NATCHEZ — The sound of drums and songs from Native American dancers will soon be heard echoing through the woods and neighborhood surrounding the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians this weekend.

Instead of sounding the drums of war, however, various tribes from throughout the nation will be raising their voices and beating their drums to celebrate their heritage, and welcome all nonnatives to join the dance.

The 31st Annual Natchez Powwow kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday with a traditional stickball game between Native American tribes from other parts of Mississippi and Oklahoma and lasts until 8 p.m. with an intertribal dancing finale, said powwow chairman, Chuck Borum. The music continues Sunday with dances at 1 and 2 p.m.

The cost of gate entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

Borum said those who wish to attend may bring lawn chairs for comfort because seating is limited.

“It has become sort of a City of Natchez institution, like the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race festival,” Borum said. “A lot of people actually have American Indian in their background, and others enjoy the art of the outfits, crafts and dances. People realize the music is something special and come back year after year for more. It’s a great way to celebrate history, art and culture.”

Last year, the 30th Annual Natchez Powwow drew so much attention that the Southeast Tourism Society named it one of the top 20 events in the southeast that “you won’t want to miss.”

“The Southeast is home to unique and memorable events throughout the year,” said Bill Hardman, former president and CEO of STS. “In spotlighting the Top 20 festivals and events each month, STS is not only giving these events the recognition they deserve, but we’re also creating a quick reference guide to some of the best festivals in the Southeast.”

Jennifer Ogden-Combs, Executive Director of Visit Natchez, said this year, organizers of the Natchez Powwow would receive special recognition for their achievement near the events closing at 2 p.m. Sunday.

“I am completely thrilled that the Natchez Powwow is receiving this recognition,” Combs said. “It is a personal favorite, of mine, and they are celebrating the oldest groups to live in the Natchez community.”

Various tribes are represented at the Natchez Powwow year after year, including Choctaw, Comanche, Kiowa, Natchez, Otoe, Osage and Ponca who danced traditional Native American dances while the grounds of Natchez’s first inhabitants were filled with food vendors, traditional Native American arts and crafts tents and a host of other activities throughout the two-day event.

For the 31st celebration of the powwow, many of these tribes were invited to dance again, organizers said, including the Gulf Coast Tia Piah Gourd Clan from Texas, the White Star Gourd Dance Organization from Indiana, the Wounded Warrior Gourd Dance Organization from Louisiana.

Guiding the festivities are the Master of Ceremonies, Chris Bryant from Lynchburg, Virginia; Arena Director, Darsh DeSilva from Round Rock, Texas; Southern Drum, Norris Bighorse, Osage tribe from Pawhuska, Oklahoma; Head Man Dancer, Rusty Lowrance of the Ponca, Otoe and Shawnee tribes from Sandsprings, Oklahoma; Head Lady Dancer, Angie Thurman Goodfox of the Sac&Fox and Comanche tribes from Shawnee, Oklahoma; and Head Gourd Dancer, Rob Nichols from Mobile, Alabama.

For more information, visit www.natchezpowwow.com or contact the Grand Village at 601-446-6502. Borum said people interested in attending may also check the Natchez Powwow Facebook page or website for updated information in the event of inclement weather.