Head to Deadwood for the annual Deadweird celebration. It's how Deadwood does Halloween. Make plans for the annual Monster Ball on Friday (7-10 p.m.), with a live band, dancing and prizes; and the annual Costume Contest with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes for the best costumes on Saturday (6-9 p.m.). Both of these events are FREE, so come in costume or just come to watch - it is quite the sight! Must be 21 to participate. Admission: Free
The Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally (D3WR) is an event with the goal to bring three-wheelers, also known as Trikes, to Deadwood and the Black Hills. This annual event runs for five days and includes daily destination rides to sites in the Black Hills area. Other activities - most of which take place in downtown Deadwood - include vendors, socials/BBQ, entertainment, Trike Show n’ Shine, awards, trike parades, charitable fundraising and more. The event is organized by First Gold Hotel & Gaming. Admission: Parade, show n' shine, and vendor area are free to spectators. Trikers must pre-register for the event.
Get ready for the inaugural premiere Blues Festival of the Black Hills this July in Historic Deadwood. This three-day festival features co-headliners Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Samantha Fish on the Outlaw Square stage, over a dozen local and regional blues bands performing throughout town, a La Aurora Cigar VIP Party at Deadwood Tobacco Company, and a blues brunch at Deadwood Mountain Grand.
Rock, reggae and blues fill the Black Hills for two incredible days of outdoor concerts. Each year, the Deadwood Jam brings a wide array of top musical talent to the Black Hills and Deadwood's Outlaw Square, from celebrated acts to newcomers, rising stars and local talent. For more than 30 years, Deadwood has hosted this fun festival of music each September. Admission is free.
Discover 26.2 miles of absolute Black Hills beauty during the annual Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon that starts and finishes near Historic Deadwood. The race takes place the first Sunday in June and follows one of the most scenic routes in the country. Half-marathon and five-person marathon relay options are also available. On Saturday, there is a fast 5K and a kids 1K. See website for registration deadlines and fees.
The bull riders of the PBR are coming to Historic Deadwood. Bull riding is one of the most extreme sports known to man and the best of the best belong to the Professional Bull Riders. In the world of professional sports the PBR brings the top bulls and the top riders to fans all over the country. Head to the Days of '76 Event Complex for two nights of bull riding action. This will be the ultimate showdown at the Deadwood PBR Touring Pro Division. Ticket booths open at 5 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m., and the shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online.
Craft beer lovers will enjoy Deadwood’s finest at the Hops and Hogs festival. Enjoy craft beer paired with samples of unique bacon dishes. Ticket holders receive an event pass, tasting card, schedule, and an open container cup. Once the event begins, attendees taste at locations on that day’s schedule during designated hours. Tickets are valid for both Friday and Saturday. Tasting hours are 5-10 p.m. on Friday and 12-6 p.m. on Saturday. Only 400 tickets will be sold and participants must be 21.
Delmont's annual Kuchen Festival will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025. The German pastry 'kuchen' is also the official state dessert of South Dakota. Kuchen will be sold at the Legion Hall, starting at 8:30 a.m. until gone. The Onion House, the Pumphouse Museum and the jail will be open for tours. The Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest Festival, 1/4-mile west of Delmont, takes place September 13-14, 2025.
Farley Fest is an annual summer celebration held at Lake Farley Park in Milbank. It’s a fun-filled weekend with great activities for all ages. Enjoy two days of outdoor concerts, a car show, cornhole tournament, barbeque content, parade (held downtown), kids activities, food and arts & crafts vendors, and more.
Back by popular demand is the Fort Sisseton Escape Room, August 1-3, 2025. Backstory: While touring Fort Sisseton, you started to get bored and noticed that the door to the hopsital was open whie the tour guide wasn't looking. You and your friends quickly sneak in to explore. But the door is now locked and there seems to be no way out until you figure out the clues and puzzles. Can you do it? Tickets to this event can be purchased by calling Fort Sisseton. This event is not recommended for young children. Dates and times are August 1, 4-9 p.m.; August 2, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and August 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A park entrance license is also required.
