35th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow 2026

September 25, 26 & 27, 2026

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians invites you to the 35th Annual Morongo Thunder & Lightning Pow Wow. Enjoy traditional singing, dancing, drumming, contests, vendors and fellowship throughout the weekend.

Location:
Morongo Pow Wow Grounds
Next to Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa
Cabazon, California
Just 90 minutes east of Los Angeles
Take the Morongo Trail exit off I-10, approximately 15 minutes west of Palm Springs

Free admission
Drug and alcohol free event

Schedule:

Friday, September 25
4:00 PM – Morongo Indian Market opens and registration begins
4:00 PM – Open Bird Singing & Dancing
7:45 PM – Drum Call
8:00 PM – Color Guard Grand Entry
12:00 AM – Closing and retirement of flags

Saturday, September 26
11:00 AM – Morongo Indian Market opens
11:00 AM – Open Bird Singing & Dancing
12:45 PM – Drum Call
1:00 PM – Color Guard Grand Entry and Pow Wow registration closes
3:00 PM – Bird registration closes
4:00 PM – Bird Singing & Dancing Contest
7:45 PM – Drum Call
8:00 PM – Color Guard Grand Entry
Peon begins promptly at dusk
12:00 AM – Closing and retirement of flags

Sunday, September 27
11:00 AM – Morongo Indian Market opens
11:00 AM – Open Bird Singing & Dancing
12:45 PM – Drum Call
1:00 PM – Color Guard Grand Entry
6:00 PM – Closing

Special Events:
Hat & Boot Special – Men & Women, 18+ – Friday Afternoon
Team Dance Special – 3–4 dancers per team, 18+ – Saturday Evening
5-Man Hand Drum Contest – Adult Men, 18+ Only
Social Bird Singing & Dancing – Open to all bird singers and dancers, non-contest, round-robin style

Social Bird Singing & Dancing – All Weekend
Open to all Bird Singers & Dancers
Friday: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am-12:45pm
Sunday: 11:00am-12:45pm

Bird Singing & Dancing Contest: Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 PM
Bird Singing prizes:
1st – $1,350
2nd – $800
3rd – $600
See flyer for more information.

Peon Games: Saturday, September 26 – Games begin at dusk
Peon teams sign in at the Peon Grounds at dusk.
Adult Men Winner Takes All – $8,500
Adult Women – 1st $5,000, 2nd $2,000
Teen Boys – 1st $1,400, 2nd $1,000
Teen Girls – 1st $1,400, 2nd $1,000

For more information:
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
888-MORONGO
951-755-5139
Morongo.com
Morongopowwow.com