If you’ve ever looked at a Manitou Springs winter weekend and thought, “We want something fun… but not a whole production,” the Great Fruitcake Toss is your event. One minute you’re bundled up in Memorial Park watching fruitcakes fly; the next you’re deciding whether you’re brave enough to try the Distance throw, nail the Accuracy hoops, or wobble your way through the Balance race—spatula and all.
Key Takeaways
– What it is: A funny winter event where people throw fruitcakes and cheer at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs
– When to go: Usually noon–3 p.m.; check the official listing because weather can change the date
– Arrive early: Get there before noon for easier parking and time to find restrooms and the game areas
– Cost: $1 per toss or game; extra toss tickets are also $1
– Bring your own fruitcake: Yes, but it must pass inspection and follow the rules (about 1 pound, rectangular, made with flour, nuts, and fruit; no inedible items)
– Games you can try: Distance (throw far), Accuracy (hit targets), Balance (carry on a spatula), BasketCake (3 tosses into baskets for points)
– Family-friendly: Stay behind the safety lines; keep kids close near the throwing lanes
– Dog-friendly: Leashed dogs are allowed; bring water and keep your dog away from flying fruitcakes
– Dress for cold + sun: Wear layers, warm socks, a hat, and grippy gloves; bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and water
– What to pack: Hand warmers, snacks, wipes, a phone battery pack, and an extra layer (cold drains batteries fast)
– Easy day plan: Warm drink before, fruitcake toss in the middle, and a warm indoor stop after (shops, food, or the Penny Arcade)
– RV tip: Leave the RV at your campsite and come into town with a smaller vehicle, rideshare, or bike to avoid tight parking and traffic
If you’re planning this as a quick local outing, the winning move is keeping it simple. Show up early, pick one or two games to watch (or try), then build in an easy warm-up stop and a warm indoor stop after. That “bookend” approach is what turns a cold day into a fun day you’ll actually want to repeat next year.
If you’re coming from Colorado Springs, Monument, or right from Manitou Springs, think of the Fruitcake Toss like a mini festival with a short window. You don’t need a big itinerary, but you do want a plan for the basics: parking, layers, and where your group will meet if you get separated. Do that, and you’ll spend your time laughing at the action instead of scanning the crowd with frozen hands.
Here’s what you actually need to know to show up confident: when to arrive (the event typically runs noon–3 p.m.), where to go in the park, how toss tickets work (yes, you can bring your own cake—there are rules), what’s family- and dog-friendly, and how to handle the cold without cutting your day short.
Keep reading if you want the “don’t-miss-this” tips—like how early to get there to avoid parking stress, what to pack so you’re not freezing by round two, and the easiest way to turn the toss into a low-effort Manitou day trip (or an easy one-night stay from Pikes Peak RV Park).
Quick Take: The 60-Second Plan
If you just want the basics before you toss on boots and head out, here’s the snapshot. The Great Fruitcake Toss is an annual Manitou Springs winter tradition held outdoors at Memorial Park, and it’s exactly as goofy as it sounds—in the best way. People show up to watch, compete, laugh at the near-misses, and cheer for the surprisingly athletic throws.
Use this simple plan and you’ll feel like a regular. Aim to arrive before noon if you want low-stress parking and time to get oriented, because the event window is usually noon to 3 p.m. The 31st annual Fruitcake Toss ran January 31, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m., as listed on the VisitCOS listing, and in some years the date shifts for weather (2025 moved to February 1 after a postponement, per the CPR recap).
Here’s the quick checklist you’ll be glad you read:
– Where: Memorial Park in Manitou Springs (ADA-accessible, per the Manitou Springs page)
– Dogs: leashed dogs are welcome (noted on the VisitCOS listing)
– Cost: $1 per toss/event, with additional toss tickets $1 (described in the CPR recap and the VisitCOS listing)
– Bring your own fruitcake: yes, but it must pass inspection and meet the rules (more on that below)
What Is the Great Fruitcake Toss (and Why Manitou Loves It)
Picture a small-town festival vibe dropped into winter: people in puffy jackets, someone in a costume you didn’t expect, and a crowd that’s laughing even when the wind picks up. The Great Fruitcake Toss isn’t trying to be polished, and that’s the charm. It feels like Manitou Springs doing what Manitou Springs does best—turning a random idea into a tradition people come back for.
The origin story is refreshingly simple. In 1995, locals started tossing fruitcakes in the park, and the idea stuck; now it’s a recurring annual event that draws spectators and competitors year after year, as described on the Manitou Springs page. You don’t need a perfect throw, a team, or a big plan to enjoy it. You just need a little curiosity and enough warmth to stick around for “one more round.”
It’s especially great if you’re in that “weekend fun seeker” mode. Locals from Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, and Monument can roll in for a half-day outing that still feels like you went somewhere. Families get a silly winter memory without committing to a full-day itinerary, and friends who love quirky traditions get the kind of story that sounds made up until you show the photos.
When and Where to Go: Timing, Layout, and What to Expect
The easiest way to plan is to treat noon to 3 p.m. as your default window, then double-check the official listing before you go. The 31st annual event ran January 31, 2026 from noon to 3 p.m., according to the VisitCOS listing. The same tradition can land in late January or early February, and weather can nudge plans—2025 shifted to February 1 after a postponement, as noted in the CPR recap.
Now for the part that saves you stress: choose an arrival time based on your goal. If you want the calmest experience, show up before noon and take a lap through the park to find your viewing spot, restrooms, and the general flow of the event. If you want to compete, early arrival buys you time to get tickets, read the vibe of each game, and do a quick shoulder warm-up without feeling rushed. If you’re short on time, you can still pop in for one competition segment and a quick walk through the crowd, but give yourself a buffer because winter boots, kids, and strollers all move at their own pace.
Memorial Park itself is a straightforward venue, which is part of what makes the day feel doable. It’s outdoors, you’ll likely be standing for stretches, and the throwing areas operate like mini sports zones—fun to watch, but not the place to drift into with a coffee in hand. The park is described as ADA-accessible on the Manitou Springs page, so you’ll see ramps and walkways that need to stay clear; it’s a small courtesy that keeps the day comfortable for everyone.
Getting There Without the Parking Headache
Manitou Springs is charming because it’s compact, but that also means traffic and parking can get tight when a popular event rolls in. The best mindset is park-once: pick a spot, lock it in, and plan your day on foot rather than trying to move your vehicle between stops. That one decision can turn “why did we come” into “this is actually fun” in about five minutes.
If you’re coming from Colorado Springs or Monument, build in a little extra time and arrive earlier than you think you need. Earlier arrival usually means less congestion, more parking options, and a calmer entry into the park before the noon rush. If winter roads are in play, toss a simple cold-weather car kit in the trunk—an extra warm layer or blanket, water, a flashlight, and a phone charger—because the day is a lot more relaxing when you’re not counting on “we’ll be fine.”
If you’re staying in an RV, this is where you’ll be especially happy you planned ahead. Leave the RV at your campsite and take a smaller vehicle, rideshare, or bike, because large rigs and busy small-town streets don’t mix well on event days. If biking is your thing, the event supports bike access with racks at the park and even mentions a PikeRide discount code FRUITCAKE for a free 20-minute ride on the Manitou Springs page; just assume shaded spots can be slick and bring lights for visibility.
How to Join In: Tickets, Toss Options, and the Bring-Your-Own Rules
Participating is refreshingly low-stakes. You can pay $1 per toss or event, and additional toss tickets are $1, as described in the CPR recap and listed on the VisitCOS listing. That pricing makes it easy to try one game, laugh at yourself, and decide you want “just one more” without feeling like you committed to a big expense.
You’ve got two simple ways to do it. You can use fruitcakes available through the event, or you can bring your own fruitcake—yes, really—and pay to toss. If you bring one from home, it has to meet specific requirements and pass inspection by Fruitcake Tech Inspectors, as explained in the CPR recap. The rules aren’t there to ruin anyone’s fun; they keep the throwing consistent and the event safe.
If you’re bringing your own fruitcake, treat it like fragile cargo. The requirements include that it should be rectangular, about one pound, and made with flour, nuts, and fruit, with no inedible items, per the CPR recap. The easiest way to avoid a pre-toss crumble is to transport it in a sturdy container, keep it intact until inspection, and hold off on “testing” it in the car. If you’re attending with kids, pick a simple meet-up spot early—like a nearby tree or sign—because it’s much easier to regroup when everyone has a shared landmark.
The Competitions: Pick Your Style (and Your Level of Chaos)
The games are part athletic challenge, part comedy, and part “how did that just happen.” Distance is the classic: you throw a fruitcake as far as you can, and the crowd instantly turns into supportive hecklers and impromptu coaches. Accuracy is the one that surprises people, because it’s not about power—it’s about control, timing, and not overthinking it. The event descriptions for Distance and Accuracy appear on the Manitou Springs page.
Balance might be the fan favorite if you’re with a family or a group that loves a laugh. You race a course while balancing a fruitcake on a spatula, and you get a five-second drop allowance, which is generous until you’re the one trying to scoop it back up without losing your place, as described on the Manitou Springs page. BasketCake is a quick, easy-to-understand game—three tosses into baskets with points-based scoring—so it’s perfect when your crew wants to do something together without a lot of explanation, according to the VisitCOS listing.
A few small moves make participation smoother in winter. Wear closed-toe shoes with real tread and clothing you don’t mind getting a little messy, because thrown food plus winter ground can be unpredictable. Bring gloves with grip for throwing; cold hands lose dexterity fast, and grippy gloves help you control the cake instead of watching it slip mid-swing. And do a simple shoulder warm-up—arm circles, light stretching—because repetitive throwing in cold air is exactly how people end up sore the next day for no good reason.
Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly: Safety and Etiquette That Keeps It Fun
The Fruitcake Toss is a great family outing when you treat it like a playful sports event, not a free-for-all. The throwing zones are there for a reason, and spectators are safest when they stay behind designated lines and avoid stepping into active lanes mid-throw. If you’ve got younger kids, keep them close, point out the lanes like you would at a little league game, and remind them that the best view is from behind the action, not inside it.
Crowd comfort matters just as much as rules. Winter parks can have slick patches, so traction beats fashion every time, and a spare pair of socks in the car can be a day-saver if someone gets damp. If you’ve got a noise-sensitive kid, small ear protection can help, and a couple of snacks prevent the classic “we’re cold and hungry” spiral. When you stop to take photos, pull strollers and groups to the side so ramps and walkways stay open—especially important since Memorial Park is noted as ADA-accessible on the Manitou Springs page.
If you’re bringing a dog, plan like you’re taking them on a winter walk with distractions. Leashed dogs are welcome, as noted on the VisitCOS listing, but a leash also prevents the sudden dart toward a flying fruitcake. Bring water even if it’s cold, and consider a warm layer for smaller or short-haired dogs; standing still in winter hits them faster than a brisk walk. If your dog is anxious in crowds, it’s completely fine to enjoy the event from the edges, where you can step out easily when you’ve had enough.
Dress Smart for Winter: Comfort, Altitude, and “We Can Stay Longer” Energy
Manitou Springs winter days can feel like a split-screen forecast. In the shade, you’re grateful for every layer; in the sun, you suddenly wonder why you wore the thickest jacket you own. The reliable move is dressing in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer, and a wind-resistant outer layer, so you can adjust without feeling trapped in your own clothes.
Warm extremities make the biggest difference. Insulated gloves (ideally with grip) matter more than adding another torso layer, and warm socks plus a hat can turn “we need to leave” into “let’s watch one more round.” Even in winter, high-altitude sun can be intense, so sunglasses and sunscreen aren’t overkill when you’re outside for a couple hours. And keep water with you—dry air and altitude can sneak up on you, and hydration helps you feel steady even if you’re sipping hot chocolate between throws.
If you’re coming from lower elevation, give yourself permission to keep the day easy. A short stroll, a couple competition rounds, and a warm indoor break can feel better than trying to cram in everything at once. Taking breaks, pacing your activity, and going light on alcohol during the coldest parts of the day can help many visitors feel better at altitude. You’ll enjoy the Fruitcake Toss more when your body isn’t quietly negotiating with you to head back to the car.
Too Good To Toss: The Bake-Off Option (and a Smart Way to Warm Up)
Not everyone comes to launch baked goods across a park. Some people come for the community vibe, the photo-worthy moments, and the pure joy of watching someone sprint with a fruitcake balanced on a spatula. The Too Good To Toss Bake-Off is a fun way to be part of the tradition without ever stepping into a throwing lane, and it gives the day a little extra variety beyond the competitions.
The bake-off includes fruitcakes made with flour, nuts, and fruit that are judged, and drop-off is noted as noon to 12:30 p.m. on the VisitCOS listing. That timing is useful even if you’re just spectating, because it’s a natural cue for when things start getting lively. If you’re trying to time your arrival, showing up near the start of that window can mean you’re there early enough to get your bearings before the busiest stretch.
There’s also a nice “nothing goes to waste” detail that fits Manitou’s community feel. After the event, rented fruitcakes and leftover cakes are sent to local farms for feeding livestock or composting, while bake-off cakes are eaten by judges or attendees, according to the VisitCOS listing. It’s a small thing, but it makes the whole day feel more thoughtful and local.
Make a Day of It: Easy Manitou Springs Add-Ons Before and After
The best Fruitcake Toss days have a simple rhythm: warm up, toss, warm up again. Start with something easy like coffee or hot chocolate before you head to Memorial Park, because arriving already chilled makes everything feel harder. Then you can treat the event as your outdoor “main course” and save something cozy for afterward when everyone is ready to defrost.
Manitou Springs is made for short winter loops with indoor breaks. After the toss, swing by the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade for classic games and an easy win with kids and nostalgic adults, or wander downtown for shops and quick bites. If you want something more mellow, check out the mineral springs around town and turn the afternoon into a slow stroll. And if your crew wants one iconic photo stop, Garden of the Gods is an easy pairing with a Manitou Springs day, especially when the light is crisp in winter.
Pack a small day bag and you’ll feel like you planned this on purpose. Bring water, hand warmers, a spare layer, and a phone battery pack, because cold drains batteries and patience at the same time. Keep wipes, a small trash bag, and a change of shoes in the car for post-event cleanup—fruitcake plus winter ground can get messy fast. If you’re ending the day back at an RV campsite, an RV-friendly evening plan (simple cookware meal or takeout) is the move; you’ll be glad you don’t have extra errands after an outdoor afternoon.
Coming From Pikes Peak RV Park: The Low-Effort Basecamp Approach
If you’re staying at Pikes Peak RV Park, the Fruitcake Toss is the kind of event that fits perfectly into an easy winter weekend. You can enjoy the energy of Manitou Springs without overplanning, then come back to a cozy basecamp when the cold finally wins. That’s the sweet spot: big local experience, small effort.
The key is not trying to do everything with your RV. Leave the rig at your campsite and head into town with a smaller vehicle, rideshare, or bike so you can focus on the fun, not the turn radius. Build your day around one warm stop before and one warm stop after, and you’ll stretch your comfort window by a lot. And if someone in your group is on a tight schedule—work, kids’ naps, or just a low tolerance for cold—this plan still works because the event is easy to time-box.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes an itinerary, here are two that feel realistic in winter:
– If you have 60–90 minutes: arrive just before noon, watch a couple rounds, snap photos, and head to a warm indoor stop downtown.
– If you want a half-day: arrive early, try one competition, stroll downtown Manitou Springs, then finish with an indoor activity like the Penny Arcade before heading back to the campground.
Before you go, do one last quick check of the official event details so you’re not surprised by a weather shift. The VisitCOS listing and the Manitou Springs page are the best places to confirm timing and any last-minute updates. Then show up, pick your lane, and enjoy the rare kind of winter event where being a little ridiculous is the whole point.
Whether you come to compete or just cheer from the sidelines, the Great Fruitcake Toss is pure Manitou Springs—quirky, community-driven, and way more fun than it has any right to be on a cold winter afternoon. Show up a little early, dress in smart layers, and give yourself permission to laugh at the near-misses (including your own).
If you want to turn it into an easy weekend instead of a rushed day trip, make Pikes Peak RV Park your basecamp. Leave your rig parked, head into town for a few rounds at Memorial Park, then come back to a warm, welcoming place to reset—hot drink in hand, photos on your phone, and zero parking stress. Ready to toss like a local? Book your stay at Pikes Peak RV Park and plan your Fruitcake Toss getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you head out, it helps to have the quick answers in one place. These are the questions people ask most often when they’re trying to decide whether to participate, where to stand, and how much time to budget. Read through them once, and you’ll show up feeling prepared instead of guessing your way through the park.
If you’re sharing this plan with friends or family, this section is also an easy copy-and-paste. It covers the basics—what it is, when it happens, where it is, and how tickets work—without turning your group chat into a research project. Then you can get back to the important decisions, like who’s brave enough to try Distance first.
Q: What is the Great Fruitcake Toss in Manitou Springs?
A: The Great Fruitcake Toss is an annual winter tradition held outdoors at Memorial Park where people gather to watch and participate in fruitcake-throwing games that range from surprisingly competitive (Distance and Accuracy) to delightfully silly (like balancing a fruitcake on a spatula while racing).
Q: When does the Fruitcake Toss usually happen, and what time should we arrive?
A: The event typically runs from noon to 3 p.m., and arriving before noon is the easiest way to avoid feeling rushed, get oriented in the park, and improve your odds of smoother parking and shorter lines for tickets and games.
Q: Where exactly is the event held?
A: The Fruitcake Toss takes place at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs, where the competitions are set up in designated activity areas that are easy to spot once you’re in the park.
Q: Does the date ever change because of weather?
A: Yes—because it’s an outdoor winter event, the date can shift for weather, so it’s smart to confirm the latest schedule the day before (or morning of) your visit using the official Manitou Springs event page or the VisitCOS listing.
Q: Do I need tickets or registration to participate?
A: You don’t need a big pre-planned registration to have fun, but participating in the games uses toss tickets that are typically $1 per toss/event, with additional toss tickets also $1, so it’s easy to try a round or two without committing to a pricey entry fee.
Q: Can I bring my own fruitcake to throw?
A: Yes, you can bring your own fruitcake, but it must meet the event’s requirements and pass an inspection by the Fruitcake Tech Inspectors, so bring it intact and expect it to be checked before you get the green light to toss it.
Q: What are the rules for a “legal” fruitcake?
A: A bring-your-own fruitcake is expected to be rectangular, about one pound, and made with flour, nuts, and fruit, and it can’t contain inedible items—rules that exist to keep throws consistent and the event safer for participants and spectators.
Q: What competitions can we watch or join?
A: The lineup commonly includes Distance (how far you can throw), Accuracy (hitting targets), and games like Balance (racing while balancing a fruitcake on a spatula) along with other crowd-pleasers that are designed to be quick to understand and fun even if you’re just cheering.
Q: Is the Fruitcake Toss family-friendly for kids?
A: Yes, it can be a great family outing as long as you treat it like a playful sports event—stay behind designated spectator lines, keep kids close near the throwing areas, and expect a lively, laughing crowd rather than a quiet festival vibe.
Q: Are dogs allowed at the event?
A: Leashed dogs are welcome, so it works well for a winter walk-and-watch outing, but it’s best to stay aware of throwing zones and crowds so your dog doesn’t get startled or try to chase the action.
Q: Is Memorial Park accessible for visitors with mobility needs’