Phoenix’s free Portal to the Past Festival returns on 21 November

Phoenix residents looking for a free cultural day out can visit the Portal to the Past Festival at S’edav Va’aki Museum on Saturday, 21 November 2026. The eighth annual event runs from 10am to 2pm at 4619 E. Washington St., with music, dance, storytelling and activities exploring the importance of water in the desert.

For people getting to know Phoenix, the festival offers a way to learn about the area through its Indigenous communities and artists. Admission includes the museum’s exhibits and archaeological remains, so visitors can combine the performances with time exploring the site.

What is happening?

The city’s programme, announced on 23 October, includes O’odham and Piipaash artist demonstrations, children’s crafts and traditional-technology demonstrations. Free access also covers the new Indigenous Identities exhibition.

A Toka tournament starts earlier than the main festival, running from 9:30am until noon. Teams represent the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community and Tohono O’Odham Nation.

The afternoon programme features the Cruz Waila Band from 12:05pm to 12:45pm and again from 1:30pm to 2pm. The Keli Akimel Basket Dancers from the Gila River Indian Community perform from 12:55pm to 1:15pm.

Plan your visit

The event is free and open to the public. All times are local to Phoenix. Check the organiser’s festival page before travelling for any programme changes. For festival questions or accessibility accommodation requests, Cultural Coalition lists events coordinator Ami Rogers at festivals@culturalcoalition.com or (480) 819-3452.

Museum exterior, 2013. Photo: Visitor7 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped.