Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
900 Block of Manitou Avenue
Free
Limited Accessibility
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
900 Block of Manitou Avenue
Free
Limited Accessibility
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.
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.
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, Wilhelm carried Emma’s coffin up the 7,200 foot slope and buried her near the summit of Red Mountain.
In 1929, after years of snowy 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.
Visit the Manitou Springs Heritage Museum website for more historical details about Emma’s life.
This year’s winning design is by Jasmin Kuykendall. Pre-sales now open!
This event was AMAZING!!!! I’ve discovered our new annual family tradition!!! —Angel H.
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.
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.
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.
Sponsoring our Coffin Races is a great way to get your business name out to the 10,000+ spectators that flock to our small mountain town on race day, not to mention our international livestream that reaches 7+ countries! Fill out the sponsor request form and we will get back with you soon.
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!
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