Indigenous art, culture, and performance will take center stage in Phoenix as the Heard Museum opened ticket sales for two of its most anticipated signature events in 2026.
Celebrated nationally for its dedication to Indigenous voices and creativity, the museum announced that tickets are now available for the 36th annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, set for February 14-15, and the 68th annual Indian Fair & Market, taking place March 7-8.
Both events promise immersive, festival-style experiences that go well beyond traditional museum programming, featuring food and drinks from vendors, offerings from the Heard Museum’s award-winning restaurant, hands-on activities and booths hosted by community partners highlighting Indigenous creativity and connection.
The World Championship Hoop Dance Contest brings together more than 100 Indigenous dancers from across North America for a competition that blends athleticism, storytelling, and cultural tradition. With $25,000 on the line, dancers perform fast-paced, technically demanding routines that have earned the event a reputation for intensity rivaling that of major sporting championships.
Since its debut at the Heard Museum in 1991, the contest has grown into a showcase of excellence, drawing thousands of spectators and captivating audiences of all ages across its two unforgettable days.
Equally iconic, the Indian Fair & Market is one of the largest and most respected gatherings of Indigenous artists in the country. The 2026 event will feature more than 600 artists representing over 100 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Canadian First Nations communities.
Festivities begin March 6 with the “Best of Juried Competition” awards, where $180,000 in prize money will be awarded, followed by two days of artist booths, live entertainment, and interactive programming.
The Youth Art Show and Sale returns for its second year, awarding more than $10,000 in prizes to emerging artists in grades seven through 12, with all artwork available for purchase. Family-friendly activities continue throughout the weekend, and on Sunday, children under 12 receive free admission.
Together, these two hallmark events remain among the most celebrated showcases of Indigenous art, dance, and culture in the nation, drawing visitors from across Arizona and beyond. For more information on the events and the Heard Museum, visit heard.org.
