Every March, the charming mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado, transforms into a frosty playground for one of the most eccentric festivals in the country — Frozen Dead Guy Days. Rooted in a tale that’s as bizarre as it is fascinating, this event brings together thousands of visitors for a weekend of icy fun, live music, offbeat competitions, and community camaraderie.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the festival or a first-time attendee curious about its chilling backstory, Frozen Dead Guy Days 2025 promises an unforgettable experience that blends small-town hospitality with outrageous fun.
The Chilling Tale of Grandpa Bredo
The origins of Frozen Dead Guy Days date back to the unusual story of Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian man whose body was cryogenically frozen after his death in 1989. His grandson, Trygve Bauge, brought Bredo’s body to Nederland, Colorado, intending to preserve him until future technology could revive him.
Stored in a Tuff Shed packed with dry ice and a strict maintenance schedule, Grandpa Bredo became a local legend. His frozen status eventually sparked both controversy and fascination, prompting the town to create a festival in his honor in 2002. What began as a small-town oddity quickly snowballed into a full-scale winter celebration.
From Nederland to Estes Park
After nearly two decades in Nederland, the festival relocated to Estes Park in 2023. The change of venue brought new life and energy to the event, offering better infrastructure and expanded entertainment options. Nestled at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park provides a stunning natural backdrop for the wild winter revelry.
In 2025, the festival is expected to draw even bigger crowds, with expanded events, local collaborations, and fresh takes on beloved traditions.
Festival Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
Coffin Races
One of the most iconic features of Frozen Dead Guy Days is the coffin races. Teams of costumed participants build homemade coffins and race them through a snowy obstacle course. It’s part competition, part spectacle, and 100% entertaining. Each team adds its own flair, often inspired by pop culture, horror films, or pure comedic gold.
Polar Plunge
Not for the faint of heart, the Polar Plunge invites brave souls to jump into frigid waters, often dressed in outlandish costumes. This activity usually supports local nonprofits and adds a philanthropic twist to the otherwise wild festivities.
Live Music Performances
Frozen Dead Guy Days is also a music lover’s paradise. Multiple stages throughout Estes Park host a variety of bands, from folk and bluegrass to rock and funk. The live music creates an energetic vibe that pulses through the snowy streets, keeping festivalgoers dancing and warm despite the chilly temperatures.
The Royal Blue Ball
Held at the elegant Stanley Hotel, the Royal Blue Ball is the official kickoff party for the festival. This costume gala encourages guests to dress in their finest winter wear or eccentric getups. Complete with live music, dancing, and themed drinks, the Blue Ball sets the tone for the weekend’s weird and wonderful vibe.
The Parade of Hearses
What’s a frozen-themed festival without a lineup of hearses? The Parade of Hearses is a must-see event, featuring elaborately decorated hearses that roll through downtown Estes Park, often accompanied by costumed characters and theatrical performances.
Food, Drinks, and Local Flavors
Estes Park’s culinary scene embraces the festival spirit with specialty items and seasonal menus. Local restaurants and food vendors serve up themed dishes like “Embalmed Brisket Sandwiches” and “Brain Freeze Milkshakes.” Bars across town offer limited-time cocktails such as the “Dead Guy Mule” or “Cryo-Cider,” ensuring that festivalgoers stay fueled and festive.
There are also beer gardens, hot cocoa stations, and food trucks throughout the festival grounds. Whether you’re looking for hearty comfort food or quirky novelty bites, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Family-Friendly Fun
While Frozen Dead Guy Days has its fair share of adult humor and irreverent activities, there are plenty of family-friendly options as well. Kids can enjoy ice sculpting, snow painting, face painting, scavenger hunts, and interactive storytelling. Local museums and community centers often join in the fun with crafts and educational exhibits explaining the unique history behind the event.
Why Attend Frozen Dead Guy Days?
- Unique Experience: There’s truly nothing like it. Frozen Dead Guy Days combines the absurd with the artistic, the macabre with the joyful.
- Scenic Location: Estes Park offers stunning winter views, cozy lodging, and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Community Spirit: Local businesses, volunteers, and residents come together to create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
- Bucket-List Worthy: If you love quirky festivals or want to explore something outside the norm, this is a must-visit event.
Planning Your Trip
Dates: March 14–16, 2025
Location: Downtown Estes Park, Colorado
Tickets: Available online and at select retail locations closer to the event
Transportation: Free shuttles, park-and-ride options, and public parking lots are available
Lodging: Book early — hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals fill quickly during the festival weekend
If you’re flying in, Denver International Airport is the closest major airport, about a two-hour drive from Estes Park. Car rentals and shuttle services are available from the airport.
Pro Tips for a Great Festival Experience
- Dress in Layers: March weather in Estes Park can be unpredictable. Be prepared for snow, wind, and cold temps.
- Bring Cash: Some vendors may not accept cards, especially in outdoor areas.
- Arrive Early: Events like the coffin races and Polar Plunge get crowded. Arrive ahead of time to grab a good viewing spot.
- Respect the Weird: Part of the fun is embracing the festival’s offbeat charm. Let loose and enjoy the quirky vibe.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Weird, the Wild, and the Frozen
Frozen Dead Guy Days 2025 is more than just a weekend of festivities — it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community spirit. With its roots in one of the strangest true stories in Colorado history, the festival reminds us that life — even in death — should be honored with humor, music, and togetherness.
Whether you’re sliding across the finish line in a makeshift coffin or dancing in the snow to a local band, you’ll leave Estes Park with memories (and probably photos) you’ll treasure forever.
Make room on your calendar and your bucket list — Frozen Dead Guy Days is a winter experience like no other.
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