The state of Arizona has always been rich in Native American heritage and tradition; this still holds true today with more than 20 different tribes within state lines. As you might expect, these tribes maintain a good deal of their decades-old customs, and there are a number of local fairs and festivals as a result. These events are scheduled all year round and offer entertainment including musical performances, dance routines, handmade crafts, art shows, authentic Native American cuisine, and even historical teachings that are meant to keep Native American traditions alive in the United States in the 21st century.
2010 marked the eighth year of "Native Trails presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation," an annual celebration that consists of several festivals which take place on most Thursdays and Saturdays through the months of January, February, March, and April. These festivals are free for anyone to attend and feature special guest performances, craft and jewelry shows, and plenty of Native American drums and dance. "Native Trails presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation" is held in Scottsdale, Arizona and celebrates the tradition of several different Native American tribes.
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-421-1004
800-782-1117
scottsdalecvb.com/planning-tools/events/scottsdale-native-trails/
Held in Sacaton, Arizona on an annual basis, the "48th Annual Mul-Chu-Tha" will take place on March 19, 20, and 21 of 2010. Originally established as a fundraising carnival in the early 1960's, "Mul-Chu-Tha" was so successful that it has continued to provide the city with a carnival, a rodeo, a Pow Wow, a softball tournament, and plenty of Native American tradition. General admission tickets cost only a few dollars and children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
Sacaton Fairgrounds
Bluebird Road
Sacaton, Arizona 85247
520-562-9853
mul-chu-tha.com
Sponsored by the Heard Museum Guild, the "52nd Annual Indian Fair and Market" took place in Phoenix, Arizona on March 6 and 7 of 2010. Hosting some 20,000 visitors during the course of the weekend, the "52nd Annual Indian Fair and Market" featured over 700 Native American artists from numerous different states and regions, a variety of musical and dance performances, a Native American art show, and plenty of authentic Native American cuisine. The entire event is held in the Heard Museum's outdoor amphitheater and patrons aged 16 years of age or younger are admitted for free.
Heard Museum
2301 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004-1323
(602) 252-8344
heard.org
