The Anchorage winter festival Fur Rondy is back in 2025, bringing its signature blend of Alaskan culture, thrilling events, and festive celebrations. Scheduled from February 20 to March 2, 2025, Fur Rondy 2025 promises an exciting lineup of traditional competitions, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable experiences.
A Glimpse into Fur Rondy's Rich History
Established in 1935, Fur Rondy began as a three-day sports tournament aimed at lifting the spirits of Anchorage’s 3,000 residents during the long winter months.
The festival coincided with the time when fur trappers and miners would come to town to sell their winter harvests, leading to its name, "Fur Rendezvous." Over the decades, Fur Rondy has evolved into a ten-day extravaganza, attracting visitors from around the globe and earning recognition as the world's top winter carnival by National Geographic Traveler in 2012.
Fur Rondy 2025 Events Details
Fur Rondy Carnival
Date: February 20 – March 2, 2025
Location: 3rd & E Street (Carnival Lot)
About:
The Fur Rondy Carnival is a family-friendly attraction that features thrilling rides, midway games, and food stalls. It is a favorite among festival-goers, offering a fun-filled experience for all ages. With classic carnival treats and exciting attractions, it brings a lively fairground atmosphere to downtown Anchorage.
Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship
Date: February 20 – March 2, 2025
Location: Across from the Comfort Inn, Ship Creek Ave
About:
This event showcases the talents of ice sculptors who transform large blocks of snow into breathtaking works of art. The competition draws both local and international artists, who carve intricate designs. Spectators can watch these sculptures evolve over time and vote for their favorites in the People’s Choice Award.
Fur Rendezvous Juried Amateur Photo Contest
Date: February 20 – March 2, 2025
Location: Midtown Mall
About:
This photography competition invites amateur photographers to capture the essence of Alaska, from its wild landscapes to its unique culture and wildlife. A panel of judges evaluates the entries, and the best images are displayed for public viewing. The contest highlights the beauty and spirit of life in Alaska.
Fur Rondy Melodrama
Date: February 20 – March 2, 2025
Location: 49th State Brewing Company
About:
A comedic theatrical performance filled with humor, drama, and audience participation. The Fur Rondy Melodrama is a long-standing tradition where actors perform exaggerated, fun-filled stories that celebrate Alaska’s pioneer spirit. Visitors can cheer for the heroes and boo the villains in this interactive, entertaining live theater experience.
Sled Dog Art Auction
Date: February 20 – March 2, 2025
Location: Downtown Anchorage
About:
This art auction celebrates the historic importance of sled dogs in Alaska. Featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artwork, this event brings together local and international artists. Proceeds support community initiatives and help promote Alaskan art and heritage. It’s a great opportunity to purchase unique, dog-inspired artwork.
Great Alaska Talent Competition – Round 1
Date: February 20, 2025
Location: Williwaw Social
About:
The Great Alaska Talent Competition is one of Fur Rondy’s most exciting events, where singers, dancers, and performers compete for a chance to become a star. This competition provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their abilities in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.
Miners & Trappers Country Jam!
Date: February 21, 2025
Location: Egan Civic & Convention Center
About:
A lively country music concert featuring local and national artists. Attendees dress in Alaskan mining and trapping costumes, adding to the festival’s unique character. With live bands, energetic performances, and dancing, this event is a must-visit for country music lovers and those wanting to experience Alaskan-style fun.
“Open” World Championship Sled Dog Races
Date: February 21 – 23, 2025
Location: 4th Ave & D Street
About:
One of Fur Rondy’s signature events, this highly competitive sled dog race attracts mushers from around the world. Teams of sled dogs race through a challenging course, demonstrating speed and endurance. This event celebrates Alaska’s rich sled dog racing history and remains a festival highlight.
Big FAT Ride
Date: February 22, 2025
Location: Starts on 4th Avenue
About:
A winter cycling event where riders find a scenic route through Anchorage using specially designed fat-tire bikes. Cyclists of all skill levels are welcome to join this non-competitive ride, which promotes outdoor recreation and winter sports in Alaska. It’s a fun way to explore the city on two wheels.
Blanket Toss (Day 1 & 2)
Date: February 22 & 28, 2025
Location: 3rd & E St, Carnival Grounds
About:
The blanket toss is a traditional Alaska Native activity that originated with the Inupiaq people. Participants stand on a large sealskin blanket held by others and are launched into the air. This event celebrates Alaska Native heritage and is both fun to watch and participate in.
Rondy Ice Bowling
Date: February 23, March 1 & 2, 2025
Location: New Peanut Farm Pond, 5227 Old Seward Hwy
About:
A fun variation of bowling where players throw a bowling ball on a frozen lane. This quirky event is open to everyone, offering a unique twist on a classic game. It requires precision and balance and is a fun wintertime activity for all ages.
Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market
Date: February 26 – March 2, 2025
Location: Dimond Center
About:
A marketplace featuring handcrafted artwork by Alaska Native artists. Visitors can purchase traditional crafts, beadwork, carvings, and jewelry, all created using Indigenous techniques. This event promotes cultural preservation and supports local artisans.
World Championship Outdoor Hockey Tournament
Date: February 27 – March 2, 2025
Location: Bonnie Cusack Memorial Outdoor Rinks
About:
A competitive hockey tournament held outdoors, where teams from across Alaska compete in fast-paced games. The event highlights Alaska’s passion for hockey and offers a thrilling experience for both players and spectators.
Fur Rondy Blizzard Bash
Date: February 28, 2025
Location: 6th & F Street Concert Plaza
About:
An outdoor music festival with live performances, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. It is one of the biggest parties of the festival, bringing people together to dance and celebrate the final weekend of Fur Rondy.
State of Alaska – ADF&G Horn & Hide Auction
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: 3rd Ave & E St, Carnival Grounds
About:
A unique auction where visitors can bid on wildlife hides, antlers, and horns collected by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. This event raises funds for wildlife conservation and offers a chance to own authentic Alaskan natural items.
Best Things to Do at Fur Rondy 2025
In addition to the official Fur Rondy events, the festival features approximately 50 Rondy Around Town community events. These include local art shows, cultural exhibitions, and interactive workshops that provide a deeper insight into Anchorage’s vibrant community.
Fur Rondy is known for its quirky and entertaining competitions. From the Outhouse Races, where creatively decorated outhouses on skis are raced down the street, to the Frostbite Footrace, a fun run where participants don wacky costumes, there’s no shortage of unique events to join or watch.
Fur Rondy 2025 Pricing Guide
1. Entry Fees & Ticket Prices
Most Fur Rondy Anchorage events are free to attend, but some activities require tickets, wristbands, or registration fees.
✅ Free Events
- Fur Rondy Grand Parade
- World Championship Sled Dog Race
- Fur Rondy Fireworks 2025
- Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship
- Outhouse Races
- Fur Auction & Trapping Demonstrations
💲 Paid Events
Event | Price |
Running of the Reindeer | $35 per participant |
Fur Rondy Carnival Wristbands | $30–$50 (Unlimited Rides) |
Miners & Trappers Ball | $50+ |
Melodrama Tickets | Starting at $25 |
Fur Rondy Merchandise | T-shirts: $25, Hoodies: $50, Pins: $10 |
2. Travel Costs to Fur Rondy 2025
✈️ Flights to Anchorage
If you’re flying to Anchorage for Fur Rondy, here’s what you can expect in terms of airfare pricing:
- Domestic Flights to Anchorage (ANC): $300–$600 (round trip)
- International Flights to Anchorage: $700–$1,500
3. Hotel & Accommodation Prices
Accommodation costs in Anchorage during Fur Rondy 2025 vary based on location and hotel category.
Hotel Type | Price per Night |
Budget Hotels / Motels | $80–$150 |
Mid-Range Hotels | $150–$250 |
Luxury Hotels & Resorts | $250–$500 |
Airbnb / Vacation Rentals | $120–$300 |
4. Food & Dining Costs
Eating out in Anchorage during Fur Rondy can range from budget-friendly to upscale dining.
Meal Type | Price per Person |
Fast Food / Food Trucks | $8–$15 |
Casual Dining | $15–$30 |
Fine Dining | $40–$100 |
5. Transportation Costs in Anchorage
Getting around Anchorage during Fur Rondy is easy with public transport, taxis, and rideshare services.
Transport Option | Price |
Public Bus (People Mover) | $2 per ride |
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | $10–$25 per trip |
Rental Car | $50–$100 per day |
Estimated Budget for Fur Rondy 2025 (3-Day Trip)
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Flights | $300–$600 |
Accommodation | $300–$600 |
Event Fees & Tickets | $50–$150 |
Food | $90–$150 |
Transportation | $30–$80 |
Total Trip Cost (Per Person) | $770 – $1,580 |
Final Thoughts: Is Fur Rondy 2025 Worth It?
Absolutely! Fur Rondy 2025 is one of the best things to do in Anchorage during winter. Whether you’re looking for Alaskan traditions, outdoor adventure, or family fun, this festival offers something for everyone.
FAQs
1. When is Fur Rondy 2025?
➡️ February 20 – March 2, 2025.
2. Is Fur Rondy 2025 free?
➡️ Many events are free, but some require tickets or registration.
3. Where can I buy tickets for paid events?
➡️ Visit furrondy.net for official ticket purchases.
4. How cold is Anchorage during Fur Rondy?
➡️ Temperatures range from 5°F to 25°F (-15°C to -4°C), so dress warmly!
5. What are the best things to do at Fur Rondy 2025?
➡️ Must-see events include:
- World Championship Sled Dog Race
- Running of the Reindeer
- Fur Rondy Fireworks
- Outhouse Races
- Melodrama & Fur Auction
