Deadwood is celebrating the 30th anniversary of one of its biggest citywide events – Kool Deadwood Nites, and we can’t wait to see all those classic cars on Main Street.

Every year, the event brings together classic cars and classic music for a good old fashioned time. “It’s a ‘50s and ‘60s sock hop – Deadwood style” according to the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event is Aug. 20-25, 2024. 

As always, the cars are the stars of the show. Vehicles must be 1973 or older to be registered, and the registrants never disappoint with their beautifully maintained rides. Register your car and show it off for all to see, or come to enjoy all the beautiful vehicles at the parade or Show and Shine event. 

There will also be a rod run, contests, awards presentation, Deadwood Alive shootouts, and classic car auction. The parade will start on Deadwood’s Main Street at 9 am on Aug. 25, then proceed through Central City and Lead. After the parade, the Show and Shine is from 10 am to 2 pm and will give you a chance to stroll through Main Street and see the entries.

There are free concerts and live music at various places on Main Street every day of the event, culminating in a performance by George Thorogood and the Destroyers at 7pm Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Deadwood Mountain Grand. Tickets for George Thorogood and the Destroyers start at $56 and are available online at the Deadwood Mountain Grand website. 

For a full event schedule and to register a vehicle, visit https://www.deadwood.com/event/kool-deadwood-nites/. 

If you need a place to stay, First Gold Gaming Resort is a classic choice that would pair perfectly with your classic car. We have free on-site parking, the outstanding Horseshoe Restaurant, and a variety of gaming to keep you entertained all week long. We even have a special promotion package for shows at the Deadwood Mountain Grand. 

Give us a call at 800-274-1876 or visit our website to book your room today. 

History on the Lawn: The Hanging of Two Sticks in Deadwood

What: Our friends with Deadwood History Inc. are hosting their monthly series where you can take a chair and learn some history while enjoying your lunch (bring your own) on the Historic Adams House lawn. In August, Philip Hall will discuss Two Sticks, an Ogalala Lakota Chief who was the sole Native American executed for the murder of cowboys on Feb. 4, 1893. The evidence against Two Sticks was circumstantial, and Two Sticks was executed on Dec. 28, 1894, in Deadwood.

When: Noon on Aug. 16, 2024

Where: The lawn of the Historic Adams House. In case of inclement weather, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.

Cost: Free for members and $5 for non-members. 

Black Hills Super 6

What: A premium mountain bike race through the Black Hills National Forest that raises money for the Northern Hills CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program. The course is a 3- and 6-mile loop on mountain bike trails that includes single and double track. Participants will complete as many laps as possible during 3- or 6-hour races. Races can be completed as a team or by an individual. Visit https://blackhillssuper6.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14961 for more information and to register. 

When: 6-hour race starts at 8 am and 3-hour race starts at 10 am on Aug. 17, 2024. 

Where: In-person registration or packet pick-up for those pre-registered is from 9 am to 6 pm on Aug. 16 at the Northern Hills CASA Office (741 N. Fifth Street in Spearfish). On race day it starts at 6:30 am at Big Hill Trailhead (Trail #72). The start/finish line will be in the meadow area of the Big Hill Trailhead. 

Cost: Registration ranges from $50 to $70, plus fees. Register at the Northern Hills CASA Office or online at https://blackhillssuper6.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14961. 

(Photo courtesy of Deadwood Chamber of Commerce)