Inside the cool confines of the OKC Fairgrounds' Modern Living Building , the sounds of Native American drumming and singing spilled out among the chattering and clacking of fairgoers playing at the ping-pong table, on the pickleball court and at the giant chessboard during the final weekend of the 2025 Oklahoma State Fair .

In a makeshift arena formed by curved rows of blue chairs, dancers dressed in their colorful tribal regalia moved steadily to the pounding rhythm, with their feathered roach headdresses bobbing, silvery jingles ringing and fringe swaying.

"When you're dancing and you're going around that drum, you can feel the vibration. You feel that drum, and it kind of entices you. And it builds your spirit," said Steven Bearbow Quoetone, a Kiowa member of the OKC Powwow Club.

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