Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow Returns For 33rd Year

CABAZON, CA — The Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow returns for its 33rd year Friday afternoon, inviting thousands of spectators to take part in one of the nation's most popular celebrations of Native American culture.

Festivities will get underway in Cabazon at 4 p.m. Friday, on California Native American Day, and will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

According to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, more than 900 tribal dancers and 20 drum groups from the U.S. and Canada will perform through the weekend, and upwards of 30,000 revelers are expected to participate. The family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature dancing, music, food and art through Sunday.

Each day will feature a Grant Entry parade of sound and colors, showcasing traditional regalia and competitive drumming and singing. Food vendors will be serving up fresh Indian tacos, tamales and frybread for sale, and others will have handmade jewelry, beads, pottery and clothing for sale.

Celebrations will wind down at midnight Friday and Saturday, and Sunday's closing ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Here is the full schedule for this year's Morongo Thunder & Lightning Powwow

Friday, September 27

• 4:00 pm Morongo Indian Market Opens
• 4:00 pm Open Bird Singing and Dancing
• 7:45 pm Drum Call
• 8:00 pm Color Guard Grand Entry
• 12:00 am Closing-Retire Flags

Saturday, September 28

• 11:00 am Morongo Indian Market Opens
• 11:00 am Open Bird Singing and Dancing
• 12:45 pm Drum Call
• 1:00 pm Color Guard Grand Entry
• 5:00 pm Bird Singing and Dancing Contest
• 7:45 pm Drum Call
• 8:00 pm Color Guard Grand Entry
• Dusk: Peon games
• 12:00 am Closing-Retire Flags

Sunday, September 29

• 11:00 am Morongo Indian Market Opens
• 11:00 am Open Bird Singing and Dancing
• 12:45 pm Drum Call
• 1:00 pm Color Guard Grand Entry
• 6:00 pm Closing