For over 20 years, Frozen Dead Guy Days has been one of Colorado’s quirkiest and most beloved winter festivals. This annual event celebrates the unusual story of Grandpa Bredo, a man cryogenically frozen in a Tuff Shed.
Now held in Estes Park, the festival takes place from March 14-16, 2025, with wild competitions, live music, and plenty of frosty fun. Visitors can enjoy coffin races, a polar plunge, and even a frostbite fashion show. If you’re looking for a truly unique winter experience, Frozen Dead Guy Days is the place to be!
What is Frozen Dead Guy Days?
Frozen Dead Guy Days is a one-of-a-kind winter festival held in Colorado, celebrating the fascinating story of Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, a man who has been cryogenically frozen for decades. What started as a quirky local legend has transformed into a massive annual event filled with live music, eccentric competitions, and winter-themed fun.
The festival embraces the strange, the humorous, and the outright bizarre, making it one of the most unique celebrations in the country. It brings together people from all walks of life who are eager to experience something out of the ordinary.
The event originally took place in Nederland but has since moved to Estes Park, where it continues to attract thousands of visitors. People come from all over to witness coffin races, take part in chilling contests, and enjoy nonstop entertainment throughout the weekend.
With a mix of spooky, funny, and frosty traditions, Frozen Dead Guy Days is an unforgettable experience that keeps growing in popularity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned attendee, the festival offers a fun way to embrace Colorado’s winter spirit while honoring a truly unusual story.
The Unbelievable History of Frozen Dead Guy Days
The origins of Frozen Dead Guy Days trace back to the incredible and somewhat eerie story of Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian man who passed away in 1989.
His grandson, Trygve Bauge, was deeply interested in cryonics and decided to preserve his grandfather’s body on dry ice, believing that one day science would have the power to bring him back to life. In an unusual turn of events, Bauge transported his frozen grandfather to Nederland, Colorado, where the body was kept in a homemade cryonics facility.
For years, Grandpa Bredo remained in deep freeze, even as his grandson was deported due to visa issues. When local authorities discovered the frozen body in the 1990s, they nearly ordered its removal. However, after much debate and public fascination, an exception was made—now famously known as the "Grandfather Clause."
This loophole allowed Bredo’s body to remain frozen in Nederland, sparking curiosity and eventually inspiring the first-ever Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in 2002. Since then, the event has grown into an annual tradition, celebrating the quirky and unconventional spirit of this bizarre but beloved story.
When and Where is Frozen Dead Guy Days?
Frozen Dead Guy Days takes place annually in March, usually over a weekend filled with frosty festivities. The 2025 event is scheduled for March 14-16, promising an action-packed experience for all attendees.
Previously held in Nederland, the festival recently moved to Estes Park, a charming mountain town known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant local culture. The new location allows for more space, bigger events, and an even livelier atmosphere.
The main festival grounds are centered around the Estes Park Events Complex and the historic Stanley Hotel, which is famously linked to The Shining. These iconic locations provide a fittingly eerie and exciting backdrop for a festival that celebrates the frozen and the unusual.
Beyond the main events, various bars, restaurants, and outdoor spaces throughout Estes Park host special activities, making it a town-wide celebration. Whether you’re staying for just a day or making a weekend trip out of it, Frozen Dead Guy Days is an experience unlike any other.
Exciting Activities at Frozen Dead Guy Days
Frozen Dead Guy Days is packed with unique and thrilling activities for visitors of all ages. From wacky competitions to live performances, here are some must-see events at the festival:
Coffin Races
One of the most anticipated events of the festival is the coffin races, where teams of six carry a costumed "corpse" through a challenging obstacle course. This race combines speed, strength, and teamwork, with participants often dressed in hilarious and spooky outfits.
The sight of people sprinting while carrying a makeshift coffin creates an electric atmosphere, drawing huge crowds every year. Whether you join in or just watch from the sidelines, the excitement is contagious.
Polar Plunge
For the bravest festival-goers, the polar plunge is an ultimate test of endurance. Participants jump into a near-freezing pool of water, enduring the icy shock while onlookers cheer them on. Many contestants dress up in wacky costumes, adding to the fun and spectacle of the event.
While it may sound extreme, the polar plunge is a highlight of the festival, proving that some people are truly willing to embrace the cold for the sake of tradition.
Frostbite Fashion Show
Fashion meets winter chill in the Frostbite Fashion Show, where contestants showcase their best frozen-themed outfits. Think elaborate ice queen dresses, skeleton-inspired ensembles, or even zombie snowmen costumes.
The creativity on display is always impressive, and the friendly competition makes for an entertaining experience. With prizes awarded for the most outrageous, creative, and stylish outfits, it’s a must-see event for festival attendees.
Live Music and Entertainment
Frozen Dead Guy Days wouldn’t be complete without an incredible lineup of live music. Throughout the weekend, local and national bands perform at multiple venues, keeping the energy high. From rock to folk to electronic beats, there’s a diverse mix of sounds to enjoy.
The festival also features comedy shows, dancing, and other performances, making sure there’s never a dull moment.
Essential Tips for Attending Frozen Dead Guy Days
If you’re planning to attend Frozen Dead Guy Days, here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Dress for the Cold
March in Colorado can bring unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from chilly to downright freezing. Layer up with warm clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable.
If you plan to wear a costume, make sure it’s warm enough to handle the cold while still allowing you to move around easily.
Arrive Early for Popular Events
Coffin races, the polar plunge, and other big events attract large crowds, so getting there early is essential if you want a good viewing spot. If you’re planning to participate in any contests, sign up as soon as possible since slots can fill up quickly.
The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of enjoying everything without feeling rushed.
Book Accommodations in Advance
Hotels and lodges in Estes Park tend to fill up fast during the festival weekend. If you’re traveling from out of town, secure your lodging well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
The Stanley Hotel is a popular choice for those wanting a spooky experience, but there are also budget-friendly options available nearby.
Try the Local Food and Drinks
Frozen Dead Guy Days is not just about the wacky competitions—it’s also a great time to explore Estes Park’s food scene.
The town is home to many excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, offering everything from warm comfort food to craft beers. Many places even offer festival-themed drinks and meals, making it worth checking out the local flavors.
Plan for Parking and Transportation
With so many attendees, parking can be a challenge. Look for shuttle services or park-and-ride options to avoid the hassle of finding a space.
If you’re staying in town, walking to the festival areas can be a great way to soak in the atmosphere and avoid traffic congestion.
Embrace the Fun and Weirdness
Frozen Dead Guy Days is all about celebrating the strange and unusual, so don’t hold back!
Whether it’s dressing up, joining a crazy competition, or just cheering on participants, the more you immerse yourself in the experience, the more fun you’ll have. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the weird and wonderful side of life.
Final Thoughts on Frozen Dead Guy Days
Frozen Dead Guy Days is a festival like no other, celebrating the weird, the wacky, and the wonderfully frozen. From thrilling coffin races to chilling polar plunges, every part of the event embraces the unusual history of Grandpa Bredo in a way that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
The move to Estes Park has only made the festival bigger and better, offering more space and exciting new experiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Frozen Dead Guy Days is an unforgettable way to embrace Colorado’s quirky side.
With live music, fun competitions, and a lively winter atmosphere, there’s never a dull moment. So bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience one of the most unique festivals in the country!
