The Winter Carnival is back! ❄️🎉
Get ready for an unforgettable Alaskan experience
What’s more Alaskan than SNOW? This legendary event is your chance to break free from the winter monotony and dive into a thrilling lineup of activities that will have you embracing the cold in the most exhilarating ways. From heart-pounding ice climbing to the rush of dog mushing and everything in between, there’s something for everyone this February!
Born as a beloved tradition in Fairbanks, the Winter Carnival has deep roots in the community. Initially sparked by the local "Polar Bear" hockey team, it quickly became a time for students and locals alike to come together, celebrate the winter season, and get active outdoors. Back in 1927, students built the very first toboggan slide, marking the start of what would become an iconic winter celebration. Over the years, the event has only grown, with thrilling ski races, ice hockey showdowns, and more!
Now, it’s time to celebrate nearly 100 years of this frosty tradition. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of history and make some frosty memories of your own!
Schedule
| 12—7 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival 2026
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What’s more Alaskan than SNOW!?!? Winter Carnival is a way to break the monotony of the Fairbanks winter with invigorating and entertaining activities in February ranging from ice climbing to dog mushing and everything in between. Join us in celebrating another year of winter activities this February 12-14, 2026! |
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| 12:30—2 p.m. Alaska time |
Tea-riffic Blends: DIY Loose Leaf Tea Workshop
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Location: Wood Center mall Mix your own looseleaf tea |
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| 12:30—2 p.m. Alaska time |
International Hot Chocolates Workshop
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Location: Wood Center mall Make different hot chocolates from around the world |
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| 5—7 p.m. Alaska time |
LEGO Flower Making
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Location: Arctic Java Build a LEGO flower, first come, first serve |
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| 5—7 p.m. Alaska time |
Mask Making
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Location: Arctic Java Decorate a masquerade mask for the Polar Lights Promenade |
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| 6—8 p.m. Alaska time |
Outdoor Ice Skating & S'mores
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Location: Outdoor Ice Rink at the Student Recreation Center Enjoy some time outside under the stars while ice skating, and then warm up next to a cozy fire after. |
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| 7—9 p.m. Alaska time |
UAF Women's Basketball vs. Simon Fraser University
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Location: Patty Center Alaska Airlines Gymnasium UAF Women's Basketball vs. Simon Fraser University Join us to cheer on our lady Nooks against Simon Fraser University! Wear your blue and gold and make sure to sit in the student section! Students enter the game free with student ID. |
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| 7—9 p.m. Alaska time |
Polar Plunge
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Location: Student Recreation Center RSVP required: https://mynookrec.uaf.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=f6badc1d-206d-4661-a496-0fb3a98e9633 |
| 12—7 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival 2026
View
What’s more Alaskan than SNOW!?!? Winter Carnival is a way to break the monotony of the Fairbanks winter with invigorating and entertaining activities in February ranging from ice climbing to dog mushing and everything in between. Join us in celebrating another year of winter activities this February 12-14, 2026! |
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| 1—3 p.m. Alaska time |
Dog Sledding with Trail Breaker Kennel
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Location: Beluga Field Dog Sledding with Trail Breaker Kennel |
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| 2—5 p.m. Alaska time |
Traditions: Winter Carnival Craft Corner
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Location: Arctic Java Winter Carnival Craft Corner with Sustainability on Friday! Valentine’s Cards, mask making, a photobooth, and invites with wax seals! |
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| 5—7 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Gaming Carnival
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Location: Alaska Esports Center ❄️ Winter Gaming Carnival ❄️ For: All college students looking to hang out and have a blast Date: Wednesday, February 13th, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Alaska Esports Center |
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| 5—6:30 p.m. Alaska time |
Snowcones & Sing Along
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Location: Hess Rec Warm up your vocal cords and chill out with a sweet treat! Join us at the Hess Rec Center for Snowcones & Sing-alongs, a free, family-friendly karaoke night where the vibes are cool and the fun is unlimited. Grab the Mic: Whether you're a powerhouse performer or a shower-singing superstar, our stage is open to all! Belt out your favorite hits, duet with a friend, or just cheer from the crowd. ️ Savor & Sip: Snack on delightful hors d'oeuvres from a charcuterie and veggie table, graciously provided by UAF Chartwells / Nanook Eats! Then, top it off with a FREE snowcone from our rainbow of delicious, icy flavors. This is the perfect way to kick off the weekend—no reservations, no fees, just pure, frosty fun! Friends, families, and solo stars are all welcome. The Details: When: Friday, February 13, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Where: Hess Rec Center Cost: FREE Admission, FREE Snowcones! Bring: Your courage, your friends, and your love for music! No sign-up needed. Just show up, pick a song, and let your voice be heard! |
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| 7—10 p.m. Alaska time |
Polar Lights Promenade
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Location: Wood Center Ballroom Step into a night of mystery and elegance at our Polar Lights Promenade! Don your mask, dress to impress, and dance the night away in a magical atmosphere full of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy music, festive décor, and the thrill of anonymity as you celebrate with friends in style. |
| 12—7 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival 2026
View
What’s more Alaskan than SNOW!?!? Winter Carnival is a way to break the monotony of the Fairbanks winter with invigorating and entertaining activities in February ranging from ice climbing to dog mushing and everything in between. Join us in celebrating another year of winter activities this February 12-14, 2026! |
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| 12—4 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival Sledding
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Location: Beluga Field Winter Carnival Field Day: Sledding |
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| 12—4 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival Outdoor Ice Skating
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Location: Outdoor Ice Rink at the Student Recreation Center Winter Carnival Field Day: Outdoor Ice Skating |
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| 12—4 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival Ice Climbing
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Location: Beluga Field Winter Carnival Field Day: Ice Climbing |
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| 12—4 p.m. Alaska time |
Winter Carnival Skiing
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Location: North Campus Ski Trails Winter Carnival Field Day: Skiing |
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| 1—3 p.m. Alaska time |
Dog Sledding with Trail Breaker Kennel
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Location: Beluga Field Dog Sledding with Trail Breaker Kennel |
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| 1—2 p.m. Alaska time |
Will It Sled?
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Location: Beluga Field Bring your own non-sled in this silly sledding competition! Whether it be a trash can lid or your roommate's inflatable mattress, accept the challenge and answer the question, "Will it sled?" |
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| 2—4 p.m. Alaska time |
Build-A-Sled Competition
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Location: Beluga Field Using only the materials provided, construct a sled out of cardboard, tape, and a will to succeed. Judges will be looking at structural integrity, speed, and coolness factor. |
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| 3—4 p.m. Alaska time |
Be My Nanook Poster Competition at Women's Basketball
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Location: Patty Center Alaska Airlines Gymnasium Join us this Valentine's Day to cheer on our lady Nooks against Western Washington! Students who create a Valentine's themed poster have a chance to be entered into our Valentine's Nanook gift basket! Wear your pink and red, bring a date, and celebrate with us! Students enter the game free with student ID. |