This year, Moundville Archaeological Park will host the Moundville Lithic Arts Festival (formerly the Knap-In) on March 6-7, 2026. This traditional arts festival brings together flintknappers from across the country alongside nonprofit organizations and educators who will share knowledge about the hunting, fishing, and lifeways of Southeastern peoples.
The festival will feature live flintknapping demonstrations, education about the natural world, traditional and Native arts and tools, Native food vendors, a silent auction, and opportunities for visitors to play the traditional game of chunkey. Visitors of all ages will have the chance to see how stone tools were made and used for thousands of years while engaging directly with living traditions and hands-on learning.
Whether you are interested in learning to knap (registration required for participating UA students) or simply want to observe demonstrations and engage with educators, the Moundville Lithic Arts Festival offers a welcoming, educational experience for all ages. Rain or shine.
About Flintknapping
Knapping is the shaping of stone through controlled fracturing, a process known as lithic reduction, to create tools such as arrow and spear points, knife blades, scrapers, and drills. Indigenous peoples across North America relied on these tools for daily life, and this festival highlights the skill, knowledge, and artistry of this practice.
Participant Information
If you would like to participate as a flintknapper, food vendor, or a non-profit organization, please fill out our online form.
Hours
Moundville Lithic Arts Festival hours are from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day. The Park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. The Admissions office is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and the Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week. Rain or Shine.
Campground
There will be limited first come, first serve Primitive camp sites available to the general public. Normal rates of $12/a day + entrance fee apply.
Location
Moundville Archaeological Park’s address is 634 Mound State Parkway Moundville, AL 35474-6413.
Moundville Archaeological Park is a prehistoric mound center located in West Central Alabama. From I-20/59 in Tuscaloosa, take Moundville Exit 71-A to Highway 69 South. Travel 13 miles to Moundville. Go under flashing light past a convenience store on your right and take the first right.
Admission
The Moundville Lithic Arts Festival is free with paid park admission.
- Adults – $8
- Seniors – $7
- Students – $6
- Military – $6
- Under 5 – Free
- Native American visitors – Free with tribal membership card
- UA Museums members – Free with museum membership
- Bryant Museum Circle of Champions – Free
For More Information
For more information, please contact the Moundville Archaeological Park Education Department at 205-371-8732 or education-moundstatepark@ua.edu.
