Native American Festival
Thursday, November 12
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Photos of 2008 Native American Festival
Celebrate one of the oldest cultures in America through hands-on activities, games, music and dance at the annual Native American Festival, coming Thursday, November 12 to the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
"Children can learn about Native American culture through fun, interactive experiences," said Russanne Erickson, the museum's curator of education. "Several activities will be offered, including playing traditional Native American games, exploring a full-size tipi, making totem poles, shields, dream catchers and more. This is a great event for school groups during the day and others in the evening."
All activities take place inside the museum except for the full-size tipi.
A highlight of the event is performances by the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe, a Native American dance company based in Winnebago, Nebraska. The troupe's educational and entertaining performance showcases many Native American dance styles and music performed in vibrant colored costumes. The troupe performs at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Both the J.M. McDonald Planetarium and Lied Super Screen Theatre will offer special shows during the festival. The planetarium will offer "The Little Star That Could," the story of a star searching for his planets, at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Planetarium shows are included with festival admission.
The theatre will offer Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West at 9:00 a.m. and Wolves at 11:00 a.m. These giant screen films are a separate admission.
School groups are encouraged to come during the day, take part in the activities, experience a performance by Many Moccasins and enjoy special show in the planetarium or theatre. Others and museum members are encouraged to come in the evening and participate in activities beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a performance by Many Moccasins at 7:00 p.m.
"The Native American Festival is a wonderful event. Both children and adults will find themselves having fun while learning something new - and catching a performance by the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe is something you'll never forget," Erickson said.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (ages 60+) and $5 for children (ages 3-12). Museum members are $2 for adults and $1 for children (ages 3-12).
School groups receive special pricing and must call in advance to book their group. Please call Visitor Services at 402-461-4629 or 1-800-508-4629, option zero to purchase tickets and for more information.
Performances & Activities
- Many Moccasins Dance Troupe
Performances at 10:00a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
All ages • Reservations are required
- Native American Game Room
Games include Hubbub, Firewood, The Rock Game and Woodpecker
All ages EXCEPT Pre-K and K • Reservations are required for school groups
- Tipi
Explore a full-size tipi
- Beadwork
Craft project for kids to take home
- Totem Pole
Craft project for kids to take home
- Shell Gorget
Craft project for kids to take home
- Shield
Craft project for kids to take home
- Dream Catcher
Craft project for kids to take home
- Music Room
Learn about and play music
- Storytelling
- Game for PreK and K
- J.M. McDonald Planetarium
The Little Star That Could
9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
All ages • Reservations are required
- Lied Super Screen Theatre
9:00 a.m. – Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West
11:00 a.m. – Wolves
All ages • Reservations are required
You must make a reservation for the film when registering for the festival. The films are not included in your festival fee.
Tips for Teachers
There are areas to eat sack lunches indoors. When you make your reservation, please let Visitor Services know if you will be bringing lunch. We are not able to reserve space for your group to eat lunch, but we will do our best to accommodate your group’s needs.
There will also be a coat room available. The coin room, which is right off the lobby, will have coat racks in it, and floor space available for coat piles. Please use this as a place to store your coats, as we want to keep the main walkways clear.
Upon check-in, each student will receive a bag to put their crafts in. We recommend you bring a pen to write your student’s names on their bag.
Volunteers
Interested in volunteering during the Native American Festival? Like working with children and making crafts? Email your contact information and we'll find an activity station for you. Volunteer Here
Pricing for Native American Festival
- School Groups (students, teachers and other adults) Reservations required
- Schools within Hastings city limits: $1.00 per person
- Schools from outside Hastings city limits: $3.00 per person
- Museum Members
- Adults and Seniors: $2.00 per person
- Children: $1.00 per person
- Non-Museum Members
- Adults: $7.00 per person
- Seniors: $6.00 per person
- Children: $5.00 per person
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