Each March, a celebration like no other takes over Estes Park — a blend of winter magic, eccentric traditions, and thousands of costumed revelers. Welcome to Frozen Dead Guy Days, one of Colorado’s most iconic and bizarre festivals.
The Strange, True Origin of Frozen Dead Guy Days
Believe it or not, the festival is inspired by a real frozen corpse.
In the early 1990s, the small mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, made headlines when it was discovered that a man named Bredo Morstøl — affectionately known as “Grandpa Bredo” — was cryogenically frozen and kept in a Tuff Shed behind his grandson’s home. The discovery sparked local fascination, and in 2002, Nederland officially embraced the weirdness with a winter festival in his honor: Frozen Dead Guy Days.
Over the years, it grew into a beloved celebration featuring outrageous events like coffin races, zombie costume contests, and the famous Polar Plunge. In 2023, the event moved to its new permanent home in Estes Park, bringing the fun to a larger, more accessible setting while preserving everything that makes it so unique.
What to Expect at Frozen Dead Guy Days 2026
Mark your calendar for March 27–29, 2026, as Estes Park once again becomes the ultimate destination for winter weirdness. Here’s the full weekend rundown:
Friday, March 27, 2026
Royal Blue Ball at The Stanley Hotel
Kick off the weekend with style at the Royal Blue Ball, hosted at the legendary Stanley Hotel. This upscale evening features live music, immersive performances, and an atmosphere filled with mysterious elegance. Dress your best and prepare to dance the night away.
Frozen Dead Bar Crawl — Various Locations
After the ball, head into town for the Frozen Dead Bar Crawl, where participating bars and breweries serve up themed cocktails and winter fun. It’s a great way to meet fellow festival-goers and keep the energy going late into the night.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Cryogenic Cannibal Chase 8K
Start your Saturday with a high-energy 8K that’s anything but ordinary. Costumes are encouraged — the more undead, the better — as participants race (or shuffle) through Estes Park in a celebration of the creepy and the cold.
Coffin Races & Live Music Festival
The heart of the event, Saturday’s coffin races are a fan favorite. Watch teams in costume sprint and swerve through the course pushing handmade coffins on wheels, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. Between races, enjoy a full lineup of live music, food trucks, quirky vendors, and nonstop entertainment throughout the Estes Park Events Complex.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Polar Plunge at The Stanley Hotel
One of Frozen Dead Guy Days’ most legendary traditions — the Polar Plunge — invites the brave to leap into icy waters, surrounded by snowy scenery and festival cheers. It’s a true bucket-list experience!
Bands & Bloody’s Brunch — Various Locations
Wind down the weekend with a relaxing and delicious Bands & Bloody’s Brunch. Local spots across Estes Park serve up creative Bloody Marys, tasty brunch menus, and live music to help you toast to a weekend well spent.
Stay at Valhalla Resort
Now that you know the Frozen Dead Guy Days history, join in on the fun and unwind with a stay at Valhalla Resort. Our budget-friendly resort features comfortable cabins ranging from small, one-bedroom homes to large, four-bedroom rentals. Each is equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, cable TV, and private decks with grills, all with cozy mountain decor and the comforts of home.