24 hours in a coffin? Elitch Gardens Fright Fest begins Saturday

The ghouls, goblins, ghosts and monsters will begin to haunt the midways of Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park on Saturday night.

It's officially Fright Fest season.

And Denver's own major theme park plans to dig up something new for this year.

"Fright Fest is hands-down our most anticipated event of the season," David Dorman, General Manager of Elitch Gardens, said in a statement.

Perhaps the scariest, or most daunting event of this year's Fright Fest, is the park's new 24-hour coffin stunt called the "pine box challenge."

"Five brave souls who are willing to face the darkness and conquer their fears must spend a full 24 hours inside the park's custom-made coffins," Elitch Gardens officials said in a news release.

The coffin challenge begins on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. until Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Those who can stay inside for an entire day will receive a coffin full of treats, two Elitch Gardens 2025 Season Passes, two 2025 Premium Dining Plans and two 2024 Fright Fest X-Scream Admission passes, good for unlimited entry into the park's haunted houses.

"This year, the scare factor is even more intense," Dorman said. "With the introduction of this incredible challenge and wicked additions to the park's lineup. Whether you're looking for whimsically spooky fun in Booville, intensely heart-racing rides or scintillatingly gruesome Fright By Night adventures, there's something for every type of Halloween lover this season."

Those participating in the pine box challenge will have designated bathroom and meal breaks. Those applying for the challenge must submit a application and small essay as to why they should be selected.

On its website, park officials said coffin participants will face "sinister challenges designed to push their boundaries of fear to the extreme. Creepy, crawly bugs, coaster rides in the dark and solo walks in the haunted attractions are just some of the terrifying challenges that await."

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest is hosted for six weekends from Sept. 28 to Nov. 3. Each day the park will run under normal operations, with most major roller coasters and carnival rides open throughout the day.

But, at 6 p.m., the park unleashes its collection of scare actors who will jump scare just about anyone in designated scare zones. Park officials said they don't recommend the park after 6 p.m. to those under 12 years old. Although, there aren't any chaperone policies in place, according to a park spokesperson.

Guests over the age of 10 aren't allowed to wear costumes with masks, according to park policy.

Fright Fest includes an adult-only night and costume contest on Oct. 4.

This season, Elitch Gardens will feature three haunted houses: Carn-Evil, Lock Up: No Escape and Séance. Combined or single use tickets are available on the Elitch Gardens website .