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.

Find a hidden mini coffin in town? Bring it into the Chamber of Commerce!

Bring in a mini coffin and receive a special prize!

Find more than one? Keep your favorite and return the others so that another person may enjoy finding a coffin for themselves!

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

Family Elephant in Soda Springs Park

Get ready to move your feet! Family Elephant, a powerhouse Roots-Rock band from Woodland Park, CO, is all about turning up the energy with their soulful, foot-stomping tunes. With core members Joe McGarry, Justin Fischer, and Julian Dillon leading the charge, this band is all about honest songwriting and keeping the dance floor alive! Their music blends Rock & Roll, Blues, Funk, and a splash of Country, creating a sound that’s impossible to resist.

They’ve rocked the stage at some of Colorado’s favorite festivals—Meadowgrass, Territory Days, and Mountain of the Sun—bringing the crowd to their feet every time. Their debut album Treats (2018) was independently recorded, engineered, and mastered with a little magic from hit-making mastering engineer Chet Bennett. And they’re just getting started! Family Elephant also loves to collaborate with the area’s finest musicians, who help make every performance a wild and unforgettable ride.

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 William Hildebrand, 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.

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.

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!