January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026 Deadwood’s Sesquicentennial 1876-2026
A Year of Celebration
Deadwood is commemorating its 150th anniversary with a full year of exciting events and activities. Below is the schedule of activities planned throughout 2026, honoring the city’s rich history and vibrant community.
Deadwood’s 150th Year Celebration Schedule of Activities*
- January 20–23: South Dakota Tourism Conference – Deadwood Day at the Capital. This gathering will spotlight Deadwood’s significance within South Dakota’s tourism industry.
- February 12: Preservation Thursday – featuring Mike Runge & Zach Lampert
- March 14: St. Patrick’s Celebration – Bill Walsh Day, parade, and a performance by the Singing Nuns. Celebrate Irish heritage and local traditions.
- March 19: Preservation Thursday – featuring Joyce Jefferson
- April 9: Preservation Thursday – Donovin Sprague
- April 24: Arbor Day – The community will plant 150 trees and dedicate a Liberty Tree, symbolizing our history, community unity, and freedom.
- May 7: Preservation Thursday – Justin Koehler
- May 22: Save Our Tail Parade followed by the dedication of the Dora DuFran statue, honoring an important figure in Deadwood’s history.
- June 8: Opening of the First Newspaper(s) Exhibit, showcasing the early press that documented Deadwood’s past.
- June 19: History On the Lawn – featuring Chris Wimmer
- June 19-21: Wild Bill Days – Celebrate the life of Wild Bill Hickok with Old West demonstrations and reenactments, free live music, a vendor fair and a Father’s Day hike.
- June 14: Flag Day Activities at Outlaw Square and a Vintage Baseball Game at Ferguson Field, featuring a traditional matchup between Deadwood and Lead.
- July 2–5: Gold Camp Jubilee for the 150th Celebration in Lead, including another Vintage Baseball Game at Mountain Top between Deadwood and Lead.
- July 17: History On The Lawn – featuring Paul Hedren: Sitting Bull’s War
- August 3: Recreation of the funeral of James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, reenacting a significant event from Deadwood’s history.
- August 28: History On The Lawn – J.J. Kent
- September 11–12: Volksmarch from Lead to Deadwood and dedication of the trail system, along with a Chuck Wagon Cook-off and Community Picnic for participants and residents.
- September 24: Commemoration of the day Seth Bullock died, reflecting on his legacy.
- September 24: Preservation Thursday – Dr. David Wolff
- October 1: Dedication of the 150th Time Capsule at the Adams Museum, preserving today’s memories for future generations.
- October 1: Preservation Thursday – featuring Jeff Barnes
- October 31: Trunk or Treat & Kidweird, a festive Halloween event for children and families.
- November 1: The 37th Anniversary of Legalized Gaming in Deadwood, celebrating an important milestone in the city’s modern history.
- November 5: Preservation Thursday: featuring Kuchenbecker and Milos
- December 4: Community Christmas Gathering, including a telegraph message from the Governor to mark the holiday season and the conclusion of the anniversary celebrations.
*Please note that all activities are subject to change.
PHOTO INFORMATION: 1877 street scene in Deadwood, Courtesy Deadwood History, Inc., Adams Museum Collection, Deadwood, SD.
