New in 2025: The Circle – Indigenous Teachings & Storytelling

New to this year’s Strawberry Moon Festival is The Circle: Indigenous Teachings and Storytelling—a dedicated space where visitors can gather to experience oral traditions, songs, and cultural teachings shared by respected Elders, storytellers, and knowledge keepers. Stories by the Fire, Artpark’s storytelling series, will launch within The Circle, bringing Haudenosaunee stories and legends to life in a powerful and engaging way.

The Indigenous Discovery Zone

This year, the expanded Indigenous Discovery Zone offers something for everyone—an interactive space filled with hands-on workshops, storytelling, and cultural teachings. Visitors of all ages can create, learn, and engage in meaningful activities, taking home keepsakes that embody the spirit of the day.

The Indigenous Artisan Market

The Indigenous Artisan Market showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Indigenous makers from across Turtle Island, featuring handcrafted beadwork, pottery, jewelry, textiles, fine art, and contemporary fashion. More than just a marketplace, it’s an opportunity to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and take home meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Annual Smoke Dance Competition

The Mesmerizing Smoke Dance Competition will once again bring excitement to this year’s festival. Dancers—from tiny tots to adults—will captivate audiences with their grace, agility, speed, and storytelling through movement. With dazzling footwork and vibrant regalia, this competition remains a festival highlight.

Special Community Projects

This year’s festival also highlights two extraordinary community projects:

• The Erie Canal Wampum Belt – Created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, this powerful symbol represents history, alliances, and Indigenous sovereignty.

• The Life-Size Dreamcatcher – A stunning representation of unity, vision, and the weaving together of community voices.

These projects celebrate Indigenous creativity, collaboration, and resilience through shared expression.

Join Us!

Come together for the Strawberry Moon Festival—a family-friendly celebration of culture, tradition, and storytelling. Enjoy an afternoon rooted in the spirit of renewal, generosity, and connection through Indigenous knowledge and creativity.

Vendors & artisans - please email Michele Elise-Burnett, Artpark's Indigenous Arts Producer, at [email protected] if you're interested in participating in this year's festival!

“Strawberry Moon celebrates the fact the sky does not acknowledge borders, as different cultural factions from Western New York and Canada gathered to honor the beginning of a new season and tip their collective cap to the land that sustains us all.”
- Jeff Miers, The Buffalo News (from their review of the 2019 festival).