Fur Rondy Rendezvous Festival 2027
2027 Fur Rondy Dates: February 25 – March 7
The Fur Rendezvous, “Fur Rondy” to locals, is Anchorage’s only winter festival, and provides an opportunity for trappers and buyers to meet every year. It is also the largest winter festival in North America. Ever been chased by a reindeer? Ever played softball wearing snowshoes? How about bowling on an ice-covered river? Ever run through a metropolitan city in costume on snow-covered streets? During the Fur Rendezvous festival, the streets of downtown Anchorage will become a winter spectacle for all to enjoy. There are numerous activities and events such as Ice Sculpture displays, sled dog weight pulling, Eskimo Blanket Toss, Snowshoe Softball, carnival rides, and the World Championship Sled Dog Race.
Anchorage visitors can watch the World Championship Sled Dog Race or ride in a dogsled themselves, take part in a fur auction, try the Eskimo Blanket Toss or cross country ski in the Torchlight Ski Parade – the list is endless. Nightlife is equally as varied, from the formal Fur Rondy Masque Ball to the Jim Beam Jam and everything in between.
Fur Rendezvous Festival – FAQ’S
1. What is the Fur Rendezvous Festival?
The Fur Rendezvous (often called “Fur Rondy”) is a major winter festival held annually in Anchorage, Alaska. It celebrates winter culture in Alaska with sporting events, cultural activities, parades, and unique competitions. It is considered one of the largest winter festivals in North America.
2. When does the Fur Rendezvous take place?
The festival usually takes place in late February through early March each year. For example, the 2026 festival runs from February 26 to March 8.
3. Where is the festival held?
Most events occur throughout downtown Anchorage, with activities spread across the city’s streets, parks, and event venues.
4. Why is it called “Fur Rendezvous”?
The festival was originally created as a meeting point for trappers and fur buyers. Since fur trading was once one of Alaska’s main industries, the gathering allowed traders to meet and conduct business while celebrating winter.
5. When did the Fur Rendezvous Festival begin?
The idea for the festival originated in 1935 when local residents proposed a winter celebration to bring the community together near the end of winter.
6. What are some of the most popular Fur Rondy events?
Popular activities include:
- Running of the Reindeer
- Snow Sculpture Competition
- World Championship Sled Dog Race
- Snowshoe softball
- Ice bowling championships
- Carnival rides and games
- The Rondy Grand Parade
7. What is the Running of the Reindeer?
The Running of the Reindeer is one of the festival’s most famous events where participants run down city streets while reindeer are released behind them. It’s a humorous and energetic race that attracts both locals and visitors.
8. Can visitors participate in festival activities?
Yes. Many events are open to the public, including races, contests, cultural demonstrations, and carnival activities. Visitors can also watch competitions and attend special events throughout the festival.
9. Is the Fur Rendezvous connected to sled dog racing?
Yes. The festival features the World Championship Sled Dog Race, which attracts mushers from around Alaska and other regions.
10. Why should visitors attend the Fur Rendezvous Festival?
The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Alaskan winter traditions, including dog sledding, cultural performances, winter sports, and community celebrations in one of the state’s largest seasonal events.
Fur Rendezvous – History:
The Fur Rendezvous began as a winter sports tournament (hockey and basketball). Some history books state that Fur Rondy began in 1936, other sources place it beginning as late as 1939.
The year in which the idea was conceived is now accepted as the beginning date of the festival: 1935. It was during that time that Vern Johnson, Clyde Conover, Thomas Bevers and Dale Bowen came up with the idea of a party that would encompass all of Anchorage.
The main focus of the Fur Rendezvous carnival was to bring people together, to show community support and celebrate the beginning of the end of winter. In those days revelers purchased a $2 ticket that gained them admission to all of the activities. Because fur trading was the second leading industry in Alaska at the time, fur trading became an important part of the festival. It provided a golden opportunity for trappers and buyers to meet in Anchorage to ply their trade and cut out the middle-man. Trapping contests were held, and prizes were awarded for the longest fox, the best fox and the finest ermine pelts.
The Fur Rondy festival continued to grow and in 1956 Greater Anchorage, Inc. was formed to take over the management and operation of the festival. GAI is governed by a board of directors and has a full-time year round staff. Today the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous is one of the largest winter festivals in North America with estimates of over 67% of the population participating in Rondy.
Rondy Events (Varies year to year):
Official Fur Rondy Fur Auction – the descendant of the original fur trade rendezvous, present since the earliest days.
Miners’ and Trappers’ Charity Ball and Mr. Fur Face beard contest (since 1950) – Beards are grown as long as possible and they are dyed, decorated and shaped for this contest.
World Championship Sled Dog Race (since 1946, with a women’s race since 1953) – This three-day, 75-mile sled dog race brings mushers from across Alaska and the world.
World Championship Dog Weight Pull (since 1967) – sled dogs attempt to pull the greatest weight
Miss Fur Rendezvous pageant (from at least late 1950s through mid 1970s), also called Miss Fur Rondy
Snow Sculpture Competition
Fur Rondy Carnival
Frostbite Footrace – Costumed competitors run through downtown Anchorage
Rondy Grand Parade
Running of the Reindeer – Began 2008.
Rondy on Ice – figure skating show
World Ice Bowling Championships
Running of the Reindeer video:
Fur Rendezvous Location:
Anchorage is located in the Southcentral region of Alaska, 358 miles south of Fairbanks, 40 miles north of Girdwood and 127 miles north of Seward. It is a three-hour flight from Seattle.
Access
Anchorage is centrally located in Alaska with more than 280 flights serviced daily by domestic and international airlines. Anchorage can be reached from anywhere in North America via the Alaska Highway. The Glenn and Seward highways lead into Anchorage and the Alaska Railroad travels between Anchorage from Fairbanks, Whittier and Seward.
Accommodations:
Anchorage has over 8,000 hotel/motel rooms and more than 770 bed and breakfast/hostel beds. There are more than 300 restaurants/eateries.
Is there any brochures that we can have mailed to us?
You could contact http://www.furrondy.net/ and see if they’ll send some.
Will running with the reindeer be on March 4th 2023?
The schedule isn’t out yet but it’s always on a Saturday so the 4th looks good.
I say looks fun. Mom in law says Aw the poor deer. I’m like well let’s go and see.
Had the privilege to see the Rondy in 1958, what a show only 3 days then, in the Air Force then, wish I could do it again, wish I could have been there when state hood started .