First Gold

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November in Deadwood: Whiskey, big hair, and a little bit of Christmas

We are deep into fall, and as Thanksgiving approaches we can’t think of a better way to savor these crisp, autumn days than with some top-shelf whiskeys from around the world. 

Deadwood’s Big Whiskey Festival is a premier tasting event that gives you the opportunity to sample from more than 30 different whiskeys, including rye, Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Japanese and Canadian. You can hang out in one spot or travel around to the various participating locations in town.

Registration is from 3 to 5pm at Saloon #10, with the festival from 4 to 8pm on Nov. 9, 2024, at locations along Deadwood’s Main Street. The cost is $70 per person, with a limited number of tickets available. To buy tickets, visit https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/blackhillsvacations/5743/event/1390191

As always, please drink responsibly. And if you need a place to stay, we are just down the street. First Gold has free on-site parking, the outstanding Horseshoe Restaurant, and a variety of gaming to keep you entertained all weekend long. 

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

Here are some other events happening around Deadwood this month: 

Legends of Deadwood Fundraiser

What: A fundraiser to honor Deadwood’s historic characters in sculpture

When: 6 to 9pm on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

Where: Deadwood Mountain Grand

Cost: $50 per person or $800 for a table of 8, available at the Deadwood Chamber, 605-578-1876

Holiday Ho-Ho-Horseshoe

What: You can buy a unique Deadwood holiday ornament (a horseshoe) from participating locations, and get a chance to win prizes. Each horseshoe has a number that could correspond to a prize at one of the participating locations. Then it’s up to you to see if you’re a winner – participating businesses will have the numbers displayed. If you find a matching number, you win a prize worth at least $50. Up to 100 of the horseshoes are winners. All of the horseshoe purchases include a limited edition commemorative holiday postcard by local artist Cari Thrall. 

When: From Nov. 16 to Dec. 30, 2024

Where: Silverado, Madame Peacocks, Saloon #10 Mercantile, Mr. Wu’s, and The Landmark Casino

Cost: Ornaments are $12 each or five for $50, and there is no limit on how many you can buy – but there are a limited number of horseshoes for sale. 

Christmas tours of the historic Adams House

What: See the halls of the historic Adams House fully decked for the holidays during these open house-style tours. All attendees will receive a free gift, and there will be a coin scavenger hunt for children.

When: Friday through Sunday on Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22, from 1 to 5pm each day

Where: The Historic Adams House in Deadwood

Cost: Tickets are $8 for members, $12 for non-members, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at DeadwoodHistory.com or at the door. 

Hairball

What: The biggest concert – and the biggest hair – you’ll ever see in one night. Hairball pays homage to some of the biggest arena rock bands of all time, including Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey and Aerosmith. Fans are encouraged to dress up in their best ‘80s attire. 

When: 8 pm on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024

Where: Deadwood Mountain GrandCost: Tickets are $29 to $50, and available at deadwoodmountaingrand.com/event/hairball-2024/

Photo caption: Deadwood’s Big Whiskey Festival is on Nov. 9. (Photo courtesy of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce)