Artpark's Strawberry Moon Festival returns June 21

‘Indigenous Stories by the Fire’ series also announced

Artpark & Company Press Release & Graphic

Artpark & Company is honored to present its annual Strawberry Moon Festival on Saturday, June 21. This free event, held noon to 4 p.m. in the lower park (South Fourth Street entrance), features a vibrant and immersive afternoon of music, dance, storytelling, cultural teachings, workshops and Indigenous artistry.

Celebrating the teachings of the Strawberry Moon, this year’s festival embraces the theme of renewal, generosity and connection, inviting people of all ages to experience the richness of Indigenous culture.

New to this year’s Strawberry Moon Festival is “The Circle: Indigenous Teachings and Storytelling,” a dedicated space where visitors can gather to experience oral traditions, songs and cultural teachings shared by respected Elders, storytellers and knowledge keepers.

“Stories by the Fire,” Artpark’s storytelling series, will launch within The Circle, bringing Haudenosaunee stories and legends to life in a powerful and audience-engaging way.

The Indigenous Discovery Zone

This year, the expanded Indigenous Discovery Zone offers something for everyone – an interactive space filled with hands-on workshops, storytelling and cultural teachings. Visitors of all ages can create, learn and engage in meaningful activities, with opportunities to create meaningful takeaways that carry the spirit of the day home with you.

The Indigenous Artisan Market showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Indigenous makers from across Turtle Island, featuring handcrafted beadwork, pottery, jewelry, textiles, fine art and contemporary fashion. More than just a marketplace, this is an opportunity to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their work, and take home unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

The always mesmerizing smoke dance competition will once again bring excitement to this year’s festival. Dancers – from tiny tots to adults – will captivate audiences with their grace, agility, speed and storytelling through movement. With dazzling footwork and vibrant regalia, this competition remains a highlight of the festival.

This year’s festival also highlights two extraordinary community projects: the creation of the Erie Canal Wampum Belt to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, a powerful symbol of history, alliances and Indigenous sovereignty; and a life-size dreamcatcher representing unity, vision and the weaving together of community voices. These projects celebrate Indigenous creativity, collaboration and resilience through shared expression.

Come together during the Strawberry Moon Festival for this family-friendly celebration of culture, tradition and storytelling – an afternoon grounded in the spirit of renewal, generosity and connection through Indigenous knowledge and creativity.

Seneca Resorts and Casinos and The Consulate General of Canada in New York and are supporting sponsors of this year's Strawberry Moon Festival.

Fine more on Strawberry Moon Festival.

Experience magic of Haudenosaunee ‘Stories by the Fire’

Due to the overwhelming response received last year, Artpark is proud to present “Stories by the Fire” series, an immersive storytelling experience that brings traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends to life. Kicking off June 21 at the annual Strawberry Moon Festival, with additional gatherings on Sept. 7 and Oct. 11, this year’s series offers a deeper connection to Indigenous culture through storytelling and an all-new, Land-Based Healing Circle workshop before each session, creating a fully cultural immersive experience.

Workshop participants will engage in a hands-on activity, crafting a traditional Indigenous craft while learning about its significance through Indigenous teachings. This meaningful creation will serve as a lasting reminder of the wisdom shared.

Each session will culminate with master storyteller Perry Ground. These interactive stories will transport audiences into the rich oral traditions of the Haudenosaunee. With vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and a dynamic stage presence, Perry weaves together history, humor and audience participation to share centuries-old teachings. Through these legends, listeners of all ages will gain a greater understanding of Haudenosaunee customs, beliefs and ways of knowing.

Visitors can begin their journey with the Land-Based Healing Circle workshop, where they’ll engage in a hands-on activity that deepens one’s connection to the land and Indigenous teachings. Then, patrons can gather by the fire as Ground brings Haudenosaunee legends to life, sharing wisdom passed down for generations.

Artpark event schedule

Additional 2025 events and programs at Artpark include: “Wine & Wheels” (multiple dates in June/July); The Driver Era (June 6); Artpark x BPO candlelight concert (June 11): The String Cheese Incident (June 18); RED HORIZONS: Celebrating Futures In Indigenous Arts & Fashion (June 20); Gary Clark Jr. (June 24); “Artcamps” (three sessions in July); George Thorogood and The Destroyers “The Baddest Show on Earth” + 38 Special (July 1); Todd Rundgren, “STILL ME (STILL WE) Tour” (July 3); Rick Springfield “I Want My 80's Tour" with John Waite, Wang Chung & Paul Young (July 5); Juanes (July 10); Artpark Fairy House Festival (July 12); Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (July 17); Rainbow Kitten Surprise with Medium Build (July 29); Lucy Dacus (July 30); Blackberry Smoke and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs (July 31); Slightly Stoopid “Step Into The Sun Summer Tour 2025" (Aug. 1); Chicago (Aug. 8); “Beyond Buffalo A Celebration of Multiculturalism in Music and Dance” (Aug. 10); Fitz and The Tantrums “Man On The Moon Tour” (Aug. 12); Yacht Rock Revue (Aug. 13); Toad The Wet Sprocket with KT Tunstall and Sixpence None The Richer (Aug. 15); Artpark’s Cirque Festival (Aug. 17); Cypress Hill & Atmosphere, “Dank Daze of Summer Tour” (Aug. 19)Gregory Alan Isakov with Ocie Elliott (Aug. 24); “Wicked Sing-Along” movie night (Aug. 26); The Australian Pink Floyd Show “Wish You Were Here 50^th Anniversary” (Aug. 27); UB40 “The Relentless Tour” (Aug. 29); “Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble” (Aug. 30); “The Flying Dutchman” opera (Sept. 13); Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas (Sept. 21); Vance Joy (Sept. 26); and “CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE” (Sept. 27).

Visit www.artpark.net for more information or for tickets.