Great Indian Gathering El Dorado Templin

Indian Gathering El Dorado Templin — Living Culture Instead of a Show

The Great Indian Gathering has been held for years in the Western town of El Dorado near Templin in the Uckermark region and is considered the largest gathering of its kind in Europe. The organizers emphasize that it is not a folk show: over two weekends in May, Native Americans from the USA and Canada meet with German guests, hold workshops, give lectures by the campfire, and share their dances, music, and meals. In 2026, 17 indigenous representatives from North America will participate, supplemented by three members of the Old Elk family living in Germany.

Dates 2026 — Two Weekends Over Ascension Day and Pentecost

The 2026 Indian Gathering spans two extended weekends: from May 14th to 17th over Ascension Day and from May 23rd to 25th over the Pentecost weekend. Both weekends have the same program. This allows you to choose your arrival date based on public holiday options. Admission begins at 10 AM on the first day.

Program Highlights — Hoop Dance, Heartbeat, and Grand Entry

The core of the program consists of several ceremonial elements performed daily:

• Hoop Dance — the hypnotic hoop dance with up to 20 hoops, which the dancer shapes into animal figures and natural motifs during the dance.
• Heartbeat — the large powwow drums, whose rhythm symbolizes the heartbeat of the Earth.
• Grand Entry — the ceremonial procession of 20 dancers in full regalia.
• Battle of the Little Bighorn — a spectacular memorial performance commemorating the battle of 1876, daily at 3 PM.
• Campfire talks with indigenous storytellers and traditional food from the Plains peoples' cuisine.

20 Years of El Dorado — The Western Town Celebrates Its Anniversary

2026 is a special year for the Western town: with the Great Surprise Party on August 15th and 16th, El Dorado celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Indian Gathering is the cultural highlight of the season. Throughout the year, there are also US Car Meetings (June 13th), Biker Meetings (September 12th), Wild West Reenactors (September 25th–27th), Kids Halloween (October 31st), Line Dance Party (November 13th–14th), and the Wild West X-Mas Special (December 5th).

The Western Town in the Uckermark

El Dorado is located on Lake Röddelin southwest of Templin in the Uckermark district, Brandenburg. The fully accessible Western town — Saloon, Sheriff's Office, General Store, Blacksmith — is a filming location, theme park, and event venue all in one. Templin itself is the "Schorfheide City" and is located about 80 km north of Berlin in the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve.