Every town has a festival.
Estes Park has Frozen Dead Guy Days.
Returning March 27–29, 2026, this legendary mountain festival blends live music, outrageous competitions, and winter mischief inspired by one very unusual story. But if you only remember two things about the weekend, make it these: the world famous Coffin Races and Estes Park’s first ever drone show lighting up the night sky.
If you’re planning to attend, here’s what to expect.
What’s New for Frozen Dead Guy Days 2026
Colorado Tourism Office Drone Show For the first time ever, a drone show will illuminate the sky above the festival on Saturday night. The show is part of the Colorado Tourism Office’s statewide 250–150 initiative, celebrating 250 years of America and 150 years of Colorado. Estes Park is one of several destinations selected to host a commemorative drone event in 2026. The show will take place between music sets near the end of the festival, creating a can’t miss moment under the mountain sky.
DEAD of Winter Art Exhibition
Frozen Dead Guy Days also features the DEAD of Winter Art Exhibition, showcasing original artwork inspired by winter, folklore, dark humor, and the wonderfully strange spirit of the festival. Presented in partnership with Aspen & Evergreen Gallery, the exhibition features work from local and regional artists and offers visitors the chance to browse and purchase one of a kind pieces.
The Story Behind Frozen Dead Guy Days
Frozen Dead Guy Days celebrates the unusual story of Bredo Morstoel, affectionately known as Grandpa Bredo, whose body has been cryogenically preserved since the late 1980s. In simpler terms, yes, it’s about a frozen man. The festival itself has become a celebration of creativity and community where people build DIY coffins, race them through obstacle courses, wear wildly imaginative costumes, and dance to live music in the middle of winter.
Friday: Kickoff Events
Frozen Dead Bar Crawl
Friday night begins with the Frozen Dead Bar Crawl, where participants explore downtown Estes Park’s bars and craft beverage scene. Costumes are always welcome. Please drink responsibly and consider transportation options like Explore Estes, a rideshare style service that helps festivalgoers safely get around town.
Royal Blue Ball
The Royal Blue Ball at the Stanley Hotel is the festival’s signature kickoff party. Expect live music, DJs, dancing, and plenty of blue themed costumes inside one of Colorado’s most iconic hotels. This event is 21 and over.
Saturday: The Main Festival
Saturday is when the full Frozen Dead Guy Days experience takes over.
Cannibal Chase 8K
The Cannibal Chase 8K is a fast, fun race that brings big energy and creative costumes to Frozen Dead Guy Days. When & Where Saturday, 10:30 AM to 12 PM 380 Community Drive, Estes Park Why watch With cheering spectators and runners in wildly creative costumes, it’s one of the most entertaining ways to kick off Saturday’s festival fun.
The World Famous Coffin Races
The Coffin Races are the centerpiece of the festival. Teams build elaborate coffins and race them through a snowy obstacle course in what can best be described as an adult field day in costumes. Each team includes six runners and one brave “corpse” riding inside the coffin. It’s chaotic, competitive, and one of the most entertaining events you’ll ever watch.
Live Music Lineup
Frozen Dead Guy Days has grown into a full scale music festival featuring multiple stages and national touring acts. The 2026 lineup includes: Andy Frasco & the UN Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Gasoline Lollipops Rick Lewis Project Polkanauts Buster & the Boomers Expect high energy sets and plenty of dancing in winter jackets.
Festival Games
The festival also includes a variety of playful competitions throughout the day, such as Frozen T Shirt Contest Brain Freeze Ice Cream Eating Contest Name That Tune and other crowd friendly games Participation is optional. Watching is half the fun.
Sunday: Final Events
Bands and Bloody’s Brunch
Several restaurants around Estes Park host Bands and Bloody’s Brunch, pairing live music with hearty brunch menus and creative Bloody Marys.
Polar Plunge
Polar Plunge The Polar Plunge at the Stanley Hotel invites participants to jump into icy water in costume for charity and bragging rights. Spectators are welcome.
Dress up in your craziest costume and plunge into The Stanley Hotel’s frozen pond.
Visit the Cryonics Museum
While you’re in town, stop by the Cryonics Museum at the Stanley Hotel to learn more about the real story behind Grandpa Bredo and the science of cryonics.
Frozen Dead Guy Days FAQ
When is Frozen Dead Guy Days 2026?
March 27–29, 2026.
Where does the festival take place?
Events occur across Estes Park with major activities at festival grounds and venues around town.
Are costumes required?
Not required, but they are part of the fun.
Are kids allowed?
Some events are family friendly while others are 21 and over.
Plan Your Frozen Dead Guy Days Weekend
Frozen Dead Guy Days is one of Colorado’s most unusual traditions. Racing coffins, live music, creative costumes, and thousands of people celebrating winter together. Bundle up and prepare for a weekend you will not forget.
