Sept. 26th, 2026—7th Annual California Native Ways Festival
Dear Friends,
Our 2026, 7th Annual Festival is once again curated by Northern Sierra Mewuk basketweaver and culture bearer Jennifer Bates. The festival offers a unique opportunity to meet skilled California Indian artisans from across the state.
This year, Jennifer has invited demonstrators to present a special focus on California Indian Traditional Food Ways with presentations on, cultivating, gathering and preparation. You won’t want to miss this special event!
Presenters will also demonstrate traditional crafts and activities, including basketweaving, beadwork, jewelry making and more.
7th Annual California Native Ways
A California Indian Arts & Culture Festival
Saturday, September 26th, 2026
12 PM to 5:00 PM
Ohlone Park (between McGee & Grant)
Berkeley, California
More information to come as we get closer to the date!
Jennifer Bates, Festival Curator and Culture Bearer (right), at the 6th Annual California Native Ways Festival, Live Oak Park, Berkeley, 20 September 2025. Photo by Claire Greensfelder.
A note about this year’s September date:
Our loyal festival partners, the City of Berkeley and the Friends of Ohlone Park, had asked us to change the date of this year’s festival from Saturday, June 13th to to Saturday, 26 2026, from 12 PM–5:00 PM. They requested that we coordinate this year’s festival with the re-dedication of the Ohlone Park Mural and dedication of the new Ohlone Park Sculpture and Native Plant Garden, both designed by renowned California Indigenous Artist Jean La Marr (Northern Paiute/Achomawi). Sadly, Jean passed away suddenly from a long illness in early August of this year and the dedication of Ohlone Park Sculpture and Native Plant Garden has now been postponed to June 12th, 2027. We are working with the City of Berkeley and the Friends of Ohlone Park to create a ceremony that will recognized Jean’s major contributions to Native American arts and culture and we are honored that Jean’s family will be represented next June at the dedication ceremonies.
Going forward, the California Native Ways Festival will return annually to its traditional date on the 2nd Saturday in June. Thank you for your understanding.
Become a “Friend of the Festival” by making a donation to support our 7th Annual California Native Ways—A California Indian Arts & Culture Festival! Thank you in advance for your generosity. Donors who give $100 or more will receive a commemorative tote bag as a thank-you gift.