Miami Days at the Pillars

Miami Days at the Pillars is a family-friendly cultural and educational event held annually at the 7 Pillars site in Peru, Miami County, Indiana. Scheduled for August 23–24, 2025, this festival offers visitors opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the Miami Indians through a variety of interactive activities. Entry is free with donations accepted.

The event was founded in 2014 by Tribal Councilman Vince Knauff with the mission to educate the public on the Miami Tribe’s history and ongoing mission, while providing a way for attendees to experience Miami culture directly and connect socially with Tribe members. Central to the festival is a setting around the Seven Pillars, including the traditional Wikiamis (Longhouse), tribal booths featuring food and merchandise, and participation by the Miami Drum Group performing drumming, singing, and dancing.

Activities at Miami Days at the Pillars include:

• Drum dance performances by the Miami Drum Group
• Flint knapping demonstrations, showing how tools were historically crafted
• Craft workshops, including finger weaving and beading
• Miami language lessons, fostering cultural preservation
• Food offerings, showcasing traditional and contemporary Miami cuisine
• Interactive educational experiences about Miami history and culture

The festival has a warm, welcoming vibe focused on family fun, cultural education, and community fellowship both among Miami Tribe members and the general public.

A typical schedule involves ongoing demonstrations and activities throughout both days, with the drum dances and singing likely occurring at main gathering times near the Longhouse. Several booths and workshops run concurrently, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in different cultural aspects.

Overall, Miami Days at the Pillars serves as a meaningful cultural heritage event combining education, tradition, and community spirit in an outdoor setting closely tied to Miami tribal land and history.