Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration | Celebrating Indigenous Heritage

Experience one of the Southeast's premier celebrations of Indigenous culture at the annual Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration. Held at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, this free event welcomes thousands of visitors each year for a weekend of traditional and contemporary Native American dance, music, storytelling, artisan demonstrations, cultural exhibits and hands-on activities.

September 12 - 13, 2026

10am - 5pm
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

What is the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration?

The celebration honors the people of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, who recognize the Ocmulgee Mounds as their ancestral homeland, while bringing together Native American tribes from across the region to share their living traditions and rich cultural heritage.

Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience traditional dancing, music, storytelling, crafts, demonstrations and other cultural experiences.

The celebration brings this history to life while honoring the traditions of Native people today and offering an opportunity to learn more about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The 2026 event is particularly special, as the Macon community is eagerly awaiting the approval of a bill that will redesignate the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia's first National Park.

Engage with Southeastern Indigenous artists, historians and experts through educational demonstrations, music, dance and interactive exhibits.

The People Who Built the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

The Ocmulgee Mounds have been home to Indigenous peoples for more than 12,000 years, and the site offers a rare opportunity to connect with their history.

The Mississippian culture that flourished here beginning around 900 CE, when a collection of Native American tribes built large communities throughout the region. The larger Ocmulgee site eventually encompassed numerous towns and served as an important center of cultural, political and religious life.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation recognizes Ocmulgee as their ancestral homeland, connecting the site to a living cultural heritage that continues today.

A Homeland That Lives On

Members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Macon's first inhabitants, were forcibly relocated to Oklahoma in 1836 as a result of the Indian Removal Act.

Despite this forced removal, the connection between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and their ancestral homeland remains strong, making the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration an especially meaningful opportunity for Native people to return to and honor this place.

Since then, archeologists have uncovered 2.5 million artifacts that help us trace over 17,000 years of Muscogee (Creek) Nation history. Some of the discovered items can be seen on display inside the visitor center on the park grounds.

Once a year, the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration brings together the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Native American tribes from across the region to celebrate their legacy, share their living cultures and return to a homeland that remains deeply connected to their history and identity.

Explore Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

What tribes attended the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration?

Some of the tribes that attend the celebration include the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee, Choctaw and Seminole.

Where should I park?

All Parking will be at the old Macon-Bibb Health Department located at 171 Emery Highway, Macon, GA, 31217

Will there be shuttle services available?

Yes! A free, handicap-accessible shuttle will take you right to the event gate. Please go to the parking lot at the old Macon-Bibb Health Department located at 171 Emery Hwy, Macon, GA 31217, to ride the shuttle to the park.

Is this a kid-friendly event?

Yes! Families are encouraged to learn about the culture of the indigenous communities and the Ocmulgee Mounds. There will be pottery making for kids to participate in as well.