Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration

A group of Indigenous people performing a stomp dance in front an audience. The visitor center is in the background

NPS Photo

 
OIC Flyer Alt Text: A colorful flyer with a black background and indigenous linework with the text: "2023 Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration, September 16-17. 10 AM- 5 PM. Free Admission. Free Parking and Shuttle. No On-site Parking."

Design by Brian OnTheHill

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and the Ocmulgee Mounds Association are honored to host the 31st annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration on September 16 and 17, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm.

The Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration is one of the largest celebrations of Southeastern Native American culture and provides visitors an opportunity to learn from the people whose ancestors were on this site thousands of years before the city of Macon was founded.

The event features traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, and dance. A variety of Native American artisans and vendors will be in attendance. Fun activities for kids, like pottery making, will be available.

How to Get Here

Event parking is located at the Macon Bibb County Health Plaza, 171 Emery Highway. Macon-Bibb County Sheriff deputies will be present at the parking area.

A free shuttle will run continuously between the parking area and the event. The shuttle starts transporting guests at 9:15 am Saturday and Sunday and departs every 15 minutes. An ADA accessible bus with wheelchair lifts will be available. Only service animals are allowed on the shuttles. No on-site parking is available at the park.

Walking and biking access to the event is available via the Heritage Trail along the Ocmulgee River and via the pedestrian gate at Clinton Street.

 

 

Event Program Schedule

Event Schedule (subject to change)
10:00 am Welcome & Introductions
Mvskoke (Creek) Nation Honor Guard
Mvskoke Hymn Singers
Opening Remarks
Mvskoke Royalty
Muscogee (Creek) Stomp Dancers
10:45 Jarrett Wildcatt, flute/storytelling
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
11:15 Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dancers
11:45 William Harjo
Muscogee (Creek) flute music
12:00 pm NVNVHI Warriors
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
12:30 Choctaw Youth Stickball
1:00 Pedro Zepeda
Seminole Tribe of FL Storytelling
1:45 Mvskoke (Creek) Nation Honor Guard
Mvskoke Hymn Singers
Mvskoke (Creek) Royalty
Muscogee (Creek) Stomp Dancers
2:45 NVNVHI Warriors
Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians
3:15 William Harjo
Muscogee (Creek) flute music
3:30 Choctaw Youth Stickball
4:00 Mystic Wind Choctaw Social Dancers
5:00 Program ends

The event features traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, and dance. A variety of Native American artisans and vendors will be in attendance. Fun activities for kids, like pottery making, will be available.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Check out some answsers below. If your questions was not answered, give us a call at 478 752 8257.

No, the event is free. 

Donations will be accepted near the event entrance. 

NO. Free parking is available at the Macon/Bibb Health Department, 171 Emery Hwy. There is no on-site parking. Shuttles run continuously throughout the day starting at 9:15 AM. The parking area will be secure with a Macon-Bibb Co Sheriff Deputy. There will be restrooms (1 regular and 1 accessible), tent with chairs, 5 shuttles with AC & an ADA accessible bus. Attendees will be dropped off near the event area.

No. All parking will be off-site at the Macon/Bibb Health Department, 171 Emery Hwy in order to accommodate the number of visitors and protect the archeological resources. Free shuttles are available and run continuously throughout the day starting at 9:15 AM.

YES. All parking is off-site at the Macon/Bibb Health Department, 171 Emery Hwy. - An ADA bus with wheelchair lift will be available. The shuttles will drop visitors close to the event area. 

Only service dogs are allowed on the shuttle, however, dogs are allowed at the event. They must be on a leash - leashes cannot be longer than 6 feet.

NO. Camping is available at Lake Tobosofkee - phone (478) 474-8770.

No. Our gift shop and the majority of our vendors accept credt/debit cards.

YES/YES

YES, several food truck vendors will be at the event.

NO.

Muscogee (Creek), Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, and others.

NO, a pow wow is a dance competition; this is a celebration and demonstration. There are no awards or winners, the event is educational.

The event runs between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The free shuttle starts at 9:15.

YES, however, visitors are responsible for carrying them, and they should not be left unattended. Coolers should be able to fit in your lap while riding the shuttle.

NO.

Yes, walking and biking access to the event is available via the Heritage Trail along the Ocmulgee River and via the pedestrian gate at Clinton Street.  

Last updated: September 16, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1207 Emery Hwy
Macon, GA 31217

Phone:

478 752-8257 x222

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