Deadwood Annual Events
Join us for some of Deadwood's biggest annual events! Don't miss the annual Forks, Corks & Kegs Food and Wine Festival, Sturgis Rally, and much more.These Deadwood events bring in large crowds, so join in on the fun and enjoy live music performances, celebrations, and more throughout our town. You won't want to miss these events! Many of our Deadwood vacation rentals are in close proximity to these festivals and events, so book directly with Deadwood Connections for savings on your next Black Hills vacation.
For a list of current events in the area, visit our Black Hills events guide to stay in the know about festivals, live music, outdoor events, food & drink events, and weekly events in the Black Hills area! You don't want to miss out on all the fun.
2023 Annual Events
Deadweird: October 27-28, 2023
Get spooky at Deadwood`s annual Deadwierd celebration! This Halloween event is filled with tons of fun so put on your best costume and enjoy an exciting weekend. The 11th Annual Monster Ball will be held on Oct. 27 and includes a live band and dancing. The Annual Costume Contest which includes more than $10,000 in cash and prizes takes place on Oct. 28, 2023.
Both of these events are FREE, so come in costume or just come to watch – it is quite the sight! Must be 21+
Hairball: November 11, 2023
Get ready for the most bombastic, extremely extravagant, lavishly unrestrained show of the year! It’s Hairball LIVE at Deadwood Mountain Grand on Saturday, November 11th. Hear all your juiced-up 80’s hair hits from KISS, Queen, Van Halen, Prince, and more, not to mention the plethoric amount of unrestrained lights, lasers, and confetti.
Deadwood's Big Whiskey: November 11, 2023
Big Whiskey participants can expect to select from more than 30 different Whiskeys including Rye, Scotch, Irish, Bourbon, Japanese & Canadian at several different locations during the Big Whiskey Festival. Tickets get you 15 sample tickets so you can choose what you’d like to sample! Purchase here.
2024 Annual Events
New Year's Eve Weekend in Historic Deadwood: December 29, 2023 - January 1, 2024
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Celebrate the New Year in Historic Deadwood! Events will announced closer to the date. The Deadwood Trolley will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on New Year's Eve. For an updated list of events, visit the Deadwood website.
Snocross Races: January 26, 2024 - January 27, 2024
The greatest show on snow returns to Deadwood on January 26 & 27, 2024 as the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross Series hits the Black Hills for the annual Deadwood Snocross Showdown. More than 200 of the top professional Snocross racers will descend on the historic town’s Deadwood Event Complex for a weekend of high-flying, high-speed, high-octane snowmobile racing.
Mardi Gras Weekend: February 9, 2024 - February 10, 2024
Don’t miss the best Mardi Gras celebration north of the Bayou! Come to Deadwood, South Dakota for a weekend full of free food, a parade, parties, themed cocktails, and live music. Plus, there are special open container zones where you can roam from one Deadwood bar to the next (beer and wine only). Events include a Cajun Cocktail Crawl, a Free Mardi Gras Masquerade Party, a Cajun Cookoff, and a Mardi Gras Parade!
Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Stroll: February 17, 2024
Enjoy an afternoon of good eats and drinks! Deadwood is hosting its Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Stroll on February 17 from 1pm - 5pm. 2024 stroll locations coming soon!
St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Deadwood: March 14, 2024 - March 16, 2024
Celebrate St. Patrick’s in the Wild West with a PubPort, PubCrawl, a parade, and parties! Friday and Saturday, make your way around participating locations and get your PubPort stamped for a chance to win awesome prizes. And don't forget to wear your green!
Forks, Corks, & Kegs: April 12, 2024 - April 13, 2024
If you love fine food, wine and distinctive brews, don’t miss the 10th annual Forks Corks & Kegs: Food, Wine and Beer Festival, April 12 & 13, 2024 in Historic Deadwood. Sample a variety of beer and wine from all across the country, along with your Black Hills favorites as you make your way to various tasting venues throughout Deadwood. Each location will feature their chef’s finest culinary creation paired with the perfect complimentary beverage. Then head to the Grand Tasting, which features dozens of beer & wine varieties, and light hors d’oeuvres. *Must be 21 to participate.*
Back When They Bucked: May 26, 2024
Come along for the ride Memorial Day Weekend! Back When They Bucked invites you to a unique fundraiser that brings you the #1 sport in South Dakota, PRCA Xtreme Bronc Riding, along with the WPRA Breakaway roping. Your ticket gets you a full day of one of the hottest events in the area, all in a unique Old West setting, at the historical Days of 76 Arena!
Deadwood PBR: June 7, 2024 - June 8, 2024
The Deadwood PBR offers the same elite bulls and bull riders you see on your television every weekend. Bull riders such as Matt Triplet, Gage Gay, Mason Taylor and Chase Outlaw (just to name a few) as well as 9-time stock contractor of the year Chad Berger Bucking Bulls. This will be the ultimate showdown at the Deadwood PBR Touring Pro Division.
Wild Bill Days: June 13, 2024 - June 15, 2024
Wild Bill Days is a celebration of Deadwood's famous gunslingers - Wild Bill Hickok and Wild Bill Days. This event takes place all weekend long with performances from big-name artists, a National Dock Dogs competition, a classic car auction, and so much more right on Main Street. Find specific dates and details on specific events at Wild Bill Days online, and then come join us for a weekend of fun!
Deadwood Days of '76: July 21 - 27, 2024
Deadwood Days of '76 is one of the bigget rodeo events in the nation! The event is held in late July spanning five days and features parades, Native American dances and performances, and more. Learn more information at Days of '76.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August 2 - 11, 2024
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of South Dakota's biggest events of the year. The rally attracts hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over. The event is typically held in late August and lasts over a period of 10 days. You can expect live music, stunts and races, and much more. Learn more about the Sturgis Motorcyle Rally.
Central States Fair: August 16 - 24, 2024
The Central States Fair and Rodeo is one of the most popular and exciting events in the Black Hills area. You can expect rodeo events, thrilling carnival rides, delicious fair food, live entertainment, and more at this family-friendly event. The fair takes place from August 16-24.
Kool Deadwoood Nites: August 21 - 25, 2024
Enjoy five days of classic cars, music, and more at Kool Deadwood Nites! This festival takes you back to the 50's and 60's and features a parade, show and shine and free concerts all weekend long. Learn more about Kool Deadwood Nites and come visit us in Deadwood for a good time!
18th Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally
A week-long Mustang rally packed with racing events, cruises, and a car show! Learn more about the annual Sturgis Mustang Rally and get ready for an amazing time.
Deadwoood Jam
If you love live music, Deadwood Jam is the festival for you. Featuring artists from all different types of music genres, this festival has a little something for everyone. Deadwood Jam is held in Outlaw Square on Main Street so it's easily accessible. The 2023 Deadwood Jam has taken place already, but join in on next year's fun!
Book Your Black Hills Cabin Rental for Deadwood's Best Annual Events!
Planning to head to the area for one of these major events in and around Deadwood? Our Black Hills cabin rentals allow guests to choose from a variety of amenities including pet-friendly, homes with private hot tubs, and much more. We have cabins for any size group. Start your search for the perfect Black Hills vacation home for an exciting getaway!