7th Annual Portal Fest

Cultural Coalition, in partnership with the S'edav Va'aki Museum, is thrilled to announce the return of the 7th Annual Portal Fest, presented by Desert Diamond Casinos. This annual free family event will take place on Saturday, November 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the S'edav Va'aki Museum, located in Phoenix.

The Portal Fest is a cultural celebration designed to connect the community to the Ancient Sonoran Desert People, their profound legacy of water in Arizona, and the enduring traditions of O'odham and Piipaash artists. The day is packed with activities and performances for all ages, offering a deep dive into Arizona’s unique history and culture. FREE Museum Admission is included all day!

Traditional Events & Demonstrations
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Toka Matches - A Traditional Indigenous game that is close to field hockey that is played by women and young girls of the four southern Arizona tribes using sticks and a “puck” made from materials gathered in the desert
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Artisan Demonstrations - Paddle & Anvil Pottery by Nicole Carlos and Gourd Rattle making with Wolf Loring

Entertainment
12:00 p.m. - Welcome Remarks Nicole Armstrong-Best, S'edav Va'aki Museum Administrator
12:05 p.m . - Live Music by Cruz Waila Band from Tohono O'odham Nation
12:55 p.m. - Keli Akimel Basket Dancers & Traditional Singers from Gila River Indian Community
1:15 p.m. - Bird Singers and Dancers by the River from the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community
1:30 p.m. - Live Music by Cruz Waila Band from Tohono O'odham Nation

Special Museum Offerings
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Hands-on Arts & Craft activities
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Microscope Activity in the Parched exhibit, located in the Changing Gallery
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Detective Archaeology Activity in the simulated archaeological excavation area
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Artifact Cart in the Museum Lobby

"We invite the entire community to spend the day with us as we immerse ourselves in the unique history of Arizona's canal systems and the vibrant artistry of the O'odham and Piipaash communities," said Carmen Guerrero, Executive Director of Cultural Coalition. "Portal Fest is a cornerstone event that highlights the critical connection between the past and present, particularly through the lens of water and cultural tradition."

This event is made free and open to the public thanks to support by Desert Diamond Casino, SRP (Salt River Project), RDF (Raza Development Fund), Phoenix Office of Art & Culture, Arizona Commission on the Arts, CAP (Central Arizona Project), and the S’edav Va’aki Museum Foundation.