Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Hosts SCHEMITZUN: FEAST OF GREEN CORN AND DANCE

Mashantucket, Conn. — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is proud to welcome the public to its annual Schemitzun: Feast of Green Corn and Dance, taking place August 28–30, 2026, at the Mashantucket Pequot Cultural Grounds. Rooted in the traditions surrounding the Green Corn harvest, this family-friendly celebration honors the rich history, traditions, and living cultures of Native peoples from across New England and beyond.

“Schemitzun is a celebration of resilience, culture, and community,” said Daniel Menihan, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Councilor and Schemitzun Committee Chairman. “We invite everyone to join us in honoring the harvest, sharing traditions, and experiencing the beauty and vibrancy of Native cultures.”

Schemitzun offers visitors an immersive cultural experience featuring world-class dancers, championship drum groups, traditional and contemporary Native music, and authentic Native cuisine prepared by Native chefs. More than 40 Native American artisans from across Indian Country will showcase handcrafted beadwork, basketry, textiles, wampum, jewelry, paintings, carvings, and other traditional works.

A highlight of the weekend is the 17th-century Pequot Village, where visitors can witness open-fire cooking, loom weaving, wampum making, fish net making, basketry, and other traditional lifeways that have been passed down through generations.

The weekend’s dance competitions follow each Grand Entry, bringing together competitors of all ages in a vibrant display of tradition, artistry, and cultural pride.

Event Schedule:

• Friday, August 28 – Gates open: 5:00 p.m.; Grand Entry: 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 29 – Gates open: 10:00 a.m.; Grand Entries: Noon & 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, August 30 – Gates open: 10:00 a.m.; Grand Entry: Noon

Event Location:

Mashantucket Cultural Grounds
1 Matts Path
Mashantucket, CT 06338

NOTE: There is no on-site parking at Schemitzun.

Event shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the following locations, Saturday and Sunday only.

(Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm / Sunday 10:00am- 6:00pm)

• MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER (Handicap pick-up only)
• FOX TOWER HOTEL LOOP
• GRAND PEQUOT TOWER HOTEL LOOP
• GREAT CEDAR HOTEL BUS LOOP
• TWO TREES INN HOTEL LOOP

Media Parking: Pequot Pharmaceutical Network – 1 Annie George Drive, Mashantucket CT 06338

Tickets are available online in advance or at the gate throughout the weekend.  For event details, ticket information, and schedules, visit www.schemitzun.com.

Everyone is invited to experience this unique celebration of Native culture, tradition, and community.

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About the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

 

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of America’s greatest come-back stories, featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

 

Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest gaming resorts in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, along with a variety of complementary business enterprises, including Connecticut’s premier luxury golf experience, Lake of the Isles, and the decadent Spa at Norwich Inn. The Tribe’s health and wellness company, Pequot Health Care, is an industry leader in tribal and commercial health plan management and pharmaceutical services. 

 

As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and provided billions in slot revenue payments to the State. The Tribe has also contributed millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States.

 

Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean, beautiful land, a safe community, and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the well-

being of our Tribal Members, employees, and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights in order to build and preserve a cultural, social and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed.

 

To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at www.mptn-nsn.gov.