Questions before you arrive?
FAQ & Contact
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in blackwater
WHY BLACKWATER?
The BLACKWATER REDEMPTION EXPERIENCE, celebrating RED DEAD REDEMPTION is a FAN FICTION event. It is not officially connected to ROCK STAR or any of the RED DEAD games.
Blackwater, as told by the Mayor, and a number of residents present at the time, was visited by some members of the creative team that developed RED DEAD REDEMPTION. They happened to arrive in Blackwater during a small local event and walked into the “Old West” Blackwater “BUCKSNORT SALOON”, (Now re-named “Redemption Saloon”) which was populated at the time by a number of cowboy reenactors in full dress, a live ragtime piano player, and gentlemen playing Faro. The afternoon was spent inspecting the contents of the Saloon, photos, and exploring Blackwater, and exchanging stories. This led to the inclusion of a fictitious version of Blackwater in the games, for which we are very grateful to Rock Star, and those that visited Blackwater on that fateful day.
BLACKWATER REDEMPTION EXPERIENCE is sponsored by local community organizations to celebrate the history of Blackwater and it’s role in this iconic game, as well as our real-world frontier history. We are doing this as fans, because we love Blackwater, and we love RED DEAD REDEMPTION.
NON-PROFIT: 100% of proceeds from the event support Blackwater’s community groups, and their efforts to preserve, beautify, and improve our community. This is a truly grass roots, community event through and through.
So, you can feel good about having a great time in Blackwater and supporting a wonderful thing for the community at the same time.
Blackwater sponsors numerous small events throughout the year. For more information, please visit BLACKWATER PRESERVATION SOCIETY, FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER, BLACKWATER FESTIVAL COMMITTEE or the SOUTH FORK REGULATORS (Reenactors).
Come visit us in Blackwater, whether during an event, or any day of the week.
Blackwater is a great place to be anytime! Stop by and say Howdy.
Is it accessible?
Given the historic nature of Downtown Blackwater, dating from 1887, and that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is unfortunately not possible for it to be completely accessible while respecting the historic nature of the village.
We will do everything within our power to accommodate all visitors, and should you require any special considerations, we are more than happy to do our best to accommodate. Please notify us in advance of any needs so that we may make arrangements at (660) 270-2746, or notify the Bank of Blackwater or Pinkerton Detective Agency on site about any needs which you may have.
Do you have a lost and found?
Lost and Found Items will be kept at the Pinkerton National Detective Agency office. Should you find items that you feel have been lost by another guest, we request that you bring it to the Pinkerton office or give it to any of the Actors or Workers of the Event.
Likewise, should you be missing any personal items, please go to the Pinkerton Agency to report them missing on the day of the event … or, if after the event, please email us, or call us at (660) 270-2746 and we will arrange returning your item.
What medical provisions have you taken?
FIRST AID: There are a number of “First Aid” kits located throughout the Event. The main First Aid stations are Bank of Blackwater, Pinkerton National Detective Agency, and the Travelling Doctor.
MEDICATIONS: Please keep in mind any specific medications you might need while you are at the event. Blackwater does NOT have a pharmacy in town, however there will be a few very basic items available at the Bank of Blackwater and Pinkerton Detective Agency and the Travelling Doctor.
OVERHEATING: Please be cautious of overheating by remembering the following:
FREE WATER: There are numerous “Free Water” locations around the event. Please refer to the event map. Drink lots of water throughout the day to avoid dehydrating.
SHADE: In addition, remember to spend time in the shade to keep body temperature down.
AIR-CONDITIONING: To avoid overheating, spend time in some of the Air-Conditioned Locations. These include several businesses along Main Street, such as The Hollow (Blackwater Mercantile Bazaar), the Depot, The Iron Horse (Casino), The Pinkerton Detective Agency, and others.
SHOULD YOU FEEL ANY DISTRESS, immediately notify any of the event characters, workers, actors, or go to the Bank of Blackwater, Pinkerton Detective Agency, or the Travelling Doctor – whichever is closest.
Is there a recommended age?
This event is for ALL AGES. Kids 12 years old and under are free, however we ask that they be supervised by an adult guardian.
13 and older are full price. The “Travelling Toby Tent Show Games” is particularly well suited for kids, including Kid-Focused Quests.
We do ask that parents supervise small children at all times. Should you need a private place to change diapers, or other special needs, please go to either the Bank of Blackwater or the Pinkerton National Detective Agency on Main Street and we will happily make arrangements.
How can I volunteer?
If you would like to Volunteer to help with this event, or are a vendor that would like a booth, or would like to participate in any way – behind the scenes, or otherwise – please reach out to the organizers directly, either by email, or by calling (660) 270-2746.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
at (660) 270-2746 or fill out the form below:
Blackwater Redemption | July 11 & 12, 2026 | Blackwater, Missouri