Moundville Native American Festival Returns Next Weekend

The Moundville Native American Festival returns to Tuscaloosa County next week for its 38th year, and this time the star of the show is the crawfish.

Moundville Archaeological Park and the Jones Museum, both part of the University of Alabama, host the festival Oct. 1-3.

This year's theme is "Year of the Crawfish: Big Changes Start with Small Beings," built around the idea that small creatures, and small actions, matter more than their size suggests.

The theme comes from a story by Houma artist, musician, and storyteller Grayhawk Perkins. He will open each day of the festival with a reading of it, and will be around throughout for book signings and meet-and-greets.

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The festival features Native American dancers, storytellers, crafters, demonstrators and art vendors, plus local and Native food vendors serving traditional dishes and regional favorites.

In a Tuesday press release, the University said to expect crawfish to turn up in the programming, with hands-on exhibits and conservation and environmental groups present to teach visitors about crawfish and the freshwater habitats they live in.

The Children's Area will feature a crawfish activity station where kids can explore burrows, habitats and life cycles through interactive play.

"Through storytelling, art, environmental education, and cultural demonstrations, visitors will discover how even the smallest members of our communities and ecosystems can have a lasting impact," said Jessica Dees, director of the Moundville Native American Festival. "We are especially honored to collaborate with Grayhawk Perkins, whose story inspired this year's festival theme and educational programming."

If you go:

Where: Moundville Archaeological Park, 13 miles south of Tuscaloosa off Alabama Highway 69
When:
- Thursday, Oct. 1: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 2: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 3: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $10 for adults, students and seniors. Free for children 5 and under.
Tickets: Sold at the gate only, cash or card. No advance sales.

More information is at festival.museums.ua.edu.

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