Kool Deadwood Nites 2025

Kool Deadwood Nites 2025 – Celebrating 31 Years of Classic Fun!

 

Get ready for an unforgettable event as Deadwood celebrates 31 years of Kool Deadwood Nites this August 2025! It’s the annual tradition where classic car lovers and retro enthusiasts gather to relive the golden age of cars, music, and fun in the heart of the iconic Black Hills of South Dakota.

Every year, over 10,000 visitors cruise into the historic city of Deadwood for four days of pure nostalgia. Kool Deadwood Nites features jaw-dropping classic cars, custom hot rods, live 50’s and 60’s music, street dancing, and of course, the incredible food, shopping, and gaming that Deadwood is known for. It's one of South Dakota's most exciting events and the ultimate destination for those looking to enjoy a blend of vintage cars, great tunes, and the Old West spirit.

2025 Tentative Schedule:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

  • 12 – 6 p.m.: Car Registration at TBD
  • TBD: Entertainment
  • 6:30 - 9 p.m.: Show & Shine on Main Street (Wall Street to Deadwood Street), registered cars only, first come, first served.
  • All Day: Deadwood Alive schedule running.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Auction Car Check-in at Elkhorn Ridge Resort – For more info, contact McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-484-1781 or 605-381-1594.
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Car Registration at TBD
  • 5:30 p.m.: The Drifters FREE Concert on The Patio at Deadwood Mountain Grand
  • 6 p.m.: FREE Concert at Outlaw Square – TBD Entertainment
  • All Day: Deadwood Alive schedule running.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

  • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Car Registration at TBD
  • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Auction Car Check-in at Elkhorn Ridge Resort
  • 1 p.m.: Memorabilia & Classic Car Auction at Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center
  • 2 p.m.: Deadwood Alive Shootout at Outlaw Square
  • 4 – 8 p.m.: Live DJ at the History and Information Center Parking Lot
  • 12 – 5 p.m.: Driving Route Poker Runs throughout the Black Hills
  • 4 – 9 p.m.: People’s Choice Awards & Voting at various locations on Main Street
  • 8 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment
  • Immediately following the concert: People’s Choice Award Results announced from Main Street Stage

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

  • 7 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.: Rod Run Breakfast – Free for registered car owners only.
  • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Car Registration at TBD
  • 9 a.m.: Classic Car Auction at Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: 17th Annual Rod Run – Registered classic cars only
  • 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.: Deadwood Alive Shootout at Outlaw Square
  • 5 – 6 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment
  • 8:00 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

  • 7 a.m. – Noon: Car Registration at TBD
  • 8 a.m. – Noon: Classic Car Competition/Judging at Days of ’76 Event Complex (Please arrive before 8 a.m.)
  • 9 a.m.: Classic Car Auction at Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center
  • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Walking Poker Run Routes throughout Deadwood
  • 4 p.m.: Poker Run Sheets due for Thursday and Saturday routes
  • 5 p.m.: Poker Run Awards Party at TBD on lower Main Street
  • 5 – 6 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment
  • 8:00 p.m.: FREE Main Street Concert – TBD Entertainment

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

  • 7 a.m.: Parade Line-up at Ferguson Field/Rodeo Grounds – Registered classic cars only
  • 9 a.m.: Parade on Historic Main Street and continuing through Central City and Lead
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Show & Shine on Main Street (Registered classic cars only)
  • 11 a.m.: Awards in the parking lot at the History and Information Center
  • All cars must be off Main Street by 2:00 p.m.

Free Parking & Shuttle Information:

Cedar Rose Spa to Deadwood Welcome Center

  • Thursday, August 21: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Friday, August 22: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 23: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Lead High School and Lead Visitor Center to Deadwood Fire Station (Fire St.)

  • Thursday, August 21: 2 p.m. – 3 a.m.
  • Friday, August 22: 2 p.m. – 3 a.m.
  • Saturday, August 23: 2 p.m. – 3 a.m.

 

Make it a 2025 Tradition!

This year’s Kool Deadwood Nites promises even more classic cars, amazing live music, fun-filled street dancing, and great memories. From August 19 to August 24, 2025, don't miss out on this iconic South Dakota event. Bring your classic car, your love for live music, and your enthusiasm for Deadwood's unique Western charm!

Special Merchandise: Be sure to grab your official Kool Deadwood Nites 2025 apparel and memorabilia from our exclusive event locations throughout the festival.

Start planning now to be part of the celebration, and let's make this year’s Kool Deadwood Nites one for the history books!