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* Kool Deadwood Nites Schedule Details
*Schedule is Subject to Change

ALL NEW! TUESDAY, AUGUST 19:

  • 12 – 6 p.m.: Car Registration at The Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main St.)
  • 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: The Drifters – FREE – Outlaw Square
  • 6 – 9 p.m.: The Long Run “Colorado’s Tribute to the Eagles – Mr. Wu’s
  • 6:30 – 9 p.m.: Show & Shine on Main Street (Wall Street to Deadwood Street), registered cars only, first come, first served.
  • Deadwood Alive will be running their regular schedule all day.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20:

  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Auction Car Check-in (for sellers) at Elkhorn Ridge Resort –  For more information contact McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-484-1781 or 605-381-1594.
  • 8 a.m. to 6 p.m: Car Registration at The Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main St.)
  • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Sturgis Show & Shine – Sponsored by Kool Deadwood Nites Official Merchandise and Sturgis Photos and Gifts
    • For Registered Car Owners only. Participants must have wristbands and event registration information displayed on the car’s dashboard. Registered car owners will receive a free commemorative item voucher and one free meal.
    • Parking on Main Street from Junction Ave. to 4th Ave.
    • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Voting will take place for the Sturgis Choice Award
    • 1 p.m. – Group Photo at 1st and Main St.
    • The winner of the Sturgis Choice Award will be announced after the group photo.
  • 6 p.m.: FREE CONCERT at Outlaw Square – Surfin’ Safari
  • All Day – Deadwood Alive full schedule on Main Street. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21:
SCROLL DOWN FOR FREE PARKING SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

  • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m: Car Registration at The Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main St.)
  • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Auction Car Check-in (for sellers) at Elkhorn Ridge Resort, contact McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-484-1781 or 605-381-1594 for more information.
  • 1 p.m: Memorabilia & Classic Car Auction Starts – Held in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center. 
  • 2 p.m. – Deadwood Alive Shootout at Outlaw Square
  • 12 – 5 p.m: Driving Route Poker Runs throughout the Black Hills. Awards held on Saturday.
  • 4 – 9 p.m: People’s Choice Awards & Voting – History and Information Center Parking Lot, Deadwood Welcome Center Parking Lot and portions of Main Street. Vote by text. Voting opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025!
  • 4 p.m. – Deadwood Alive Shootout at Outlaw Square
  • 8 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Lovin’ Spoonful
  • Immediately following the concert: People’s Choice Award Results announced from Main Street Stage

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22:
SCROLL DOWN FOR FREE PARKING SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

  • 7 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.: Rod Run Breakfast at the Lodge at Deadwood – Free for registered car owner’s only.
  • 8 a.m. – 8 p.m: Car Registration at The Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main St.)
  • 9 a.m: Classic Car Auction Starts – Held in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center. Call McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-484-1781 or 605-381-1594 for more information.
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m: 17th Annual Rod Run – Registered classic cars only. Routes to Sturgis Drag Strip and Carsten’s Cottages.
  • 2 p.m. – Deadwood Alive Shootout at Outlaw Square
  • 4 p.m. – Deadwood Alive Shootout at Outlaw Square
  • 5 p.m. – Deadwood Alive welcomes the Hot Rodders on the Main Street Stage.
  • 5 – 6 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – The 1270’s
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Play Some Petty
  • 8:00 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Revisiting Creedence

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23:
SCROLL DOWN FOR FREE PARKING SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

  • 7 a.m. – Noon: Car Registration at The Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main St.)
  • 8 a.m. – Noon: Classic Car Competition/Judging at the Days of ’76 Event Complex (Please plan to arrive before 8 a.m.) Registered classic cars only.
  • 9 a.m: Classic Car Auction Starts – Held in the Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center. McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-484-1781 or 605-381-1594 for more information.
  • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m: Walking Poker Run Routes throughout Deadwood
  • 4 p.m.: Poker Run sheets for Thursday (driving) and Saturday (walking) must be turned in by 4:00 p.m.
  • 5 p.m: Poker Run Awards Party at TBD on lower Main Street. Awards for Driving and Walking routes.
  • 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Hot City Soul
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – The Satin Dollz
  • 8 p.m.: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – 1964 The Tribute

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 and 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. on Sunday, August 24, 2025! Thank you!
  • 7:30 p.m. – Tower of Power – Concert at Deadwood Mountain Grand

Parking Shuttle Schedule:

Cedar Rose Spa to Deadwood Welcome Center:

Thursday, August 21       11am-10pm
Friday, August 22              11am-10pm
Saturday, August 23        11am-10pm

Lead Highschool and Lead Visitor Center to Deadwood Fire Station (Fire St.):

Thursday, August 21       2 pm- 3 am
Friday, August 22              2 pm- 3 am
Saturday, August 23        2 pm- 3 am

 

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!