TrekUnity
When
April
Attendance
~100,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Both
The Gathering of Nations is the largest powwow in North America — an April gathering in Albuquerque that brings together thousands of dancers and singers from hundreds of Indigenous nations across the U.S. and Canada for grand-entry processions, drum and dance competitions, the crowning of Miss Indian World, and a vast Indian Traders Market of Native art and food.
A powerful, colorful celebration of Native American culture, it fills the arena with regalia and rhythm, and pairs with the high-desert beauty and heritage of the Albuquerque area.
Want to go? Turn Gathering of Nations Powwow into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
A weekend in late April (Fri–Sat)
Admission
Ticketed (day passes)
Parking
On-site venue parking; rideshare is easy from downtown and Old Town.
Nearest airport
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) — ~15 min
Typical weather
Warm, dry high-desert spring — 60s–70s °F days, cool evenings; afternoon breezes.
Official website
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Where to stay
Hotel Chaco
Design-forward hotel inspired by Ancestral Puebloan architecture.
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
Near the historic plaza.
Downtown Albuquerque hotels
Central base near the venue.
Where to eat & drink
Indian Traders Market (fry bread)
Native food including fry bread and Indian tacos on-site.
The Frontier
Legendary Route 66 diner near the university.
El Pinto
Sprawling New Mexican institution for red and green chile.
Nearby attractions
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Deepen the experience with Pueblo history and art.
Old Town Albuquerque
Historic adobe plaza with galleries and shops.
Sandia Peak Tramway
One of the world's longest aerial trams to a 10,000-ft ridge.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + culture
- •Fly into ABQ
- •Afternoon: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- •Dinner: El Pinto
2Powwow day
- •Day: grand entry, dance + drum competitions, traders market
- •Evening: fry bread + more dancing
3Old Town + depart
- •Morning: Old Town + Sandia Peak Tramway
- •Head to ABQ
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Arrive for the grand entry — the procession of dancers is the highlight.
- Browse the Indian Traders Market for authentic Native art and food.
- Add the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for deeper context.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Gathering of Nations?
A weekend in late April in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What is it?
The largest powwow in North America, gathering thousands of dancers and singers from hundreds of Indigenous nations, with dance and drum competitions and a huge Native art market.
Can anyone attend?
Yes — it's a ticketed public event and a respectful, welcoming way to experience Native American culture.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Gathering of Nations Powwow or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.