If you're looking for some fun to help bring on the spring thaw, head to Nederland, CO, for three days of frigid frivolity at Frozen Dead Guy Days, March 8-10.
Celebrating its 18th year, the 2019 Frozen Dead Guy Days festival continues the tradition of being one of the quirkiest events in the country. The frosty fest pays homage to Bredo Morstol, the real frozen dead guy who lies in a state of suspended animation -- frozen in a Tuff Shed on dry ice high above the town of Nederland. As the story goes, Bredo Morstoel died from a heart condition in 1989 and was shipped to California to be placed in liquid nitrogen for years before being moved to Colorado in 1993 to stay with his daughter and grandson -- both of whom were strong advocates for cryonics.
Since then, thousands of people make the trek to Nederland every year for the annual town-wide celebration of this odd history.
Photo courtesy of FDGD Facebook
The quirky festival features live bands -- playing everything from bluegrass to rock and roll to reggae -- in heated tents, and fills the streets and fields of the small town with fun events like a hearse parade, coffin racing, a costumed polar plunge, frozen t-shirt contests, icy turkey bowling, and much more.
The event kicks off Friday, March 8, with The Blue Ball, a Hawaiian Luau-themed party with live music, costume contests, and endless cocktails and craft brews on tap. The fun continues Saturday, March 9, with a parade down the town's main street, the polar plunge, coffin races with outrageously-outfitted teams racing through a snowy obstacle course, then a day full of fun at various themed tents with local bands and brews. Activities continue on Sunday, March 10, with more live music plus events like a beard contest and an ice carving competition.
Check out the full lineup for the weekend's events here.
Photo courtesy of FDGD Facebook
Viewing of all outdoor activities is free to the public and beverages are available for purchase. However, events like the Blue Ball, coffin races, and other competitions will require tickets and/or registration fees, so find more info online here.
The Frozen Dead Guy Days website also has plenty of information about transportation, parking, and lodging in Nederland. You can also check out the Facebook event for updates!
Have you been to Frozen Dead Guy Days before? If so, share your experiences with us in the comments below.
