
Ghouls, goblins, witches and wizards of all ages are sure to find spooky fun and delightful frights in Colorado Springs…
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs are an entire day of spooky fun and one of Colorado Springs' can't miss Halloween events.
Each year, Manitou Springs hosts the Emma Crawford Coffin Races to commemorate a local tale and bring the community together in celebration of Halloween!
In 1889, a young woman named Emma Crawford moved to Manitou Springs hopeful that the clean mountain air and healing mineral springs would cure her tuberculosis. After accomplishing a hike up nearby Red Mountain, she let it be known that once she passed on, her wish was to be buried on the mountain. She died soon after and was laid to rest on Red Mountain. Many years later, heavy rainfall caused Emma’s coffin to dislodge, and it came racing down the mountain, inspiring the Coffin Races — the first such races in the nation. Emma supposedly still haunts Red Mountain today.
The story of Emma Crawford lives on in the wacky Emma Crawford Coffin Race up Manitou Avenue.
Costumed impersonators of Emma ride on coffin-like contraptions pulled by teams of four “mourners.” A Parade of Coffins and awards for the "Best Emma," "Best Coffin," and "Best Entourage" complete the day-long event.
Stay in town for the Emma Crawford Estate Sidewalk Sale hosted by participating local businesses in Downtown Historic Manitou Springs. The night before, a Victorian Wake in Emma's honor is held at Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Along the 900 block of Manitou Ave in Manitou Springs
FREE
Register for the 2023 Coffin Races!
Do you have a creative team idea? Do you also have four — preferably fast — friends or family members willing to race alongside you? Assemble your team and submit your entry (along with the $100 entry fee) for a chance to participate in the 2023 races.
Submit your entry prior to the October 20 deadline!
Take Part in a One-of-a-Kind Tradition
Not the racing type? Join costumed revelers on a leisurely stroll along Manitou Avenue before the signature Coffin Races begin.
There is no cost to join the parade, but all parade participants are asked to register in advance by October 20.
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs, Colorado, is a quaint mountain town just six miles west of downtown Colorado Springs.
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