Join us in Celebrating Makah Days in August Each Year
During Makah Days, the members of the Makah Tribe of Neah Bay gather and reunite with the members who have since moved away, to commemorate thousands of years of the Makah ancient culture and the anniversary of becoming citizens of the United States. We welcome everyone to join us, as we celebrate with neighboring tribes from Washington State and First Nations members from Vancouver Island in Canada. Some of our family members come from Vancouver Island since we are closely related to the Nuu-chah-nulth. The first American flag was raised in Neah Bay on August 26th in 1913 though it wasn’t until June 2, 1924 when all Native Americans were granted the right to vote, including the members of the Makah Tribe. We are proud of who we are, where we came from and the contributions from our veterans to World War II, Vietnamese and Korean Wars, and all major conflicts.
An Annual Celebration
Each year, on the weekend closest to the August 26th anniversary, the Tribe prepares for the schedule of events. The list of celebration events is extensive. Enjoy the blend of our traditions of the past with modern times. Some of our cultural activities of the past include: traditional dancing, war canoe races, and salmon bakes. You may also wish to browse the street fair for native arts and crafts or more modern items. Don’t miss the Grand Parade, the fireworks or the coronation of Makah Royalty. Warriors, princesses, kings and queens are crowned during the Talent Show.
You may wish to test your endurance in the Bahokus Peak Challenge. This 3 mile race is entirely uphill with an elevation gain of almost 1400 feet. Other physical activities include the slahal games and the softball tournament. Our accommodations fill up quickly, so make your reservation early so you can participate in Makah Days.
Visit Makah Days Since 1924 on Facebook to see photos, videos and for event information.
Join in the Fun!
Our annual Makah Days celebration is scheduled for August 28-30, 2026!
Learn more about our scheduled events in the informational flyers below. Click to view full size.
Supporting Makah Days
Are you interested in making a charitable contribution to help support Makah Days activities? Donations may be sent to the Makah Tribe, Makah Days, P.O. Box 115, Neah Bay, WA. 98357. All contributors will be listed as a Sponsor on our advertising.
Regarding the deduction of your charitable contributions, the Makah Tribe falls under the following tax regulation: “Section 7871(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 305.7871-1 of the Income Tax Regulations provide that Indian tribal governments will be treated as States for certain enumerated federal tax purposes. For example, charitable contributions to or for the use of a tribal government may be deductible under the federal income, gift and estate laws.
Makah Days Committee Contacts
Alana Claplanhoo, Chairperson: Makahdays@makah.com
Secretary: MakahDays-Secretary@makah.com
Royalty and Talent Show Coordinators: makahdays-royaltalent@makah.com
Vendors Coordinator: makahdays-vendors@makah.com
Parade Coordinators: makahdays-parade@makah.com
Public Notice: Temporary Traffic Regulation
To protect the health, safety and welfare of community members and visitors, the Makah Tribal Council has enacted Resolution No. 068-26 prohibiting the operation of electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters within the Makah Days street fair and event area and designated high-traffic and detour routes.
Mobility Exception This prohibition does not apply to a power wheelchair, mobility scooter, or other powered mobility device being used by a person with a disability or mobility limitation for purposes of personal mobility.
Effective Period This temporary regulation shall be effective beginning at 12:00 PM. on August 27, 2026, and shall remain in effect through 10:00 PM on August 30, 2026.
Traffic Infraction and Enforcement Operation of an electric-assisted bicycle or motorized foot scooter in violation of this Resolution constitutes a violation of Title 7 of the Makah Law and Order Code and shall be enforced as a civil traffic infraction pursuant to §7.2.02(a) and other applicable provisions of Title 7.
Learn more in the Resolution linked here. Exclusion areas are mapped here.