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The 37th annual contest brings Indigenous dancers and drum groups to Phoenix for a weekend of competition, family activities and museum visits.
All times are local to the venue · America/Phoenix
Precision is only one part of the judging at the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. Creativity, showmanship, speed and timing also count, giving spectators several ways to follow the competition as dancers take the arena at the Heard Museum on February 6–7, 2027.
The Heard first hosted the championship in 1991 and says the annual event features more than 100 Indigenous dancers from tribal communities across North America. Contestants enter age divisions ranging from Tiny Tots, for children 5 and younger, to Seniors, for dancers 40 and older.
The judging panel includes accomplished hoop dancers. Daniel Tramper (Cherokee) won world titles in 2004, 2007 and 2009, while Quentin Pipestem (Tsuut’ina) won in 1992, 1993 and 1995. Jasmine Bell (Crow Creek Sioux), also a judge, is a two-time Teen World Champion and teaches hoop dance cultural history.
Further reading: World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Emcee Dennis Bowen, Sr. (Seneca) has served in the role at the championships since 1992. Arena director Eric Manuelito (Diné), a former Heard Museum employee, brings experience directing Pow Wow arenas as well as working as a lecturer, flutist and Native arts demonstrator.
The host Southern Drum is the Cozad Singers, a group from the Kiowa Nation of Oklahoma founded in the early 1940s. The host Northern Drum, the Mandaree Singers from New Town, North Dakota, was founded by Bill Baker in the 1960s; the group sings in Hidatsa and Arikara.
Further reading: World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Families can step away to the Family Fun Zone for hoop-themed art activities and games, as well as information about the Heard’s Heardlings programs. It is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Each day includes a one-hour lunch break, and event admission includes the museum galleries. The Heard Museum app offers a self-guided audio option for visitors who want to explore at their own pace; the museum says its regular guided tours are not offered during special events.
Further reading: World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗
Saturday is the first-round day for the four older divisions. Sunday adds Tiny Tots, second rounds and afternoon finals; winners are scheduled to be announced by 5 p.m.
Tickets are listed as coming soon, with prices not yet announced. The museum says tickets will also be available at the gate. Culture Passes and museum access program passes cannot be used for this Signature Event.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
General entry begins at 8:30 a.m.; Heard Museum members may enter at 8 a.m. The contest starts at 9 a.m. each day.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
The event provides designated Elder and ADA seating and CART transcription of spoken content. A QR code for the transcription will be in the program and posted at the event. Service animals are permitted; comfort animals are not.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
The contest is scheduled rain or shine, although weather may cause a postponement or a move to Steele Auditorium. The museum suggests a refillable water bottle, sun protection and a poncho; fold-up chairs and blankets are also allowed. Pop-up tents are not permitted.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
The contest is at the Heard Museum, 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix. The event page identifies Encanto/Central on Valley Metro Light Rail as a short walk from the museum.
Designated ADA parking is in the north lot. The museum’s event-specific parking map is still forthcoming, so check it before driving.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
The museum identifies a ride-share pickup and drop-off area in the curved space behind the building near the Courtyard Café.
Yes. The museum says handstamps allow visitors to leave and reenter.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Both are on Sunday. Tiny Tots follows the morning Grand Entry; the finals are scheduled for the afternoon.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Personal and social media photos and video are allowed at the event. Permission is required for publication, business or sales use; review the museum’s photo and video policy before making a media request.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Tiny Tots is 5 and younger; Youth is 6–12; Teen is 13–17; Adult is 18–39; and Senior is 40 and older.
World Championship Hoop Dance Contest - February 6, 2027 | Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-29 against the linked sources.