It's time to recognize that celebrating the life of Christopher Columbus also celebrates the erasure of Indigenous existence. While there is a growing movement around the country to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, more work remains to be done. We are excited to share some local and national events celebrating Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Events in Massachusetts: Please click here for updates
Compiled by Indigenous Peoples Day MA and Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day. Events will continue to be added as information becomes available. To include your event on this list, please email ItaliansforIPD@gmail.com.
Indigenous Peoples Day Turtle Island Mural Project
October 5, 10-noon | BEDFORD, MA | In-person event
Celebrate Bedford's fourth annual Indigenous Peoples Day with a collaborative community art project led by Mashpee Wampanoag artist Aimeé Ledwell. Kids of all ages and their caregivers will work together to create a large-scale mural of Turtle Island (North America) for display in Bedford Public Library. Ledwell will accompany her art instruction with Indigenous stories and knowledge about Turtle Island.
E field behind Town Center playground, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01370
Sponsored by the Bedford Parents Diversity Council, Indigenous Peoples Day Bedford, and Bedford Youth and Family Services
Full event details here.
Boston Indigenous Peoples Day March
October 12, 12-3 pm | BOSTON, MA | In-person event
Help send the message loud and clear that we must honor and acknowledge the Indigenous history of Massachusetts, as well as the continued presence of Indigenous peoples throughout the state. It is time for the MA State Legislature to pass bills to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day statewide, ban Native mascots, and more!
March starts at Park St. MBTA Station by Boston Common
Sponsored by Indigenous Peoples Day MA, United American Indians of
New England, North American Indian Center of Boston, Cultural Survival, MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda, New Democracy Coalition, Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day
Full event details link coming soon.
Boston’s Indigenous Peoples Social and Dance
October 12, 5-11 pm | BOSTON, MA | In-person event
A social from 5-9 pm will feature traditional Native crafts and drumming by the Red Hawk Singers, followed by an after party from 9-11 pm with popular dance music and a guest performance by Wamptronica.
105 South Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Sponsored by the North American Indian Center of Boston
Event flier here.
IPD Celebration with the Red Hawk Singers & Dancers
October 13, 12:30 pm | ARLINGTON, MA | In-person event
This popular Mashpee Wampanoag performing group will share songs, dances, and teachings that promote traditional Wampanoag values and cross-cultural understanding. Family friendly.
Arlington Town Hall, 730 Mass. Ave., Arlington, MA 02476
Sponsored by the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Old Schwamb Mill, Robbins Library, and the Arlington Human Rights Commission.
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day at Tufts University
October 13, 1-6:30 pm | MEDFORD, MA | In-person event
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples and cultures across the world with the Indigenous Students’ Organization at Tufts. Highlights include student vendors, speakers, performers, and Indigenous foods. Open to all, both within and outside the Tufts community.
Olin Patio in the residential quad, 180 Packard Ave., Medford, MA 02155
Sponsored by the Indigenous Students Organization at Tufts University.
Full event details here.
Hassanamisco Indian Fair
October 13, 10-4 pm | NORTH GRAFTON, MA | In-person event
This family oriented event organized by the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band will feature drums, dancing, Indigenous crafts, vendors, food trucks, and more. Gates open at 10 am, Grand Entry at noon, and closing ceremony at 4 pm.
Phelps Athletic Field, 7 Jumbo’s Path, North Grafton, MA 01536
Full event details here.
Watertown Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day 2024
October 13, 12-4 pm | WATERTOWN, MA | In-person event
This event will feature Indigenous musicians, artists, foods, crafts, and vendors. Performers include the Nettukkusqk Singers, Red Hawk Drummers and Dancers, and storyteller Teddy Hendricks. Artisans Darius and Eleanor Coombs will demonstrate wampum making and how to make corn husk dolls. Deborah Moorehead, Leslie Tuplin and other Indigenous vendors will be selling their work. Sonya Avant will sell Indigenous food and Belmont Bookstore will be selling books by and about Indigenous peoples.
Hosmer Elementary School, 1 Concord Rd., Watertown, MA 02472
Sponsored by the Pigsgusset Initiative.
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day Plant and Tree Walk
October 14, 10:30-12 pm | BOSTON, MA | In-person event
Aquinnah artist and cultural steward Elizabeth James-Perry will lead a family-friendly nature walk highlighting Indigenous cultural cuisine, architectural tribal uses, and responsible stewardship practices in the lands and waters now known as the Back Bay Fens.
Shattuck Visitors Center, 125 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115
Sponsored by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day at the Institute of Contemporary Art
October 14, 10-5 pm | BOSTON, MA | In-person event
Free admission.
25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, MA 02210
Details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day at the Gardner Museum
October 14, 11-5 pm | BOSTON, MA | In-person event
Celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples Day with community and family through art-making, storytelling, and more. Collaborators include Elizabeth Solomon (Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag), Erin Genia (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate), and Tanya Nixon-Silberg and Tony Leva from Little Uprisings.
25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
Details here.
Lexington’s First Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
October 14, 9 am & 12-3 pm | LEXINGTON, MA | In-person event
The community is invited to a Paint Mine conservation walk at 9 am. From 12-3 pm, music, dancing, and storytelling will be offered, including a performance by the Red Hawk Singers & Dancers at noon.
Walk Location: Estabrook School parking lot, 117 Grove St., Lexington, MA 02420; Afternoon event: Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA 024202210
Details here.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Indigenous Peoples Day Open House
October 14, 10-5 pm | BOSTON, MA | In-person event
Free admission, gallery tours, family art-making activities, and more.
465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
October 14, 1-4 pm | BROOKLINE, MA | In-person event
This family friendly event will feature Indigenous speakers, Indigenous art and craft vendors, advocacy organizations, and food from local restaurants.
Brookline Health Building, 11 Pierce St., Brookline, MA 02445
Sponsored by the Brookline Indigenous Peoples Celebration Committee and the Brookline Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations.
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day Cambridge
October 14, 12-4 pm | CAMBRIDGE, MA | In-person event
All are welcome to Cambridge’s first community IPD celebration featuring traditional Indigenous music and dance, storytelling sessions about the history and resilience of local Tribes, Indigenous art displays and craft demonstrations, local food vendors, and more!
U Park, 65 Sydney St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Event details here.
Concord Museum Indigenous Peoples Day Family Program with the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers
October 14, 10-11 am | CONCORD, MA | In-person event
Experience traditional Eastern Woodlands social songs and dances performed by artists from the tribal nations of Mashpee and Aquinnah.
Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA 01742
Register here.
Framingham Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
October 14, 12-3 pm | FRAMINGHAM, MA | In-person event
This event will feature Indigenous speakers and students, as well as a performance and food trucks.
Farm Pond Park, Dudley Rd., Framingham, MA 01702
Sponsored by the City of Framingham, Framingham Public Schools, and a coalition of community partners.
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day Observance
October 14, 10-5 pm | NEWBURYPORT, MA | In-person event
A free, family friendly outdoor gathering to celebrate contemporary Indigenous cultures, arts, and diversity. Opening ceremonies will be followed by a mishoon paddle, Indigenous music, drumming, dance, storytelling, cultural presentations, artisans, family activities, and more.
Waterfront Park, 35 Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Sponsored by the First Religious Society, Imagine Studios and more.
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day Newton Ceremonial Celebration
October 14, 11-5 pm | NEWTON, MA | In-person event
An outdoor, family-oriented celebration of Indigenous culture, art, and history. This Indigenous-led, annual event will feature music and dancing, cultural presentations, artists, traditional foods, and more. Over 50 Indigenous vendors, artists, and organizations will be represented! Open to all. Numerous accessibility measures will be in place, including ASL interpreters, an accessible viewing and elder area, a sensory friendly/quiet zone, and more.
Albemarle Field, 250 Albemarle Rd., Newton, MA 02460
Sponsored by Indigenous Peoples Day Newton
Full event details here.
Painting with Natural Pigments at the Peabody Essex Museum
October 14, 11-3 pm | SALEM, MA | In-person event
This art making activity will celebrate the abundant, vibrant colors found in nature. Join artist and educator Katherine Hagman (Lumbee) and create watercolor paintings with everything from turmeric to beets. Price included with admission.
161 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970
Full event details here.
Westford Indigenous Peoples Day Observance
October 14, 10-11 AM | WESTFORD, MA | In-person event
Angel Marcellino, author of “The True Natives of Cape Cod Massachusetts and their Food Ways,” will share her multicultural background (Mashpee Wampanoag, Portuguese, English) through an exploration of traditional recipes and family history.
Westford Town Common, Lincoln Street, Westford, MA 01886
Sponsored by the Westford Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Full event details here.
Winchester Indigenous Peoples Day Family Celebration
October 14, 11-1 pm | WINCHESTER, MA | In-person event
Starting at 11 am, enjoy corn husk doll making, games, book readings, and more! A fun and participatory performance by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers will take place from 12-1 pm.
Wright-Locke Farm, 78 Ridge St., Winchester, MA 01890
Sponsored by the Network for Social Justice, FAN of Winchester and Wright-Locke Farm.
Full event details here.
Indigenous Peoples Day at the Worcester Art Museum
October 14, 10-4 pm | WORCESTER, MA | In-person event
Free Admission.
55 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609
Details here.
