FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Autumn Rose Williams
Candace Hamana
media@cahokiaphx.com

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY PHX FEST RETURNS TO “INDIGENIZE THE VALLEY” WITH A VIBRANT CELEBRATION OF ART, MUSIC, FILM & FOOD 

— The celebration is free, family-friendly, and open to the public  —

(PHOENIX, ARIZ. SEPTEMBER 5, 2023) - Cahokia PHX announced its second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Phx Fest to take place on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Margaret T. Hance Park located at 67 W Culver Street. The Indigenous-led, Indigenous-owned art and entrepreneur space will expand festival activities to include an official Launch Party on Wednesday, October 4, at the Phoenix Art Museum and other signature events with valley partners the Heard Museum, and the Burton Barr Central Library. The Gila River Indian Community and Becker Boards join as title sponsors for this year’s celebration.

In April of this year, Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council voted to designate the second Monday of October each year as a city holiday in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Organizers hope this year’s festival theme, “Indigenize the Valley,” will catch on to other metropolitan areas and increase the awareness of Indigenous contributions and ingenuity prior to Arizona’s statehood, since time immemorial.

Festival goers will be treated to Indigenous film screenings presented by Cahokia Phx and Indie Film Fest on Saturday, October 7, with the award-winning documentary “Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting'' selected as the feature film, among other shorts and documentaries. This year’s celebration also includes an inaugural bike ride, musical performances on the RezFest stage, and unique arts, crafts, and experiences from Indigenous creatives. The Downtown Showdown Skateboard competition returns along with the 4th Annual RISE Art Installation featuring the Uncontained Mural and PVC geodesic dome. 

Organizers anticipate around 5,000 people in attendance and encourage the use of light rail, carpooling, or ride-sharing to enjoy the festival events happening both at Margaret T. Hance Park and the Heard Museum on Monday, October 9.

We are pleased to present the 2023 Indigenous Peoples Day Phx Fest Official Schedule of Events.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Saturday, October 7, 2023

  • Indigenous Film Screenings presented by Cahokia PHX and Indie Film Fest from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Burton Barr Central Library located at 1221 N. Central Avenue.

Monday, October 9, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. located at Margaret T. Hance Park

  • **Inaugural Sacred Cycle of Life Bike Tour hosted by RVSO + Heavy Pedal Phoenix + DoorDash from 8:00 a.m. to NOON, pre-registration required.

  • Downtown Showdown Skateboard Competition hosted by Seven Layer Army Skateboards.

  • Indigenous Pop-up Market featuring over 120 Indigenous Artisans and Food vendors.

  • Rez Fest includes two curated stages with local bands, musicians, and cultural performances.

  • Community Zone featuring valley partners the Phoenix SUNS and more.

  • RISE Art Installation, Uncontained mural and PVC geodesic dome installation with Indige Design Collab.

Concurrently, on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Growing for the Future (Plants, Indigenous Foods) and musical guests presented by the Heard Museum located at  2301 N. Central Avenue.

The festival prides itself on building community and amplifying the collaborative efforts of nearly 100 individuals representing Indigenous-owned businesses, organizations, and non-Indigenous valley partners and supporters helping to plan the multi-day celebrations. Let's come together to celebrate, learn, and create an environment where the richness of Indigenous culture can truly shine. Join us as we "Indigenize the Valley" and celebrate the collective spirit of Indigenous Peoples' Day!

Tickets are free but we encourage you to RSVP with Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/686680388527?aff=oddtdtcreator.

For more information, please visit the event website at www.ipdphx.com 


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About Cahokia PHX

Cahokia PHX is an Indigenous-led, Indigenous women-owned art and entrepreneur space located on the ancestral lands of the O'odham and Piipaash, known today as Roosevelt Row. Cahokia is an established enterprise between social entrepreneurs and community-based organizations whose mission is to support and revitalize underrepresented communities through capacity building, place-making, place-keeping, workforce training, and collaboration.