Kool Deadwood Nites

32 Years of Classic Cars, Music and Historic Fun

August 18, 2026 - August 23, 2026

Kool Deadwood Nites brings car lovers together for six days full of classic cars, classic music and classic fun. It’s a 50’s and 60’s sock hop – Deadwood style. Enjoy a parade, show and shine and FREE concerts on Main Street featuring the biggest names in rock ‘n roll history.

2026 IS THE 32nd ANNIVERSARY OF KOOL DEADWOOD NITES!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Click HERE to register online for Kool Deadwood Nites 2026. 

Download a full event schedule and information packet HERE.

2026 Information

• Your vehicle must be a ’73 or older to register. Registration is not capped, and walk-ups are welcome.
• Pre-registration forms will be posted online in early May. After that date, if you would like a packet mailed to you, please call 605-578-1876, option 3.  Pre-registration ends on August 13, 2026. Walk-up registration will be available at the event. The number of cars is not capped.
•  To receive the early bird discount, the registration fee must be paid/postmarked before July 31, 2026.
• Car registration cost: $100 postmarked or paid by July 31, 2026; $130 on or after August 1, 2026
• An additional day of activities, live entertainment, show & shine, and registration on Tuesday, August 18!
• Free Parking & Shuttle: Shuttles operate on Thursday, August 20; Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. Parking shuttle from Lead, pickups at the Lead-Deadwood High School (320 South Main Street, Lead) and Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center (160 West Main Street), and drops off at the Deadwood Fire Station (737 Main Street). Operating times for the Lead shuttle will be 2 pm – 3 am. Ride the shuttle from Cedar Rose Spa (1 mile north of Deadwood, 11842 Hwy 14a) to the Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main Street). Operating times for the spa shuttle are 11 am to 10 pm each day. No trailer parking at shuttle sites. No overnight parking at Cedar Rose Spa.
• Registration for 2026 Kool Deadwood Nites will be held throughout the event at The Deadwood Welcome Center (501 Main St.)
• Kool Deadwood Nites 2026 Auction is August 20-22, 2026. For more information, contact McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-484-1781 or 605-381-1594.
• The City of Deadwood Police Department and the City of Lead ask that you please refrain from doing burnouts during the parade on Sunday. This will be strictly enforced by both city Police Departments.
• Keep up to date on all things Deadwood on our Facebook page! You can also call us with any questions at 605-578-1876. Thanks for being part of Kool Deadwood Nites, and we look forward to seeing you in August 2026!

Retailers who wish to sell official Kool Deadwood Nites merchandise, contact Wayne Morris at (605) 920-1512.

CLICK HERE to purchase official Kool Deadwood Nites merchandise! 

2026 Kool Deadwood Nites Schedule Details
*Schedule is Subject to Change

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

9 am: Mr. Wu’s Branded Chair Giveaway! First 200 people to Wu’s win a free chair!

Noon-6 pm: Car Registration –Lower Main Parking Lot @ Deadwood Welcome Center

Noon – 7 pm: Complimentary BBQ at Mr. Wu’s

Noon – 10 pm: $10 Bottomless Draft Beer at Mr. Wu’s

3-6 pm: Free Concert – Kuhl & The Gangstas – Mr. Wu’s

6-9 pm: Show & Shine – Park your registered Classic Car on Main Street, between Wall and Main.

7-9:30 pm: Free Concert – Bluffett “A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett” – Mr. Wu’s

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

8 am-6 pm: Car Registration –Lower Main Parking Lot @ Deadwood Welcome Center

9 am: Mr. Wu’s Branded Chair Giveaway! First 200 people to Wu’s win a free chair!

Noon – 7 pm: Complimentary BBQ at Mr. Wu’s

Noon – 10 pm: $10 Bottomless Draft Beer at Mr. Wu’s

3-6 pm: Free Concert – Bitter Sweet Band – Mr. Wu’s

6 pm: Free Concert begins at Outlaw Square featuring Surfin’ Safari

7-10 pm: Free Concert – El Loco Fandango “Colorado’s Tribute to ZZ Top” – Mr. Wu’s

Thursday, August 20, 2026

8 am-8 pm: Car Registration –Lower Main Street Parking Lot @ Deadwood Welcome Center

9 am: Mr. Wu’s Branded Chair Giveaway! First 200 people to Wu’s win a free chair!

Noon-5 pm: Driving Poker Runs – throughout the Black Hills

Noon – 7 pm: Complimentary BBQ at Mr. Wu’s

Noon – 10 pm: $10 Bottomless Draft Beer at Mr. Wu’s

2 pm: Deadwood Alive Shootout in front of the Gold Dust Casino/Midnight Star on Main Street.

3-6 pm: Free Concert – Westbound – Mr. Wu’s

3 pm: Classic Car Auction – Deadwood Mountain Grand. Call 605-348-1369 for more info

4 pm-9 pm: People’s Choice Awards & Voting – History and Information Center Parking Lot and portions of Deadwood Main Street

4 pm: Deadwood Alive Shootout in front of the Gold Dust Casino/Midnight Star on Main Street.

6 pm: Deadwood Alive Shootout in front of the Gold Dust Casino/Midnight Star on Main Street.

7-10 pm: Free Concert – The Long Run “Colorado’s Tribute to the Eagles” – Mr. Wu’s

8 pm: 19th Annual Sock Hop – Featuring Million Dollar Reunion on Main Street Stage

Following concert: People’s Choice Award Results – Main Street Stage

Friday, August 21, 2026

8 am-8 pm: Car Registration –Lower Main Street Parking Lot @ Deadwood Welcome Center

9 am: Classic Car Auction – Deadwood Mountain Grand. Call 605-348-1369 for more info

9 am: Mr. Wu’s Branded Chair Giveaway! First 200 people to Wu’s win a free chair!

10 am-2 pm: 18th Annual Rod Run

Noon – 7 pm: Complimentary BBQ at Mr. Wu’s

Noon – 10 pm: $10 Bottomless Draft Beer at Mr. Wu’s

2 pm: Deadwood Alive Shootout in front of the Gold Dust Casino/Midnight Star on Main Street.

3-6 pm: Free Concert – Hot City Soul – Mr. Wu’s

4 pm: Deadwood Alive Shootout in front of the Gold Dust Casino/Midnight Star on Main Street.

5 pm: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Stereo Trip

6 pm: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Play Some Petty

6 pm: Deadwood Alive Shootout in front of the Gold Dust Casino/Midnight Star on Main Street.

7-10 pm: Free Concert – Thunderstruck “America’s AC/DC”– Mr. Wu’s

8 pm: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Hotel California

Saturday, August 22, 2026

7 am-Noon: Car Registration –Lower Main Street Parking Lot @ Deadwood Welcome Center

7 am-Noon: Classic Car Competition/Judging – Days of ’76 Event Complex

9 am: Classic Car Auction – Deadwood Mountain Grand. Call 605-348-1369 for more info

9 am: Mr. Wu’s Branded Chair Giveaway! First 200 people to Wu’s win a free chair!

10 am-4 pm: Walking Poker Runs

Noon – 7 pm: Complimentary BBQ at Mr. Wu’s

Noon – 10 pm: $10 Bottomless Draft Beer at Mr. Wu’s

3-6 pm: Free Concert – Stereo Trip – Mr. Wu’s

5 pm: Poker Run Awards party at TBD – Lower Main Street

5 pm: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – Hot City Soul

6 pm: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT – The Box Tops

7-10 pm: Free Concert – Long Live Rock “Classic Rock Favorites and Anthems” – Mr. Wu’s

8 pm: FREE MAIN STREET CONCERT –  FJ Tribute – The Music of Foreigner, Journey, & Classic Legends

Sunday, August 23, 2026

7 am: Parade Line-up – Rodeo Grounds/Ferguson Field

9 am: Parade – Main Street, continues through Central City & Lead.

10 am-2 pm: Show and Shine – Main Street – immediately following the parade until 2 pm.

11 am: Awards – Parking lot at the History and Information Center

*All cars must be off Main Street by 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026! Thank you.

Parking Shuttle Schedule:

Cedar Rose Spa to Deadwood Welcome Center:

Thursday, August 20       11 am-10 pm
Friday, August 21              11 am-10 pm
Saturday, August 22       11 am-10 pm

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

Thursday, August 20       2 pm- 3 am
Friday, August 21              2 pm- 3 am
Saturday, August 22       2 pm- 3 am

*TENTATIVE* Deadwood Alive Shootout Schedule During Event:

The 2026 event is sponsored in part by

2025 Kool Deadwood Nites Car Show Results!

We apologize for any typos. Please call 605-578-1876 if you notice a mistake. 

BEST OF SHOW

Committee’s Choice
Winner: Curtis Jensen, ’59 Chevy Impala
Sponsor: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Chamber’s Choice
Winner: Kory Matthees, ’66 Dodge Charger
Sponsor: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Best Street Rod
Winner: Dan Stahlman, ’34 Chevy 5 Window Coupe
Sponsor: Auto Value

Best Ford
Winner: John Person, ’69 Mercury Cyclone
Sponsor: Mr. Wu’s

Best General Motors
Winner: Richard Byron, ’72 Chevy K20
Sponsor: White’s Queen City Motors

Best Truck
Winner: Gary Mattke, ’72 Ford F-250
Sponsor: Old Style Saloon No. 10

Best Stock
Winner: Heath Rossin, ’70 Chevy Nova SS
Sponsor: A&B Pizza/ Oyster Bay

Best Custom
Winner: Curtis Jenson, ’59 Chevy Impala
Sponsor: FogNDroz Vape Shop

Best Interior
Winner: Doug Stahlman, ’60 Chevy Impala 2 Dr
Sponsor: Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort

Best Motor
Winner: John Schipper, ’70 Chevy Chevelle SS
Sponsor: Silverado/Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex

Best Mopar
Winner: Douglas Mokros, ’70 Plymouth GTX
Sponsor: Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort

People’s Choice
Winner: Matt Braun, ’69 Ford F-100
Sponsor: McPherson Auctions & Realty

King of the Rod Run Burn Pit
Winner: Rick Juelfs, ’71 Chevy C10
Sponsor: The Lodge at Deadwood

Carsten Cottages Winners
 #1 Darian Stelter, ’65 Chevy Impala SS
#2 Mitch Clausen, ’67 Chevy Nova
#3 Ralph Dorle, ’46 Ford Pickup

Honorable Mention
Sponsored by Black Hills Vacations, Miller Creek Pub, Jacob’s Precision Welding, Deadwood Rentals, Mr. Wu’s, Midnight Star, and Black Hills Vacations

Kevin Kaiser, ’60 Chevy Biscayne Sedan Delivery
Caroline Westwood, ’60 Metropolitan 1500
Marvin Jackson, ’33 Chevy Truck
Jeffery Hochhalter, ’68 Dodge Charger R/T
Carey Hoffman, ’69 Chevy Suburban
Brett Watson, ’59 Buick Invicta
Anthony Weibel, ’47 Dodge WD-21
Mark Roasch, ’73 Volkswagon Bus

Ron Meis Memorial Award
Sponsored by the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
Dennis German, ’70 Chevy Chevelle

– – – – – – – – – –

Tri-Five – Stock
1st Place: Steve Brown, ’55 Studebaker Speedster
Sponsor: First Gold Gaming Resort

2nd Place: Danielle Arroyo, ’57 Chevy BelAir
Sponsor: Quik Signs

3rd Place: Rodney Floth, ’56 Chevy BelAir
Sponsor: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Tri-Five – Modified
1st Place: Justin Eimers, ’56 Buick Special
Sponsor: Mustang Sally’s

2nd Place: Rodney Barstad, ’55 Chevy 2 Door 150
Sponsor: Lewie’s Burgers & Brews

3rd Place: John & Pat David, ‘ 55 Chevy 150 Sedan
Sponsor: Black Hills Vacations

Truck Class up to ’73 Inclusive – Modified/Custom

1st Place: Matt Braun, ’69 Ford F100
Sponsor: Ice Man

2nd Place: Kris Fordham, ’67 Ford Bronco
Sponsor: KoolDeadwoodNitesOfficial.com

3rd Place: Keith Jacobs, ’50 Chevy 3100 Pickup
Sponsor: Waters Hardware – Deadwood

Truck Class up to ’73 Inclusive – Stock
1st Place: Gary Mattke, ’72 Ford F-250
Sponsor: Deadwood Tobacco Co

2nd Place: Richard Byron, ’72 Chevy K20
Sponsor: Buffalo-Bodega

3rd Place: Merlin Larsen, ’53 Ford F-100
Sponsor: Berg Jewelry & Gifts

Stock – Pre ’54 and older
1st Place: Verlyn Husman, ’27 Chevy Touring
Sponsor: Berg Jewelry & Gifts

2nd Place: Darin Bahmann, ’51 Chevy Deluxe 2 Door
Sponsor: SoDak AutoHaus

3rd Place: Lonny Koster, ’34 Packard 1101-718 2-4 Coupe
Sponsor: Berg Jewelry & Gifts

Stock – ’55 to ’73 inclusive
1st Place: John Person, ’69 Mercury Cyclone
Sponsor: Pro Steam Carpet Upholstery

2nd Place: Jim & Cindy Packard, ’55 Ford Customline
Sponsor: A&B Pizza/Oyster Bay

3rd Place: Jarrett Leadens, ’67 Pontiac GTO
Sponsor: Peterson CPA

Pro-Street – ’73 and Earlier
1st Place: Brad Ensign, ’41 Willys Coupe
Sponsor: Outlaw Square

2nd Place: Rick O’Donnell, ’69 Dodge Charger R/T
Sponsor: Mr. Wu’s

3rd Place: John Schipper, ’70 Chevy Chevelle SS
Sponsor: Black Hills Vacations

Muscle Car ’64 to ’73 Inclusive – Stock
1st Place: Heath Rossin, ’70 Chevy Nova SS
Sponsor: Southside Service & Car Wash

2nd Place: Douglas Mokros, ’70 Plymouth GTX
Sponsor: Berg Jewelry & Gifts

3rd Place: Keith Walker, ’68 Ford Mustang
Sponsor: The Midnight Star

Muscle Car ’64 to ’73 Inclusive – Modified
1st Place: Michael Danielski, ’68 Chevy Camaro
Sponsor: McPherson Auctions & Realty

2nd Place: Dennis German, ’70 Chevy Chevelle
Sponsor: Deadwood Electric

3rd Place: Don DeBoer, ’68 Chevy Camaro
Sponsor: Sturgis Mustang/Bronco Rally

Early ’49 to ’59 Inclusive – Custom
1st Place: Bob Kuehn, ’59 Chevy El Camino
Sponsor: Lynn’s DakotaMart Lead

2nd Place: Curtis Jenson, ’59 Chevy Impala
Sponsor: Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood

3rd Place: Luke May, ’49 Cadillac Custom
Sponsor: Deadwood KOA

Late ’60 to ’73 Inclusive – Custom
1st Place: Clayton Graham, ’68 Chevy Camaro
Sponsor: Deadwood Elks Lodge #508

2nd Place: Kory Matthees, ’66 Dodge Charger
Sponsor: Durty Nelly’s

3rd Place: Clayton Graham
Sponsor: Deadwood Outdoor Rentals

Street Rod Pre ’49 (’48 and older) Coupe
1st Place: Dan Stahlman, ’34 Chevy 5 Window
Sponsor: Outlaw Square

2nd Place: Robert Lewton, ’36 Chevy 3 Window Coupe
Sponsor: ET Sports

3rd Place: Dave Mann, ’33 Ford 3 Window Coupe
Sponsor: McPherson Auction & Realty

Street Rod Pre ’49 (’48 and older) Sedan
1st Place: James Greving, ’40 Ford Deluxe 4 Door
Sponsor: Packhorse Liquor

2nd Place: Ken & Janna Mollet, ’32 Chevy Sedan
Sponsor: Mr. Wu’s

3rd Place: Shannon Baldes, ’30 Ford 2 Door Sedan Delivery
Sponsor: Jerry Greer Engineering

Street Rod Pre ’49 (’48 and older) Convertible/Roadster
1st Place: Avery Allen, ’40 Ford Convertible
Sponsor: Boars Nest

2nd Place: Todd & Cindy Brown, ’32 Ford Roadster
Sponsor: Deadwood Elk’s Lodge

3rd Place: Ray Hardy, ’37 Ford Convertible
Sponsor: Trails Head Cannabis Co.

Street Rod Pre ’49 (’48 and older) Rat Rod
1st Place: Travis Gaukel, ’46 Ford Truck
Sponsor: Badlands Security

2nd Place: Warren Geiger, ’42 Dodge 100 Pickup
Sponsor: MS Mail

3rd Place: JJason Rakow, ’31 Ford Model A
Sponsor: Full Throttle Saloon