35 Years of Tradition: The Mother's Day Powwow Returns to Boling Park

May 8, 2026

For 35 years, the Cherokee County Mother’s Day Powwow & Indian Festival has been a Canton spring tradition, where Boling Park comes to life with Indigenous culture, dance, and music. If you’ve never been to a powwow before, this weekend is the perfect time to experience one, and if you have, you already know why so many have made this a beloved annual tradition.

What is a Powwow?

For those who haven't been to one before, a powwow is a celebration of Indigenous heritage and our local Native American communities.

Rooted in centuries of tradition, powwows bring together dancers, drummers, artisans, and educators who share their culture with the public in a spirit of openness and community. Each element, from the regalia worn by dancers to the rhythms of the drum, carries deep cultural meaning.

When you attend a powwow, you're witnessing living history.

A North Georgia Tradition for 35 Years

The Cherokee County Mother's Day Powwow & Indian Festival has been drawing families, Canton locals, and visitors together at Boling Park for 35 years, making it one of the longest-running cultural festivals in the region.

Both days will feature a Grand Entry at 1 p.m., when dancers enter in full regalia to the sound of the host drum, the Red Boys. Emcee Ray Silva will guide attendees through the day's ceremonies and dances, including the much-anticipated Mother's Day Honor Dance - a truly special way to celebrate both Mother's Day weekend and the indigenous cultures of Cherokee County.

Demonstrations, Encampments, and Living History

One of the biggest draws of the Powwow is the variety of cultural demonstrations spread throughout the grounds. Highlights include:

• A Northern Plains Tipi Encampment Recreation: a glimpse into the structures and lifeways of Plains peoples.

• Flint Knapping demonstrations: the ancient art of shaping stone into tools and weapons.

• Demonstrations on traditional hide tanning techniques.

• An incredible Birds of Prey presentation from Earth Quest.

• A trading post featuring handmade goods and crafts.

And so much more! See the full event programming here.

Must-Have Native Eats and Treats

Food is a big part of the Powwow experience, and this is not your typical festival fare.

Powwow favorites include (but are not limited to) hearty Indian tacos, juicy buffalo burgers, sweet roasted corn on the cob, and of course, frybread served sweet or savory.

No visit to the Powwow is complete without sampling the food, so arrive hungry! Your tastebuds will thank you.

Plan Your Powwow Weekend

🗓️ May 9 and 10, 2026

🕒 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday

☀️ The event takes place rain or shine

📍 Boling Park: 1200 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114

🎟️ Daily tickets and weekend passes are available at the gate

We love your furry friends, but please note that Boling Park does not allow dogs, per Army Corps of Engineers regulations.

For more information on this year's event, visit www.rthunder.com.

We hope to see you at the 2026 Cherokee County Mother’s Day Powwow & Indian Festival! Don't forget to tag Explore Canton in your photos on Facebook and Instagram, and use the hashtag #ExploreCantonGA!

Related