Information not accurate?
Help us improve by making a suggestion.
Craft beer and smoky bites in the Black Hills
Enjoy tastings, pairings, and a lively block-party feel in Deadwood in 2026—pair it with Mount Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, and Custer State Park.
Event details
Every mid May, the historic gambling town of Deadwood transforms into a progressive beer trail when Hops and Hogs takes over roughly 25 saloons, hotels, and casinos along Main Street.
Founded in 2017 by the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and typically held on the third weekend of May, this two day festival invites visitors to sample more than 50 craft beers while wandering between legendary watering holes such as the Bullock Hotel, Saloon No. 10, and the Midnight Star.
Local breweries anchor the lineup. Crow Peak Brewing Company from Spearfish pours its Canyon Cream Ale, Dakota Shivers Brewing in nearby Lead offers Hot Calamity IPA, and Deadwood’s own Jacobs Brewhouse serves its Betty Wit on home turf. The Hogs portion of the event comes in the form of bacon focused bites prepared at each tasting stop, pairing craft beer with pork in nearly every imaginable form.
VIP tickets are priced at $110 and are limited to roughly 50 participants. These passes include exclusive Friday evening access beginning at 5:00 PM, with registration at the Nugget Bar, a 16 beer tasting card, appetizers, and a commemorative glass.
General admission tickets cost $60 and are capped at 300 participants. General admission begins Saturday at noon, with registration at the Deadwood Welcome Center at 501 Main Street. All participants must be 21 or older and present a valid ID at check in.
Deadwood’s open container rules allow guests to stroll the boardwalks with beer or wine in city approved clear cups, making it easy to move between stops at a relaxed pace. Free parking is available at the Welcome Center lot with 219 spaces, the City of Deadwood Sherman Street lot with 280 spaces, and the Mount Moriah Cemetery lot.
VIP tickets sell out first, often weeks in advance, so early booking is strongly recommended through Deadwood’s official tourism office at 1 800 344 8826.
If you miss Hops and Hogs or find it sold out, Deadwood hosts similar tasting events throughout the year. These include Forks, Corks and Kegs in April, Oktoberfest in early October, and the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl in March.
Visitors can also visit the source directly at Jacobs Brewhouse downtown or drive three miles to Dakota Shivers Brewing in Lead.
Information not accurate?
Help us improve by making a suggestion.
