Deadwood Events

Some places like good times. The town of Deadwood prefers times that are GREAT. From music and food festivals to rodeos and festive celebrations, there’s always something exciting happening — no matter the season.

Wild Bill Days

Feel the buzz of excitement as you celebrate the history of Deadwood’s famous gunslinger, Wild Bill Hickok, at Wild Bill Days in June. This annual event includes three days of free electrifying concerts, a classic car auction, and lessons in gold panning and sluicing where you can feel the thrill of striking gold firsthand!

Music Festivals

Visit Deadwood in September to feel art and music collide at the Deadwood Jam, a premier outdoor music festival with a silent art auction, or at the Wild West Songwriters Festival in October.

Rodeos

Hold on to your hats as you pay lively homage to Deadwood’s Wild West roots with a rodeo! In June, witness the fearless prowess of the Deadwood Professional Bull Riders (PBR). For a classic Deadwood rodeo experience, you won’t want to miss the multi-award-winning Days of '76 Rodeo in July. Inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2011, Days of '76 is one of the best outdoor rodeos in the country.

Pro snowmobilers in protective gear flying through the air in a row at the Deadwood Snocross Showdown in Deadwood, South Dakota. — Pro Snocross Races

Horses pulling a carriage with men in cowboy hats and western attire at a race in Deadwood, South Dakota. — Days of '76 Parade

Shot from behind the stage as musicians perform for a crowd at Wild Bill Days in Deadwood, South Dakota. — Wild Bill Days

Parades, Car Shows and Trike Races

Ready for your motor to be revved? Get in on the action with extraordinary Deadwood events like Kool Deadwood Nites, a combination classic-car competition and parade, and the 3 Wheeler Rally, a five-day event that brings top-tier three-wheelers (trikes) to the Black Hills for races, contests and more. Summer isn't the only time for motorized madness — the Pro Snocross Races is the greatest show on snow every year in Deadwood. And not far from Deadwood, you can watch the Black Hills transform with coolness during the Sturgis Mustang Rally. That’s right. Sturgis, the home of the greatest motorcycle rally in the world, is only 20 minutes away!

Food and Drink Festivals

Take your taste buds on vacation with Deadwood’s food and drink festivals. Savor the flavors at the Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Stroll and sample fine wine, delicious cheese and decadent chocolate from Deadwood’s favorite hotels, brewhouses, casinos and galleries. The Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, Wine and Beer Festival boasts two days of chef-prepared wine sampling, an appetizer crawl, a grand tasting and a dine-around — all accessed by the Deadwood Trolley. Ready for a place where beer flows like a river and bacon reigns supreme? Don't miss Deadwood’s Craft Beer Fest: Hops and Hogs. Whiskey enthusiasts love Deadwood’s Big Whiskey Festival, where participants can choose from 30 different whiskeys, including rye, scotch, bourbon and various international selections. Cheers!