The Oka Kapassa – Return to Coldwater Native American Festival
A celebration of the culture and traditions of the indigenous people who once inhabited North Alabama offers free family fun, authentic Indian food and hands-on demonstrations in downtown Tuscumbia. Oka Kapassa: Return to Coldwater Native American Festival is set for September 12-13, 2025, with activities taking place in and around beautiful Spring Park in downtown Tuscumbia.
Friday:
The Festival kicks off on Friday, September 12 when the park opens at 5 p.m. with Native American crafts demonstrators and a pre-festival concert. Ham and white beans, roasted corn and concessions will also be available for the public to purchase.
The concert of Native American flute and Celtic fiddle music performed by nationally recognized artist Arvel Bird (Piute) begins at 7 p.m. Following the concert, a symbolic “Lighting of the Torches” originating from the Trail of Tears Statue at Coldwater Falls (waterfall), will move quietly along the water in remembrance of those who were forcibly removed. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
Saturday:
Saturday features crafts, traditional dance demonstrations, hands-on activities, life-skill demonstrations, storytelling and music. Native American artwork and crafts will be available for purchase. There will also be demonstrations by artisans including basket weaving, flute-making, and beading. For live performances, expect hoop dancers, stroytelling, and drum performances.
Oka Kapassa also welcomes several well-known American Indian cooks who will prepare and cook foods that were developed by their ancestors, demonstrating traditional outdoor cooking of the 1800s, preparing foods in cast iron and clay pots over a campfire, such as a traditional hominy and pork dish, buffalo stew and burgers, fry bread, Indian tacos, fish, alligator and roasted corn.
The Coldwater Stagecoach Stop, living history log cabin located at 301 S. Dickson Street in Tuscumbia, will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Saturday’s festival to provide living history of the time-period and of the citizens of Tuscumbia, 1815-1830.
When:
Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13, 2025
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where:
Spring Park
1 Spring Park Rd.
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
For additional information:
Visit OkaKapassa, the OkaKapassa Facebook page or Colbert County Tourism.
