Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival kicks off Thursday in Fort Hall
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FORT HALL — With a theme of “One people, one purpose, one future,” the 61st Annual Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival will bring four days of culture, competition, and celebration to Fort Hall from Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 6 to Aug. 9.
The annual festival celebrates the traditions of the Shoshone-Bannock people while welcoming visitors from across the region to experience Native culture through powwow dancing, Indian Relay Racing, rodeo events, parades, tournaments, food and family activities.
“The Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival is a celebration of who we are as a people and an opportunity to share our culture and traditions with everyone who joins us,” Tribal Chairwoman Donna Thompson said.
Festival Coordinator Leah Tindore said this year’s theme reflects the strength of coming together as a community.
“Our theme, ‘One people, one purpose, one future,’ reminds us that when we gather together in a good way, we strengthen our community,” Tindore said.
One of the highlights of the festival is the competitive powwow at the Delbert Farmer Festival Arbor, where champion dancers and drum groups from across Indian Country will compete throughout the weekend. This year’s host drum is Blackstone from Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Children’s Powwow Grand Entry begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Grand entries for the main powwow are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday. Powwow events are free and open to the public.
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The festival also features parades at 10 a.m. Thursday and Saturday, beginning at the east end of Agency Road. Thursday’s Kids Parade will honor the Shooting Stars Little League Softball Team as the grand marshal, while Saturday’s parade will recognize Native female veterans.
Festival-goers can also enjoy Indian Relay Racing at the Fort Hall Rodeo Arena, the INFR Tour Rodeo, hand games, All-Indian softball, golf and horseshoe tournaments, an art show, a fun run and walk, and a skate jam.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can browse Native arts and crafts vendors, enjoy food booths and family activities, and take part in one of the festival’s longtime traditions, the free Salmon and Buffalo Feast.
Another highlight is the crowning of Miss Shoshone-Bannock, who serves as a cultural ambassador for the Tribes. Tay’a Osborne is this year’s contestant and will be crowned at 5 p.m. Friday.
A complete schedule of events is available in the Sho-Ban News Festival Edition, which includes stories about festival head staff, royalty and Shoshone-Bannock artists. Copies will be available throughout the festival grounds and at several Fort Hall businesses.
“Whether you’re returning home or visiting Fort Hall for the first time, we welcome you to experience our hospitality, celebrate alongside us, and create memories that will last a lifetime,” Thompson said.
For more information, visit shobanfestival.com or Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival 2026 on Facebook.
