​Join us for one of Santa Barbara County's most colorful and inspiring cultural events! The annual Chumash Intertribal Powwow brings together more than 300 Native American dancers, singers, drummers, artisans, and families from tribes throughout the United States and Canada.

​Everyone is welcome to experience this beautiful celebration of Native American culture through traditional dancing, music, arts and crafts, and delicious food. There are so many booths to explore, talented artisans to meet, and unique Native American crafts and gifts to discover. Traditional Native foods such as fry bread tacos will be available, along with many other food choices. The event is open to the public, and admission is just $5.

​Please read all the details below, including the optional adventures after the Powwow!

​Saturday, October 3, 2026

​11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

​Powwow Location

​Corner of Highway 246 & Meadowvale Road
Santa Ynez, CA
https://chumash.gov/powwow

​We'll meet at 11:00 AM just inside the main entrance by the large Chumash canoe (tomol) display. If you arrive later, feel free to text me (818-620-three thousand).

​We'll have plenty of time to explore the booths, food, and artisans before the Grand Entry at 12:00 PM, when dancers from tribes across the United States and Canada enter the arena together in a wonderful opening procession.

​Be prepared for a warm day by bringing water, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Thankfully, the viewing grandstands are covered and shaded. Parking is in a field, but everything is very well organized.

​Please RSVP at Luma.com/SpunkySeniors so we know who is coming.

​This will be a memorable day. I personally love listening to the drums. I've always admired Native peoples as earth keepers, and the rhythm of the drums and singing helps me feel grounded and connected to nature. For me, it's a beautiful experience, and I hope you'll come experience it with us.

​Carpooling

​The drive is about 40 minutes from Mission Canyon.

​If you'd like to carpool, please answer one of these questions when you RSVP:

• ​I need a ride.

• ​I can drive ___ people.

• ​I'll meet everyone at the Powwow.

​Those who can drive and those needing a ride will meet at 9:50 AM in the back parking lot of Old Mission Santa Barbara, near the shady trees where there are plenty of parking spaces. Look for me by my silver Honda Civic. We'll organize into car groups and leave promptly at 10:00 AM.

​We're leaving a little early because I'd like to arrive before the crowds and make sure our meeting spot by the canoe is still there. If anything changes, I'll send a Luma email blast, so please check your email before you leave.

​About two weeks before the event, I'll connect drivers with those who need a ride. Each car can then decide together whether they'd like to visit the museum, have dinner afterward, or make other plans.

​🌿 Continue the Adventure (Optional)

​If you're having a great time and don't want the day to end, you're welcome to join us for an optional visit to the nearby Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, followed by a late lunch or early dinner. We'll keep the afternoon relaxed and flexible and decide together where we'd like to eat.

​People are also welcome to visit the Chumash Casino Resort across the street or explore the charming town of Santa Ynez on their own.

​Tentative Schedule

​1:30–3:00 PM – Chumash Museum (about 2 minutes from the Powwow)

​Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center
3500 Numancia Street
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(across from the Chumash Casino Resort)
Website: www.sychumashmuseum.org

​Admission:
Seniors (65+): $12
Adults: $15
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

​The Chumash Casino Resort is directly across the street for anyone who would like to visit.

​3:00–4:30 PM – Late Lunch or Early Dinner

​We'll decide as a group where we'd like to eat.

​Current Favorites

​Peasants FEAST (Solvang – about 16 minutes from the museum)
487 Atterdag Road
Solvang, CA 93463
805-686-4555
https://www.peasantsfeast.com/

​Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar (about 1 minute from the museum)
3544 Sagunto Street
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
805-688-0033
https://doscarlitos.com/

​Feel free to look at the menus and let us know which sounds best! Other suggestions are always welcome.

​Of course, you're also welcome to split off, explore on your own, or head home whenever you'd like. We'll keep the day flexible and can leave earlier or later depending on what everyone feels like doing.

​We'll be home well before dark. Please join us!