Saturday, October 24, 2026
The crisp autumn air on North Second Street is about to get a whole lot livelier—and a little bit spookier. On Saturday, October 24, Frenchtown is launching its wildest new fall tradition: the Frenchtown Dead Heat Coffin Race, sponsored by the Frenchtown Heritage Museum. The premise for this inaugural race is delightfully straightforward: Build it, push it, race it, and win.
Starting at 3:00 PM outside Bench Racers, teams will gather for mandatory check-ins and safety inspections. Each race team will consist of three to five adults (ages 18 and up)—one will be the designated "corpse" to ride inside the coffin and two to four "mourners" will push the coffin. The coffins must be human-powered, as no motors, engines, or steering mechanics are allowed.
At 4:00 PM, teams will race a 100-yard course between Bainbridge and Howard (the two blocks in front of McKinley School and Bench Racers).
At 6:00 PM, organizers plan to have a brass band lead a New Orleans–style "Funeral Procession" parade down North Second Street under police escort, flowing straight into a block party in front of Good News Brewery and Naked Tiki, where winners will be announced and prizes awarded. Expect live music, local bites, cold drinks, and there may even be an Elvis sighting at Naked Tiki. A team of judges will be incognito during the event to evaluate and determine winners. Official trophies and $100 cash prizes will be awarded for the team that wins the race, best decorated coffin, and best team entourage.
Email [email protected] to request your official registration packet. The cost is $25 per team and the registration deadline is October 10.
Gather your crew, build your dead-set ride, and prepare to push for immortality!