UA’s Moundville Native American Festival Set for Oct. 3-6

Native American performing artists, craftspeople, and musicians will entertain and educate visitors during the Moundville Native American Festival, Oct. 3-6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park.

Discover the rich culture of the region’s natives, of Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole descent, who return for a “homecoming” at the Moundville site, which was America’s largest city north of Mexico 800 years ago. There they share their knowledge and traditions with more than 14,000 festival visitors each year.

Now in its 13th year and following a summer marked by a thrilling archaeological discovery at Moundville, this year’s festival will include even more attractions for both children and adults. Among the highlights are:

Archaeology in Action featuring a tour of the excavation site of the summer’s rare discovery at Moundville of Alabama’s only known earthlodge council house, an ancient building used for political meetings more than 500 years ago

The Children’s Area offering games, crafts, and “make and take” hands-on activities

Flintknapper’s Corner showcasing some of the country’s finest stone craftsmen demonstrating this ancient Indian technique for chipping stone into tools and weapons to make arrowheads, spear points, and other stone tools

The Native American Performing Arts Stage featuring a full schedule of acclaimed musicians, dancers, and storytellers

The Demonstration Square of 12 different craft stations teaching basket weaving, blowgun shooting, the art of creating traditional pottery, and more

The Southeastern Indian Living History Camp, complete with enactors recounting daily activities and events with historical accuracy, transporting visitors back to the early 1800s through the sites, sounds, and smells of a Creek hunting camp

Native American foods including Indian fry bread, Indian tacos, and shuck roasted corn. Hot dogs, nachos, and other festival concessions are also available.

During the festival and always, visitors to Moundville Archaeological Park may climb 60 feet to the top of its largest mound and take in the incredible view of the park, explore the boardwalk nature trail, or visit the Jones Archaeological Museum.

Festival admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Adults age 55 and older will be admitted for $3 per person on Friday, Oct. 5, after noon and for $2 each in groups of 10 or more (with reservations). Regular group reservations are $3 per person. Please call 205/371-2572 or 205/-371-2234 to register your group or for more information.

Contact

Kristi Wheeler-Griffin, (205) 348-2041