Red Dirt Festival

When you step into the Deadwood Mountain Grand for the annual Red Dirt Festival, you are entering a restored 1906 mining ore plant that once processed gold for the Homestake Mining Company.

Today, this 3,000 capacity venue hosts roughly 5,000 fans across two nights of authentic Texas country and Red Dirt music. The genre, born from the soil of Oklahoma and Texas, blends honky tonk roots with rock attitude through artists such as Stoney LaRue, Casey Donahew, and the Eli Young Band.

Founded in 2015, the festival has grown into one of the upper Midwest’s largest winter music events. Past lineups have included Chancey Williams, Jackson Dean, Ned LeDoux, Ian Munsick, and local favorite Brandon Jones. Two day passes typically run about $70 through the venue box office, with single night tickets priced around $39 before fees.

The venue is strictly 21 and over, allowing guests to move freely between concert sets and the on site casino. The casino features 210 slot machines and table games that keep the energy going well after the encores end.

Arriving early is recommended for general admission standing room, as two day passes tend to sell out first. For added convenience, consider booking a room directly at the Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood Mountain Grand. The property offers 98 rooms overlooking Mount Moriah Cemetery, provides organic treats for dogs at check in, and includes free valet service to eliminate parking concerns.

For those extending their trip beyond the festival, Spearfish Creek lies 15 miles north and is ranked among the top 100 trout streams in America, known for its wild brown and rainbow trout in clear canyon waters. Roughlock Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in nearby Spearfish Canyon make ideal detours for visitors ready to swap concert boots for hiking shoes.