Four costumed teammates racing a wheeled coffin through town, with someone dressed as Emma Crawford along for the ride. That is an actual Saturday plan in Manitou Springs.
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races return on October 24, 2026, and watching the races is free. The course is on the 900 block of Manitou Avenue.
The costumes are part of the competition, too. Visit Colorado Springs lists awards for Best Emma, Best Coffin and Best Entourage. A fast team with a boring box is leaving an entire category of glory on the table.
The tradition began in 1995 in memory of Crawford. According to the town’s account, her coffin slid down Red Mountain years after she was buried there.
Be there for the parade
The Fan Zone opens at 10 a.m. in the 700 block of Manitou Avenue. The parade starts at noon, with the races following it, approximately 1–2 p.m. Arriving for the parade gives you a chance to see the teams before they start racing.
A finish-line bleacher seat is the paid option. The organizer’s Eventeny listing currently lists those tickets at $32.21, including its displayed $2.21 processing fee. Those tickets are nonrefundable; review the seating details before buying.
The part to plan now: getting into town
Use the event-specific parking instructions rather than counting on a spot beside the race:
- Park and shuttle: Free parking at the Citizens Service Center/DMV, 1675 Garden of the Gods Road. The shuttle costs $5 round trip, cash only; ages 12 and under ride free. Service runs 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Rideshare: The designated pickup and drop-off address is 484 Manitou Avenue.
- Bike: Free bike valet is available at Memorial Park from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Organizers ask visitors to leave pets at home. Put the shuttle cash somewhere you can reach while wearing your costume, and give yourself time to get downtown before noon.
