Fur Rendezvous is one of many winter festivals you can catch. A highlight of Fur Rondy is the Open World Championship Sled Dog Races. Photo by Michael Dinneen
The carnival during Fur Rondy is always a draw for families. Bundle up and take your grandchildren there.
Many cold-weather cities have a winter carnival, and Anchorage is no different. Fur Rendezvous is Feb. 26-March 8 this year. The festival – informally called Fur Rondy or "Rondy" – is a significant part of the city's history and tradition. In the mid-1930s, Anchorage was a town of about 3,000 people that stretched between Park Strip and Ship Creek. Winters were long and with few of the modern-day entertainments we take for granted.
Though it started as a way for trappers and hunters to show off their wares, it now has a range of events that anyone can enjoy.
One of the highlights is the "Open" World Championship Sled Dog Races that is the first weekend of the festival. It's been attracting sprint mushing teams for decades. The race starts at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and D Street in Downtown. It goes through the urban woods of Anchorage for a 26-mile race Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 27-March 1) starting at noon.
One of the oldest events is Fur Rondy Bonspiel, a curling tournament that takes place at the curling 711 E. Loop Road in Anchorage. Teams from Fairbanks, Anchorage, Mat-Su, Kenai, Whitehorse, Canada and even St. Louis and Seattle will compete. The first match is Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 28 is particularly packed with activities, starting with the Pioneers of Alaska Pancake Feed at 8 a.m. You can find it at Pioneer Hall on Sixth Avenue & F Street. If you're not too full, the Frostbite Foot Race, Fun Run and Frosty Paw Dog Jog gets going at 9 a.m. That afternoon at 3, the same staging area is the start line for the Big Fat Ride, a fat-tire bike race for any age.
The carnival is also a highlight for families.
Of course, there is still a fur auction and you can catch a great Alaska Native arts market at the Dimond Mall between March 4-8.
To find out more about Fur Rondy, go to https://www.furrondy.net/ Some events, like the sled dog races, are free. Others have a cost.
Other winter carnivals you can still catch:
Fairbanks World Ice Championship
The Fairbanks World Ice Championship goes from Feb. 16-March 13, with different events, including one for youth. The sculptures are something to behold.
Cordova Iceworm Festival
The Cordova Iceworm Festival has a variety of family-friendly events. It runs Jan. 31-Feb. 7 this year.
Homer Winter Carnival Celebration
The 2026 Homer Winter Carnival Celebration is Feb. 14. The theme this year is Snow Much Love. From snowy fun to community spirit, it's a time to come together and embrace everything that makes Homer special.
