I have never, in my 51 years of age, attended a festival that lasted 10 full days. It almost felt as if we were running a festive marathon and for one second, I reminded myself of what my Indian friends told me about their Indian weddings and how they last for weeks and sometimes months. And, perhaps Fur Rondy has prepared us for India. Living in Alaska for the past 8 months, I can honestly say, this place has trained us on many levels for our global expedition, but for now let’s talk about FUR RONDY!
The Fur Rondy Experience
12 days of excitement around Anchorage!
First of all, shout out to my friend April from Glenallen, we ran into her in Costco in Anchorage, she told us all about Fur Rondy and that we must check it out. The funny thing is that Mateu and I have been photographing parts of Anchorage in February and I took that photo above, not knowing what was to come. Living in Anchorage, for almost 7 months, we had zero idea. As soon as I hot home, that day, researched and verified the event. Very excited I called the Rondy headquarters next day, asked them if they were willing and able to extend 3 media passes for us and the rest is history and tons of rest after the event. After a few conversations and email exchanges about our We Are The World Project’s mission, we were received and granted 3 passes. Next day I visited the Rondy headquarters to pick up our media passes and the welcoming was beautiful. We made it into this epic Alaskan event and the rest is history. Shout out! to Megan, Kristen and Dakota from Rondy, thank you for your kindness, generosity and hospitality, you ladies are awesome!
Let's see...Where Shall We Begin?
A little Fur Rondy history
What started as a trade rendezvous in the 1930’s where miners, trappers, traders would literally trek to meet in Anchorage with their goods, after rough months in the wilderness to exchange all kinds of stories and trade, has transitioned within its 91 years as a beloved North Americas’s largest winter festival bringing the Alaskan community and its visitors together during the long Alaskan winters. Something fun, traditional, sporty and eventful, what more can you ask for. By 1935, Anchorage launched and made official Fur Rendezvous. Today the festival includes sports, Alaskan traditions, fireworks, music events, parades, deer runnings, snow sculptures and much more fun. The Fur Rondy event is held in the month of February for 9 days.
The Fur Rondy Shop
DAY 1
FEBRUARY 27
Rondy World Championship Sled Dog Races
Rondy Carnival
Snow Sculptures
The race started at 12 noon and ended about 2 pm, with our media passes, we had the privilege of watching the dog sled race from the second floor and inside the barriers. They provided us with some snacks and most importantly a warm place to thaw out our photography equipment and ourselves, sunny but super cold. Today is my birthday and a memorable way to celebrate, the first day of Fur Rondy Festival, it’s 91st year of this epic event, I already feel blessed.
The Behind The Scenes
Where The Magic Happens And Its History
That is the Rondy headquarters and the oldest commercial building in the Municipality of Anchorage, known as The Wendler building, built in 1915 by Tony and Florence Wendler, first it was a store then they converted to a boarding house, then Mrs. Wendler and her daughters opened Club 25 as an exclusive private club for women. The Wendler building was also moved from its original location at 4th and I Street to its current location and in 1988 was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in Anchorage, Alaska.
Kool 97.3, the local Anchorage, Alaska radio station
Our day started at the warming station, while setting up our devices, watching the dog sled preparation while enjoying some snacks and chatting with others.
The Official Fur Rondy Festival 2026 Guide
Dog Sled Highlights
Our Beautiful Fur Rendezvous Ladies
Rondy Carnival
DAY 2
FEBRUARY 28
Rondy Fireworks Party
Conoco Phillips Fireworks Extravaganza
If you clicked and read through the Rondy Guide, you probably know, we missed a few events. However… I will ask you cut us some slack, Mateu and I have never experienced such event, and it is safe it is a first for us and we were tired, it was extremely cold in the one digits and between running from one place to another, documenting everything possible and
The Silent Auction
The Elegance
Fireworks & Extravaganza
Elegance & Masquerade
The Rondy Fireworks Party was amazing! We had the opportunity to attend and document this fun party at the Crimson hotel. It was a masquerade themed event, the hotel staff was spectacular and friendly, foods and desserts were delicious, music was great, fun crowd of people overall people and overall, well organized.
The Deliciousness
The Charcuterie
The Horderves
Let The Party Begin
DAY 3
MARCH 6
Rondy Fireworks Party
Conoco Phillips Fireworks Extravaganza
If you clicked and read through the Rondy Guide, you probably know, we missed a few events. However… I will ask you cut us some slack, Mateu and I have never experienced such event, and it is safe it is a first for us and we were tired, it was extremely cold in the one digits and between running from one place to another, documenting everything possible and