October 25, 2025

Emma Crawford
Coffin Races and Festival

In memory of emma crawford

The tradition continues

In 1995, the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce started the first coffin races in the nation, in memory of a beloved resident of Manitou Springs. In the years since, the races have grown into an often-copied-but-never-equaled Manitou Springs tradition.

2025 after party entertainment 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

RADO in Soda
Springs Park

RADO, hailing from Denver, melds ferocious psychedelic rock with syncopated dance grooves, soulful melodies, and magnetic lyrical hooks. Since emerging in 2019, this genre-blurring powerhouse has made their mark with improvisational jams that soar into massive crescendos—bringing raw, electrifying live energy to every stage. As Compose Yourself Magazine puts it, they’re “a genre‑mashing conglomerate of styles… keeping both the music and bodies moving.”

RADO’s debut album Baker’s Measurements dropped in August 2024 and showcases their unique ability to balance sprawling studio jams with tight, melodic songwriting. With tracks like “Run n’ Hyde,” “Back Nine,” and “Thank You Mr. Science,” the record captures their infectious live spirit in full: expect emotional resonance, experimental flair, and grooves that invite listeners to feel every beat. Their collaborative songwriting process and dynamic stage presence have put them center stage in Denver’s jam-band scene—and they’re just getting warmed up.

Know your history

Emma Crawford came to Manitou Springs in 1889 searching for a cure for her tuberculosis in the area’s famed cold-water mineral springs. She fell in love with the charming mountain town and her dying wish was to be buried on top of Red Mountain. Unfortunately, Emma succumbed to her illness in 1891. Her lover, a civil engineer on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway named Wilhelm Hildenbrand, honored her wishes. With the help of eleven other townspeople, William carried Emma’s coffin up the 7,200 foot slope and buried her near the summit of Red Mountain.

In 1929, after years of harsh winters and spring rains, Emma and her coffin came racing down the mountainside. The young children who happened upon her remains found only the casket handles, a nameplate, and a few bones.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races T-Shirt Design Winner 2024
we are excited to announce the winner of the 2024 coffin races t-shirt design contest!

Thank you, Hector Medrano for all the effort you put into this winning design. Stay tuned for t-shirt presales happening in September. 

You love your pets, and so do we! However, we ask you do not bring your four-legged friends to this event.

New Family tradition!

5/5

This event was AMAZING!!!! I’ve discovered our new annual family tradition!!! — Angel H.

Best Halloween Activity!

5/5

If you have not been to the Coffin Races you should go and check it out. It is a hoot. One of the best Halloween activities of the year! —Keith J.

Plan ahead, be prepared!

5/5

…Folks it’s awesome! It’s an adorable tiny town with a Mardi Gras-esque event that is worth it all! Plan ahead and be prepared! We stayed just up the road in Cascade, took a Lyft down for a whole $7.00 and had a blast! — Daisy M.

Yay for free shuttles!

5/5

This was our first year going. It was so cool! I am so glad we read up on the event prior to going! Took advantage of the shuttle system and had no issues arriving or leaving. The online pamphlet was helpful to know where events were taking place and they also provided one coming off the shuttle. Great job, great event! — Donna D.B.

the fun is deadly

Sponsor this event

Sponsoring coffin races is a great way to get your business name out to the thousands of spectators that flock to town on race day. Fill out the sponsor request form and someone will be back with you soon!

Winners of the 30th Annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races

First Place Winners: Kiwanis Club and Key Club of Manitou Springs with a time of 27.7 seconds.
Second Place Winners: Treble Makers by the Manitou Music Foundation with a time of 27.7 seconds.
Third Place Winners: Zombie Tigers by American Furniture Warehouse with a time of 28 seconds.
Brewers Cup Winners: La Burla Bee - Best of the Brew Crew
Best Emma Winner: Emma's Wake
Best Entourage Winners: Conjuring Emma

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