Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival

October 28, 2023

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!

History
2023 Event Details

The History of Emma Crawford

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 Coffin Races & Other Spooky Activities

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.

Details

2023 Event Details

Date

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Time

  • 8:00 a.m. - Team Check-In
  • 10:00 a.m. - Coffin Staging
  • 11:00 a.m. - Parade Line-Up
  • 12:00 p.m. - Parade Begins
  • Upon Conclusion of Parade - Coffin Races Begin
  • Upon Conclusion of Races - Race for Coffin Cup Begins, immediately followed by the award ceremony

Location

Along the 900 block of Manitou Ave in Manitou Springs

Cost

FREE

More Information

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!

Sign Up Now

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.

Sign Up Now
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