35th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow 2026

Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026 Cabazon, CA, United States


About the 35th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow 2026

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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

Visit Organizer Website »

Date: September 25, 2026 - September 27, 2026

Location: Morongo Thunder and Lighting
49500 Seminole Dr. , Cabazon, CA, 92230, 92230

Status: Active
 Live

35th Annual Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow 2026


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Disclaimer: The information on our calendar is updated often with the latest information available. We use multiple sources to get the best information possible. Please check and verify information before traveling to an event.


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Pow Wow Information

A Pow Wow is a Native American tradition that brings together many different tribes and communities. Pow Wows are cultural celebrations that include dancing, singing, socializing, crafts, arts, and food.

Pow Wows listed on our calendar are open to the public!

Submitted by Paul G on: September 8, 2026



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