Deadwood Oktoberfest 2020 comes to a close

Deadwood, S.D. — Historic Deadwood’s annual Oktoberfest came to an end on Saturday.

Although the original Oktoberfest, held in Munich, Germany, was canceled, that didn’t put a damper on the festival in the Black Hills. Along with live polka music, there were wiener dog races, beer barrel games, and a German food cook-off.

Jumbotrons were in use to help keep social distancing, and the polka festival was moved to Outlaw Square to keep visitors separated. Visitors were glad to have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather.

“When I was a soldier in the U.S. Army, you learned how to deal with good things and bad things, and you need stuff to build moral,” said visitor Anthony Huntley. “Moral of your unit, moral of your people, whatever, and this is good to have.”

The event is the kickoff to the fall season and will be followed by the Halloween favorite, Deadweird and a number of exciting seasonal and holiday events.