Celebrate Indigenous Culture at the Owámni Falling Water Festival
October 18, 2025 • Minneapolis, MN • Free Admission
Looking for a rich, meaningful fall event in the Twin Cities? You won’t want to miss the Owámni Falling Water Festival — a free celebration of Indigenous arts, music, dance, food, and stories held along the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls (“Owámni”). It’s the kind of experience that both entertains and deepens your connection to the land and its history.
What Is the Owámni Falling Water Festival?
“Owámni” is the Dakota word meaning “whirling or falling water,” a reference to the turbulent waters at St. Anthony Falls. The festival honors the Indigenous people whose histories are tied to this land, bringing together Native artists, performers, and cultural leaders to celebrate community and heritage.
In 2025, the festival runs Saturday, October 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It spans both sides of the Mississippi River, covering Mill Ruins Park, Water Works Park, and Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
What to Expect: Music, Art, Food & More
Live Performances & Dance
Enjoy live music from artists like Jackie Bird, Laura Hugo, and Blue Dog. The Twin Cities Intertribal Dancers and Bear Runner drumming group will perform traditional dance and rhythm. Emcees Deanna StandingCloud and Trish Cook will guide the program across stages throughout the day.
Art, Crafts & Cultural Displays
Browse Indigenous visual art and crafts including beadwork, jewelry, and mixed media pieces by talented Native artists. Interactive stations and hands-on experiences like beadwork and traditional games invite guests to engage directly with culture. Local cultural organizations will also be on-site with educational exhibits and resources.
Indigenous Foods & Culinary Experiences
Savor traditional flavors from Indigenous food vendors such as Fry Bread Factory, Tatanka Truck, Trickster Tacos, and more. Past festivals have also featured cooking demonstrations showcasing Native recipes and techniques — come hungry!
More information here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mplsparkandrec/activity/search/detail/19429?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Traditional Games & Activities
Try your hand at cultural games like the plum stone game, moccasin game, or lacrosse. Don’t miss the Owámniyomni Audio Tour, which shares stories and history about the falls as you walk along the riverfront.
Why It Matters
The Owámni Falling Water Festival is more than a cultural fair — it’s a gathering that honors Indigenous heritage and celebrates the vibrant communities that continue to thrive here today. The festival also supports ongoing efforts to re-center Indigenous narratives in the city’s riverfront planning and public memory.
Carrie Day-Aspinwall, the first Indigenous liaison for Minneapolis Parks, describes the festival as an opportunity to share gifts — storytelling, song, dance, art — and to bridge communities through celebration and learning.
Tips Before You Go
• Parking: Use nearby street meters or parking ramps such as Riverfront Municipal or Mill Quarter.
• Access both sides: The event takes place on both riverbanks, with the Stone Arch Bridge connecting the two sides.
• Arrive early: With multiple stages and attractions, early arrival means you’ll have time to experience everything.
• Dress for fall: Layers, comfy shoes, and maybe a rain jacket — it’s October in Minnesota, after all.
• Bring curiosity: Ask questions, listen to stories, and enjoy the shared cultural experience.
How Owámni Fits into a Twin Cities Fall Itinerary
If you’re exploring “365 Things To Do in the Twin Cities,” this festival is a perfect October highlight. Pair your visit with a scenic walk across the Stone Arch Bridge, a stop at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, or a cozy fall meal at one of the nearby riverfront restaurants.
The Owámni Falling Water Festival combines culture, community, and the beauty of fall in Minnesota — a perfect reason to get outside and celebrate the season.
More information here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mplsparkandrec/activity/search/detail/19429?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true