Washoe Tribe hosts 34th Annual Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ Festival at Meeks Bay Resort

by | Jul 23, 2026 | Uncategorized

The 34th Annual Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ Festival will take place at Meeks Bay on July 25 and 26
Provided / Rosalinda Gabriel

TAHOMA, Calif. – For its 34th year, the Wá∙šiw (Washoe) Indigenous Culture and Arts Festival is taking place on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at Meeks Bay Resort. The festival honors Native American art, in all its forms, while spreading cultural awareness to the public through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. 

“This event has always been about bringing people together,” says Rosalinda Gabriel, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California’s Community Resilience Center, Public Relations. “After 34 years, it’s more than just an annual tradition, it’s an opportunity to celebrate our community, honor our history, and create lasting memories for future generations.” 

The festival will offer two days of celebration, including a handgame tournament with first and second- place cash prizes, a basketweaving competition, fashion shows, indigenous story-telling, dance performances, along with dozens of craft and food vendors. 

The Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ Festival will hold a number of exciting events including Sigáyuk Demonstration (Women’s Stick Game) and a basketweaving competition
Provided / Rosalinda Gabriel

There will be opportunities to participate in a raffle on Saturday, with tickets ranging from $2 each, three for $5 or seven raffle tickets for $10. Winners will be announced throughout the day and will receive some incredible prizes. 

At the Main Festival Booth, folks can purchase t-shirts, tank tops, hats and other items available on both Saturday and Sunday. 

Taking place at Meeks Bay Resort, owned and operated by the Washoe Tribe, the festival makes for an amazing, family-friendly outing and is a great way to learn more about the indigenous cultures that have called the Sierra Nevada mountains home for more than 10,000 years.  

The two-day event is free to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $12 parking fee per day.

Some things to keep in mind if you plan on attending:

  • Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ is a tobacco-free, drug-free and alcohol free event.
  • The Washoe Tribe requests that you ask permission before taking pictures of videos of indigenous artists. Unless permission is granted, do not touch their regalia. 
  • Parking is allowed only in authorized parking areas. Do not block roadways or other vehicles. Violators will be ticketed and/or towed. 
  • Refrain from using plastic water bottles. 

For more information about the festival or to learn more about the Washoe Tribe, visit https://washoetribe.us/.