Join us for the 36th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum!

Since the first World Championship Hoop Dance Contest hosted at the Heard Museum in 1991, this competition has become a cornerstone for cultural preservation, celebrating the profound history of hoop dancing within Indigenous communities. The annual event showcases more than 100 Indigenous dancers from diverse tribal backgrounds throughout North America while displaying their masterful skills to thousands of community members, families, and fans.

Be part of the artistry, athleticism, and excellence of Indigenous peoples at this thrilling two-day championship in Phoenix, Arizona that promises to captivate, educate, and inspire all who attend.

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General public entry time is 8:30 a.m. Members have an early bird entry for seating at 8:00 a.m. The event starts at 9 a.m.

This is a rain or shine event. Should the weather turn grey, the competition may be postponed and/or moved indoors to the Steele Auditorium. If the forecast indicates rain, we suggest bringing jackets, umbrellas, ponchos, etc.

ADA Information

Parking: There is designated ADA parking in the north parking lot.

Seating: There are two areas inside the event for Elder and ADA seating.
CART Services: We are committed to making this event accessible to everyone. CART services provide real-time transcription of all spoken content into text, displayed on a screen or personal device. This service ensures that individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or benefit from text-based access can fully participate.

Museum visitors can also utilize a variety of sensory-friendly resources. For museum visitors, we offer sensory-friendly resources including noise-canceling headphones, color-correcting glasses, Williams Sound personal amplifiers, weighted lap pads, and more.

Heard Museum: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Courtyard Café: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Coffee Cantina: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Museum Shop: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Books & More: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Event Restrictions

Food, Beverage, & Alcohol: No outside food or drink is permitted, except for water bottles. This event has many outside food vendors as well as our Courtyard Café and Coffee Cantina. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Bags: We do not allow cooler bags inside this event. Inside the museum, normal bag policies apply.

Pets and Service Animals: Only Service Animals will be allowed into the event and must be leashed or tethered accordingly. Comfort animals are not permitted.

Firearms and Weapons: No weapons, at any time, inside or outside permitted.

Smoking Policy: Not permitted in the Museum, nor within 20 feet of the front entrance. Only allowed in designated smoking areas.

Prohibited Items: Illegal Drugs or Substances, Skateboards, Segways, Scooter, Rollerblades, bicycles, Hoverboards, and helmets. No coolers, ice chests, or pointed-Tip Umbrellas, Patrons without Shoes or Shirt.

Drone Restrictions: It is illegal to fly a drone during this event.

36th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

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Program Details

Join us for the 36th Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum!