Traditional Events

Cultural demonstrator Charlene Redner (Bishop Paiute) shows a visitor the basics of weaving.

Eric Nelson

 

Tribal Relations

• Wahhoga Village Restoration
• Traditional Plant Gathering Agreement
• Yosemite Ancestral Stewards Crew
• Black Oak Stewardship
• Little Fires Program & Cultural Burning
• Traditional Events
• Tribal Archeology & Cultural Heritage
• Tribal Resources

Many traditional and cultural events take place within Yosemite National Park. A few are hosted by the park, but the majority are hosted by the Traditionally Associated Tribes or external partners. This page lists some of the regularly reoccurring events that happen in the park and some guidelines we recommend visitors keep in mind before engaging. 

Make sure to visit our visitor centers or check out our calendar, the NPS app, or our social media for the most up-to-date information about current and upcoming events!  

 

 

Public Events

Public events are events hosted by Yosemite National Park or those hosted by the Tribes within the park that are open for anyone to attend.

 

A cultural demonstrator showing a visitor how to weave.

Eric Nelson

Cultural Demonstrations

Throughout year | Yosemite Museum & Indian Village | 2026 schedule

Throughout the year, the park hosts six to seven cultural demonstrators from local California Tribes, with an emphasis on demonstrators from the park’s Traditionally Associated Tribes. Each demonstrator shows visitors one of their cultural traditions in the Yosemite Museum or in the Indian Village behind the museum for a few days. Make sure to stop by and learn about the amazing traditions the demonstrators are carrying on!

From 2024 to 2026, demonstrations included making flint arrowheads, demonstrating the art of weaving baskets, showing off traditional dances, and more. Please keep an eye out for the announcement of this year’s demonstrations.

 

Engaging respectfully

When you see a cultural event going on in the park, it’s a good idea to keep the following guidelines in mind before engaging: 

• Be mindful: Many Tribal events in the park are very important to the Tribe or Tribes holding them. Please act with respect, the way you would when seeing any other religious event. 

• Don’t take pictures: Tribal events are sensitive and important occasions. Attendees do not consent to photographs, and photographs may disrupt the event. 

• It’s okay to ask questions, but please don’t intrude: Some events are open to the public, and some are not. You are welcome to ask the attendees questions about the event, but please understand if it is a closed event or if they are unable to answer your questions. 

Although it's important to act respectfully, don't be afraid to engage! Visitors are welcome to join public events. 

 

Tribe-Only Events

Tribe-only events are Tribal-run cultural events only open to members of that Tribe and their guests. If you see these events happening in the park, we ask that you treat the participants with respect and that you do not interfere with their event.

 

Southern Sierra Miwuk dancers at Big Time 2025. From left to right, Sandy Vasquez, Nicole Long, Courtney Long, Frannie Howard, Regina Rhoan, Penny Long.

Nicole Long, Regina Rhoan

Big Time

Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation Website

Every summer, the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation hosts a celebration in Yosemite National Park with food, vendors, and traditional dances. Dancers attend from all over the state.

 

A peaceful view of Tenaya Lake.

Traditional Walk

Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a Tribe Website & Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation Website

Every year, members of the Traditionally Associated Tribes do a week-long backcountry hike over the Sierra Nevada. This walk echoes the path their ancestors traveled when crossing the mountains to visit family, to trade, and more.