Catawba Nation Powwow — dance, drums, culture — returns to Winthrop Coliseum
The culture of the region’s indigenous people will be on display Friday to Sunday (March 13 to March 15) when the Catawba Nation Powwow returns to the Winthrop Coliseum in Rock Hill.
The family-friendly event known for the “grand entry” of participants into the arena features Native American dance and drums, vendors, crafts and more.
It’s open to the public all three days. The Catawba people have lived in the Carolinas for thousands of years and their culture is known around the country and world.
The Catawba Nation reservation is in York County and tribal leaders are excited to share the Catawba culture, history and traditions with others. It has been more than a decade since the tribe has held a powwow at the coliseum on Winthrop University’s campus, said Tamron Little, director of communications for the tribe. The event was held in Cleveland County, N.C., in 2025.
Members of other Native American tribes from around the country will also attend and perform, including Morningstar Roberts of the Choctaw tribe and Cory Brewington of the Coharie tribe, Catawba officials said.
In a video message posted on the Catawba Nation Facebook page, Chief Brian Harris said the event will be “showcasing the Catawba culture and our sprit.”
“Our powwow is a way to express ourselves in song and dance and traditional things that most people don’t get to see,” Harris said in the video post.
Harris said Catawba military veterans will serve as flag bearers during the grand entry that happens four times over three days.
Here are three things the tribe wants people to know about the Catawba Nation Powwow as it returns to Rock Hill:
- A powerful culture: The powwow is a vibrant celebration of Native American culture featuring traditional dance, drumming, singing, and regalia. It honors heritage while welcoming the public to experience and learn.
- Visitors come to York County: Dancers, drum groups, and vendors travel from across the country in one of the region’s largest cultural events, which is an economic boost for Rock Hill.
- Bring the whole family: From food vendors and artisan crafts to dance competitions and the grand entry, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s your first powwow or you attend every year, the event offers an unforgettable experience.
Want to go?
What: Catawba Nation Powwow
When: March 13-15
Where: Winthrop Coliseum, 1162 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill
Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. Sunday.
Grand Entry ceremonies are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Tickets: Children 5 and under free. Ages 6 to 17 are $5; adults ages 18 to 54 are $10; ages 55+ are $5. Military veterans with identification are $5. Weekend pass is $25. Discount tickets are available to Catawba members with tribal ID, officials said.
Free parking in the coliseum lot is available on site.
Want to know more? Visit the Catawba Nation homepage or their Facebook page.
This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
