The Portal to the Past Festival returns as a free event 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St. in partnership with Cultural Coalition.

One of the only events within the city of Phoenix that combines indigenous history, cultural performances, archaeology and interactive programming that is fun for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy tours, exhibits, craft activities, indigenous artist demonstrations and performances throughout the afternoon that highlight the connection of culture and history through water.

The festival has grown since its inaugural event in 2019, which unveiled the “Portal to the Past” art installation, a New Arizona Prize Water Public Art Challenge winner, designed by Artist and Master Sculptor Zarco Guerrero. The installation was created to honor the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People and their important contributions to Arizona with their intricate canal systems.

The Portal to the Past Festival continues to focus on the important history of water in the desert and the people who established the first irrigation systems in this region. Through live music, dance performances, storytelling, and traditional arts demonstrations from multiple indigenous communities from around Arizona, the Festival welcomes all ages to explore their relationship to water and learn from the past.

Visit culturalcoalition.com/portalfest.