Owámni Falling Water Festival celebrates local Indigenous cultures at new and improved riverfront parks on Saturday, October 7, 1-5 pm

The 2023 Owámni: Falling Water Festival brings a celebration of local Indigenous cultures to new and improved parks across the downtown Minneapolis riverfront on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-5 pm! A ton of activities and entertainment are planned at Mill Ruins Park (102 Portland Ave. S), Water Works (425 West River Parkway), and Father Hennepin Bluff Park (420 SE Main Street).

Water Works is one of the newest attractions in the Minneapolis park system, opening on the west side of the river in 2021, and on the east side of the river, Father Hennepin Bluff Park reopened last summer with a new stage, permanent indoor bathrooms, and numerous path and landscaping upgrades.

“Owámni” is how the Dakota refer to the area at St. Anthony Falls. It means, “whirling or falling water” in Dakota language. The event is centered around the Owámni area on both sides of the Mississippi River, with the Stone Arch Bridge serving as a bike/walk/roll connection across the river.

A wonderful variety of art, food, exhibits, music and entertainment will showcase Indigenous cultures and creators in this free, family-friendly event co-presented by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.

Art

An arts area will focus on Native contemporary, traditional and fine arts to showcase the talents of Indigenous visual artists like local artists Marlena Myles, Graci Horne and James Autio. Jewelry and art will be available for purchase, along with hands-on art opportunities like screen printing/shirt printing.

Music and Entertainment

Event emcees Deanna StandingCloud and Trish Cook will guide us through a packed lineup of local and national performing artists, including Jackie Bird, Jada Brown, Gakaabikaan Singers, Max Blake, Wathéča Records and The Oshkii Giizhik Singers. These performances are scheduled across two stages, one at Water Works and one at Father Hennepin Bluff Park. Check the festival website next week for a detailed stage lineup.

Food

An outstanding variety of Indigenous foods will be available for purchase. Food trucks and food vendors include Tatanka Truck, Pow Wow Grounds, Wanna Wota, and Austin’s Catering. Plus, Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette will host a cooking demonstration/lecture featuring Indigenous foods and techniques.

History

Learn more about local Indigenous history with resources from the Minnesota Historical Society, Friends of the Falls, and more!

This event is made possible through a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.