Fur Rondy 2026 returns to Anchorage from February 26 to March 8 with sled dog races, Running of the Reindeer, snow sculptures, carnival rides, and more than 75 winter events. With many free attractions and thousands of visitors expected, it is Alaska’s biggest winter celebration.
Fur Rondy 2026 Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Fur Rendezvous Festival |
| Location | Downtown Anchorage, Alaska |
| Official 2026 Dates | February 26 – March 8, 2026 |
| Festival Length | 11 Days |
| Founded | 1935 |
| Official Events | 25+ |
| Community Events | 50+ “Rondy Around Town” |
| Annual Attendance | 80,000 – 100,000+ visitors |
| Signature Event | World Championship Open Sled Dog Races |
| Entry Cost | Many events FREE |
Fur Rondy 2026 runs from Thursday, February 26, through Sunday, March 8, 2026, making it an 11-day winter celebration in the heart of Anchorage.
What Is Fur Rondy?
Fur Rendezvous began in 1935, when Anchorage had only 3,000 residents.
Originally a small three-day winter sports tournament, it has grown into Alaska’s largest winter festival. The name “Fur Rendezvous” came from the seasonal gathering of fur trappers and miners who arrived in Anchorage to sell their winter harvest.
Nearly 90 years later, Fur Rondy now:
- Hosts 75+ total events
- Attracts up to 100,000 visitors
- Generates an estimated $10–15 million in local economic impact
- Boosts winter hotel occupancy by 20–30%
It remains one of North America’s most unique winter festivals.
Official Fur Rondy 2026 Dates
February 26 – March 8, 2026
The festival opens Thursday, Feb. 26, and concludes Sunday, March 8.
Key 2026 Dates:
| Date | Major Events |
| Feb 26 | Festival Kickoff, Bonspiel begins |
| Feb 27–Mar 1 | Sled Dog Races, Snow Sculptures |
| Feb 28 | Grand Parade, Fireworks |
| Mar 6 | Blizzard Bash Concert |
| Mar 7 | Running of the Reindeer |
| Mar 8 | Closing Celebrations |
World Championship “Open” Sled Dog Races
Location: 4th Avenue, Downtown Anchorage
Teams: 10–16 elite mushers
Dogs Per Team: 8
Total Dogs Competing: Up to 128
Estimated Prize Purse: $10,000+
This downtown sprint race is one of the only world-class sled dog competitions held directly in a city center.
Over race weekend, attendance often exceeds 20,000 spectators.
Running of the Reindeer 2026 (Official Details)
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: 4th Avenue (H Street to D Street)
Entry Fee: $35 per participant
Participants: 2,000–3,000 annually
Reindeer: 6–10
This is one of Fur Rondy’s most viral and photographed events.
It regularly sells out.
Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship
Teams: 10–15
Snow Block Size: 8 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft
Weight Per Block: 25,000–30,000 pounds
Carving Time: ~60–70 hours
International teams from Asia and Europe have competed in past championships.
Sculptures remain on display for public viewing.
Fur Rondy Carnival
Location: 3rd & E Street
Attendance: 30,000+ visitors
2026 Estimated Prices:
- Unlimited Ride Wristband: $30–$50
- Individual Ride Tickets: Varies
The carnival operates throughout the full 11-day festival.
69th Annual Fur Rondy Bonspiel (Curling)
Dates: Feb 26 – March 1, 2026
Registration Fee: $75 per team entry
Divisions: Competitive and recreational
This long-running curling tournament is one of the oldest continuous sporting events at Fur Rondy.
Fur Rondy Melodrama
49th State Brewing Company
Ticket Price: From $25
Seating Capacity: 200–300 per show
Performances: Multiple nightly shows
Weekend shows frequently sell out.
Fur Rondy Blizzard Bash 2026
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
Location: 6th & F Street Concert Plaza
Cost: FREE
Large outdoor concert with live music and food vendors.
Blanket Toss (Alaska Native Tradition)
Participants can be launched up to 20 feet into the air on a traditional blanket.
Celebrates Indigenous heritage and community traditions.
Anchorage Weather During Fur Rondy
| Weather Factor | Average |
| Daytime High | 20–28°F |
| Night Low | 5–15°F |
| Snowfall (Feb Avg) | 10–15 inches |
| Daylight Hours | 10–11 hours |
Wind chill can drop below 0°F.
Layered winter clothing is essential.
Fur Rondy 2026 Ticket Prices (Confirmed & Estimated)
| Event | Price |
| Running of the Reindeer | $35 |
| Bonspiel (Curling) | $75 |
| Melodrama | From $25 |
| Blizzard Bash | FREE |
| Carnival Wristband | $30–$50 |
Many major events, including:
- Grand Parade
- Sled Dog Races
- Snow Sculptures
- Outhouse Races
are free to attend.
Travel Costs to Anchorage (Winter 2026 Estimates)
Flights (Round-trip)
| Region | Price Range |
| West Coast | $300–$450 |
| Midwest | $400–$600 |
| East Coast | $500–$700 |
| International | $700–$1,500 |
Hotel Prices During Fur Rondy
Downtown occupancy reaches 70–90% during peak weekend.
| Hotel Type | Nightly Rate |
| Budget | $80–$150 |
| Mid-Range | $150–$250 |
| Luxury | $250–$500 |
Estimated 3-Day Fur Rondy 2026 Budget
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights | $300–$600 |
| Hotel | $300–$750 |
| Food | $100–$200 |
| Tickets | $50–$150 |
| Transportation | $30–$80 |
| Total Estimate | $780 – $1,780 |
Why Fur Rondy Matters Economically
Fur Rondy:
- Drives $10–15 million in local seasonal revenue
- Supports hundreds of temporary jobs
- Boosts downtown retail activity
- Extends the Anchorage winter tourism season
For many Anchorage businesses, it marks the most important winter revenue period.
Also Read: Alaska Events Calendar 2026: Complete Guide to Festivals, Cultural Events & Seasonal Highlights
Final Thoughts
Fur Rondy 2026 runs for 11 days and includes more than 75 events, drawing up to 100,000 visitors to Anchorage each year. With nearly 90 years of history, it remains Alaska’s largest winter celebration and one of North America’s most distinctive winter festivals.
FAQs
When is Fur Rondy 2026?
February 26 – March 8, 2026.
Is Fur Rondy free?
Many events are free, including sled dog races and the parade.
How many people attend Fur Rondy?
Between 80,000 and 100,000 annually.
What is the most popular event?
The sled dog races and Running of the Reindeer.
How cold is Anchorage during Fur Rondy?
Expect temperatures between 5°F and 28°F.
