed dioramas and exhibits explain Seminole history and traditions.
A highlight for many visitors is the one-and-a-half-mile boardwalk through a cypress swamp adjacent to the museum. About half way through the walk, visitors come to the village and ceremonial grounds with chickees where Seminole artists and craftsmen interact with visitors.
While the festival offers a full schedule of entertainment on its main stage, many come for the Native American vendors who bring silverwork, beadwork, woodwork, basketry, leatherwork, photography, paintings, jewelry and an array of food to the Indian market.
The event will take place on the festival grounds across from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. Parking and admission is free.
The festival includes special activities for children, including a “take-away craft.” The festival always includes a Friday so that school groups can come on field trips.
More about the Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, 2026
Where: The festival takes place on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. From I-75 (Alligator Alley), take exit 49, Snake Road. Travel north about 17 miles. Snake Road becomes Josie Billie Highway as you enter the Seminole community. Approximately one mile past the water tower, Josie Billie Highway intersects with West Boundary Road. The museum is on the left at the corner of West Boundary Road and Josie Billie Highway. Museum parking is on the right, opposite the main entrance to museum.
Admission: The event and museum admission is free in 2026.
Note: Most vendors accept cash only.
Note: The Friday celebration is scheduled so that school groups can come on field trips. Teachers should contact Abena at abenarobinson@semtribe.com or call 863-902-1113 ext 12235.
Schedule for 2026 festival
FRIDAY, Nov. 6
9:50 a.m. – 10
Welcoming Announcements
Main Stage
10-11
Grand Entry & Powwow Spotlight
Main Stage
10-11 a.m.
Critter Show- Pharaoh’s Wildlife Kingdom
Stage 360
11-11:30 a.m.
Dancer Photo Op
Stage 360
11-noon
Ahfachkee School Fashion Show
Main Stage
11:30-12:30 p.m.
Aboriginal Tool Show
Stage 360
noon-12:30 p.m.
Rez Ja.m.z – Ahfachkee School’s Band
Main Stage
12:30-1 p.m.
Alligator Wrestling
Main Stage
1-3:30 p.m.
Grand Entry, Powwow & Hoop Dancing Competition
Main Stage
1:30-2 p.m.
Miss Florida Seminole & Jr. Miss Florida Seminole, Meet-n-Greet
Stage 360
2-3 p.m.
Critter Show – Pharaoh’s Wildlife Kingdom
Stage 360
3-4 p.m.
Elgin Jumper-Art Demo
Stage 360
3:30-4 p.m.
VIP Photo Op
Main Stage
4-4:45 p.m.
Alligator Wrestling
Main Stage
4:45 – 5 p.m.
Closing Announcements
Main Stage
*Schedule is subject to change*
SATURDAY, Nov. 7
9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Welcoming Announcements
Main Stage
10 a.m. -noon
Grand Entry, Powwow & Hoop Dancing Competition
Main Stage
11 a.m. -noon
Critter Show- Pharaoh’s Wildlife Kingdom
Stage 360
noon-12:30 p.m.
VIP Photo Op
Main Stage
12:30-1 p.m.
Alligator Wrestling
Main Stage
12:30-1 p.m.
Miss Florida Seminole & Jr. Miss Florida Seminole, Meet-n-Greet
Stage 360
1-3 p.m.
Grand Entry, Powwow & Hoop Dancing Competition
Main Stage
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Aboriginal Tool Show
Stage 360
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Critter Show- Pharaoh’s Wildlife Kingdom
Stage 360
3-4 p.m.
Main Fashion Show
Main Stage
4-4:45 p.m.
Alligator Wrestling
Main Stage
4:45 PM – 5 p.m.
Closing Announcements
Main Stage
Web site
About the Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum: The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum was awarded full accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2009, the first tribally-governed museum to have received accreditation. The museum opened in 1997.
More from Florida Rambler: Six places to celebrate Native American Heritage Month this November
Stories related to Seminoles American Indigenous Arts Celebration
- Site for Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum
- Reviews for Ah-Tha-Thi-Ki Museum on TripAdvisor
- Nearby: Billie Swamp Safari for airboat rides, eco-tours and camping in chickee huts
- The museum’s account of the story of alligator wrestling, including oral histories and videos.
For more information, call 863-902-1113 extension 12211 or contact Carrie Dilley at carriedilley@semtribe.com.
