Events and Attractions - First Gold Hotel and Casino in Deadwood, SD
Events & Attractions

Not only does Deadwood offer exciting attractions and history, but Deadwood plays host to many special events throughout the year. Some of these events are listed below : For a complete listing, visit the Deadwood Chamber & Visitor Bureau web site, or call 1-800-999-1876.

2012 Deadwood Special Events:

Feb.
10-11 

Mardi Gras Weekend
Enjoy what has fast become Deadwood’s largest Winter event complete with two days of parades, a Cajun cook-off, live music and over 100,000 sets of beads thrown out along the parade route.

March
16-17
 
St Patrick's Day Weekend
Celebrate St. Patrick with this annual event that features a Pub Crawl, Irish music and a St. Patrick’s Day parade. You’ll hear authentic pipe and drum music in the parade March 17th at 7 pm.
June
 
Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon – Join us for one of the most beautiful and scenic marathons in the world. The Mickelson Trail marathon draws thousands of runners each year as contestants run through the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
June
15-16

Wild Bill Days
Get ready to kick off summer with Deadwood’s Wild Bill Hickok Days celebration. This event has literally something for everyone. We’ll feature the Cowboy Fast Draw Championships, the wildly popular Dock Dogs competition, Wild West re-enactors and some of the best national music acts free on Main Street.

June Northern Hills Shrine Circus – The 77th annual Northern Hills Shrine Circus will take place in June at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds, with dates and times to be announced. The circus will feature performers and animals from the circus as well as those wacky Shriners and their little cars.
July
24-28

Days of '76
Days of ’76 – This is truly the “Best Rodeo. No Bull”. The Days of ’76 has been named Mid-Size Rodeo of the Year by PRCA cowboys and cowgirls in every year since 2004. Over 80 years old, come find out why the Days of ’76 is the Black Hills premier event. We’ll have five action packed PRCA rodeos, two days of free parades and much, much more. Call 888-838-BULL for tickets

Aug.
6-12
Sturgis Rally & Races
Sturgis Rally & Races – Hundreds of thousands of bikers converge on the Black Hills for this event that is known throughout the world. Bikes park free on Deadwood’s Main Street from Saturday to Saturday from 11am to 2am each day.
Aug.
23-26 

Kool Deadwood Nites
Relive the 50’s and 60’s with this four-day event that features over 600 classic cars with parades, show and shines and two days of FREE concerts featuring the very best classic rock and roll.

Sept. 
14-15 

Deadwood Jam
Enjoy two days of the very best rock, country, reggae and blues music on one stage September 14 & 15. The event continues to grow and has become one of the Black Hills’ largest music festivals. For tickets call 800-838-8826.

Oct.
5-6

Octoberfest
 Join us as we celebrate Oktoberfest, “Deadwood style”. We’ll have live German music, free food, dancing and the now famous Weiner Dog Races. Bring the family and join us for all the great activities.

Oct. 
27

Deadweird
"It's spooky. It's creepy. But most of all, it's hilarious. Deadwood's annual Deadweird Costume Contest. "