Emma Crawford Coffin Races

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UniqueManitou Springs
Dates24 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-About 10,000 people
Best forUnusual spectacle, playful rulesUnlike most Halloween-season events built on
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryUniqueFestival type
The story

Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs

Every autumn, Manitou Springs, Colorado stages coffin races down its main street, with teams pushing decorated coffins - and a costumed rider inside - through a parade and race course. Started in 1995 by the local Chamber of Commerce, the free event is built around the real, strange legend of Emma Crawford, whose coffin slid down Red Mountain decades after her burial.

Emma Crawford arrived in Manitou Springs, Colorado in 1889, drawn like many nineteenth-century visitors by the town's mineral springs, which were widely believed to help treat tuberculosis.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike most Halloween-season events built on generic spooky themes, this festival is anchored to a specific, documented local legend: Emma Crawford, who came to Manitou Springs in 1889 seeking a cure for tuberculosis in its mineral springs, was buried near the summit of Red Mountain in 1891 at her request, carried there by her fiance and eleven townspeople

02

The mystery stays covered

In 1929, erosion from harsh winters and spring rains caused her coffin to slide down the slope, and children who found it recovered only the handles, a nameplate, and a few bones

03

The city starts moving

The modern race, launched by the Chamber of Commerce in 1995 as the first event of its kind in the nation, turns that eerie true story into a lighthearted community competition rather than a solemn memorial

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Teams build and decorate their own coffins each year

Water and renewal

Living ritual

often around a fresh theme

The sacred route

Living ritual

and the noon parade before the races has become as much a community showcase as the race itself

The local code

Living ritual

with local businesses and civic groups participating alongside competitive racing teams

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

24 October 2026

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Costumes are strongly encouraged and part of the fun, especially Victorian-era or spooky themes tied to the Emma Crawford story; layered clothing works well since late-October afternoons in...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.86 N, 104.92 WOpen in Google Maps

Manitou Springs, CO

Nearest airportCOS — City of Colorado Springs Municipal
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Manitou Springs via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Manitou Springs, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearCostumes are strongly encouraged and part of the fun, especially Victorian-era or spooky themes tied to the Emma Crawford story; layered clothing works well since late-October afternoons in Manitou Springs can be crisp.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Emma Crawford Coffin Races?

Emma Crawford Coffin Races is listed for 24 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Emma Crawford Coffin Races take place?

The festival is listed in Manitou Springs, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Manitou Springs, CO

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmanitousprings.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates24 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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