Frozen Dead Guy Days 2025: Estes Park’s Weirdest Festival & Best Things to Do
- Lost Outfitters
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Frozen Dead Guy Days: Colorado’s Weirdest and Most Wonderful Festival
If you’ve spent any time in Colorado, you know we love a good festival—especially one with a quirky backstory. Enter Frozen Dead Guy Days, an annual celebration that’s part winter carnival, part music festival, and all-around weird in the best way possible. After more than 20 years in Nederland, the festival has now found a new home in Estes Park, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, 2025 is the year to change that.
So, Who’s the Frozen Dead Guy?
The festival’s origins are as bizarre as its name. It all started with a man named Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian who passed away in 1989. Instead of a traditional burial, his grandson, Trygve Bauge, decided to have his body frozen, hoping that one day science would be able to bring him back to life. After some time in California, Bredo’s body made its way to Nederland, Colorado, where it was kept in a shed, packed in dry ice.
When the town discovered there was literally a frozen dead guy in someone’s backyard, instead of panicking, they leaned into the weirdness—and Frozen Dead Guy Days was born. The festival quickly became a staple of Colorado’s offbeat culture, drawing thousands of people each year for a weekend of coffin races, polar plunges, and all kinds of frozen fun.
The Festival Comes to Estes Park
In 2023, Frozen Dead Guy Days packed up and moved to Estes Park, bringing its legacy of oddball antics with it. Now held at the Estes Park Events Complex and The Stanley Hotel (yes, that Stanley Hotel from The Shining), the festival has more space, more events, and even more reasons to visit.
If you’re wondering what to expect, here’s a quick rundown of some festival highlights:
Coffin Races – Think soapbox derby, but with teams hauling a coffin through an obstacle course. It’s as ridiculous (and entertaining) as it sounds.
The Polar Plunge – A true test of Colorado grit. Jumping into icy water in the middle of March? Absolutely.
Live Music – The festival isn’t just about frozen antics—it also brings in great bands for a full weekend of live entertainment.
Costume Contests – If you’ve got an idea for a zombie, ghost, or anything cold-themed, this is your moment to shine.
Themed Food & Drinks – Because nothing pairs with a festival about a frozen corpse quite like a well-crafted cocktail and a good meal.
Other Things to Do in Estes Park This Weekend
Frozen Dead Guy Days is the main event, but there’s plenty more to explore in Estes Park while you’re here. If you’re looking to round out your weekend, here are some must-do activities:
Take a Guided Fly Fishing Trip with Lost Outfitters – March may be chilly, but the fishing can be red-hot below Lake Estes and on the Big Thompson River. Our experienced guides at Lost Outfitters know exactly where to find trout, and we’ll get you set up with everything you need for a successful day on the water.
Explore Rocky Mountain National Park – Winter and early spring in RMNP mean fewer crowds and incredible snowy landscapes. Go for a scenic drive, hike around Bear Lake, or strap on some snowshoes for a peaceful adventure.
Stroll Downtown Estes Park – Warm up with a coffee from a local café, browse unique shops, and grab a bite at one of Estes Park’s great restaurants.
Visit the Stanley Hotel – Whether you’re a fan of The Shining or just love a good ghost story, the Stanley Hotel is a must-see. Take a tour, grab a drink at the Whiskey Bar, and soak in the history of this iconic spot.
Why You Should Go
Frozen Dead Guy Days isn’t just about the strange and unusual—it’s about embracing Colorado’s fun-loving, slightly eccentric spirit. Whether you’re a local or visiting Estes Park for a weekend adventure, this festival is an unforgettable way to experience our state’s one-of-a-kind culture.
So, mark your calendar for March 14-16, 2025, and come see what all the (frozen) hype is about. And while you’re here, why not book a fly fishing or hiking trip with us at Lost Outfitters? After all, nothing warms you up after a cold weekend like some time on the water or trails.
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