One of West Alabama’s signature cultural events returns this week as the 38th annual Moundville Native American Festival takes over Moundville Archaeological Park from Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 3.
This year’s festival will celebrate the theme “Year of the Crawfish: Big Changes Start with Small Beings.” The theme was inspired by a story from Houma artist, musician and storyteller Grayhawk Perkins and focuses on the impact that small creatures, actions and voices can have on communities and the environment.
Visitors will have an opportunity to experience Native American culture through traditional dancing, storytelling, music, arts and crafts, cultural demonstrations and educational activities. Native American and local food vendors will also be on site throughout the festival.
Perkins will open each festival day with a reading of the crawfish story that inspired this year’s theme. He will also participate in book signings and meet-and-greets with visitors.
Families with children will find several hands-on activities, including opportunities to learn about crawfish habitats and freshwater ecosystems. Other children’s activities include archaeology experiences, shell necklace making, turtle rattle making and a kid-friendly introduction to traditional stickball.
The festival is held at Moundville Archaeological Park, one of Alabama’s most significant archaeological and cultural sites. Located along the Black Warrior River about 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa, the park preserves the remains of a major Mississippian community that flourished centuries ago.
Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, October 1, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3.
Admission is $10 for adults, students and seniors, while children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Tickets are sold at the event and can be purchased with cash or card.
Moundville Archaeological Park is located at 634 Mound State Parkway in Moundville.
The three-day festival gives West Alabama residents and visitors a chance to experience Native American history and living traditions through the people continuing to preserve and share them today.
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