Grandpa Bredo Morstoel will be honored at the Estes Park Events Complex, as the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival kicks off at 2 p.m. Friday. The event will feature live music, exciting competitions, and unique activities running through Sunday.

Thousands of attendees are expected to enjoy the festivities over the weekend, all thanks to the 125-year-old Norwegian man who now resides at The Stanley Hotel — frozen, of course, in cryogenic preservation.

Papae Litchfield, communications manager at Visit Estes Park, estimates a crowd of around 6,000 spectators and added, “Local businesses can expect a vibrant and bustling weekend as festivalgoers are encouraged to explore and immerse themselves in the community. Our team has worked closely with local businesses to host satellite events, ensuring they are not only part of the festival experience but also featured in our marketing efforts. By promoting a full weekend of activities and providing transportation to make getting around easier, we’re creating more opportunities for visitors to dine, shop, and experience everything the town has to offer,” said Litchfield.

Frosty weather is in the forecast for the event. Greg Berman, a weather analyst for Estes Park, shared his detailed outlook for the weekend. “Old Man Winter has decided to bring us an icy forecast for today and at least half of this weekend for the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival and celebration,” Berman said.

He continued, “If you’re watching or participating in events like the Coffin Races and the Polar Plunge, dress warmly because temperatures will only reach the 30s today and Saturday, with highs possibly creeping into the 40s on Sunday.”

Berman added, “The winds will add to the chills, with gusts up to 40 mph possible through the weekend. And to top off the frozen celebration, we might see snow, along with cold rain or sleet, especially today and Saturday.”

Estes Park businesses are preparing for a busy weekend, with some hotels already sold out. “We have a few rooms left for Friday night, but we’re sold out on Saturday,” said Tripp Goodwin, general manager of Expedition Lodge.

Goodwin, who has worked with FDGD in various capacities over the past three years, recalled some memorable moments.

“The huge snowstorm last year just days before the event definitely stands out, but really, it’s the fantastic music and getting together with friends to enjoy a great event in our hometown,” he said.

The festival will kick off with the frozen bar crawl, where participants can enjoy drinks like the Deadly Beloved and Icy Afterlife as they make their way through town, eventually heading to the Frozen Blue Ball at The Stanley Hotel. Fans will dress up in creative costumes while enjoying live music from DJ Mack and band, Break Science.

The Bull Pen will be part of the bar crawl and will also offer a special menu, including “scratch-made house-smoked meats, hand-dipped cheese curds, and the best wings in town,” according to Erin Wiltshire, general manager of The Bull Pen.

Additionally, The Bull Pen will feature a “zombie transformation station” with professional makeup artist Vox Jay, offering a spooky touch from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday to kick off the bar crawl.

The Coffin Races will start at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the Polar Plunge taking center stage Sunday.