Alaska Outhouse Races Turn Toilets into Speedy Sleds
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Every winter, in the heart of downtown Anchorage, Alaskans gather for one of the quirkiest, most beloved events of the season — the Alaska Outhouse Races.
It’s exactly what it sounds like! Teams build fully decorated outhouses mounted on skis and race them down the snowy streets.
Part engineering challenge, part costume contest, and all-around ridiculous fun, the Outhouse Races are a perfect example of Alaska’s sense of humor and creativity when it comes to making the most of long winters.
What Are the Alaska Outhouse Races?
If you’ve never heard of the Outhouse Races, you’re not alone — but once you do, you’ll wonder why every Northern town doesn’t have them!
This unique Alaskan event invites teams of three or more people to build homemade outhouses, which are then mounted on skis or snowboards. The outhouses are required to have a seat, a toilet paper holder, and — naturally — a roll of toilet paper.
During the race, teams push or pull their outhouse down a snow-covered course, competing for speed, style, and creativity. Judges score entries not only on how fast they complete the course, but also on their overall design, decoration, and team costumes.
It’s a race, a parade, and a celebration of bathroom humor all rolled into one.
When and Where Do the Races Happen?
The most popular Alaska Outhouse Races are part of Fur Rendezvous, better known as Fur Rondy, a 10-day winter festival held every year in Anchorage.
Fur Rondy kicks off in late February and runs into early March, with the Outhouse Races usually falling on the second Saturday of the festival.
That means if you’re planning a trip to Anchorage and want to catch this spectacle, you’ll want to time your visit for mid to late February.
The race takes place right on Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage — the same stretch where other Fur Rondy events like the Running of the Reindeer and the snow sculpture competition happen.
Streets are closed, crowds gather, and the atmosphere is equal parts silly and festive.
A Tradition Born Out of Cabin Fever
Like many quirky Alaskan traditions, the Alaska Outhouse Races were born out of the need to have some fun during the long, dark cold winter.
The event started decades ago as a lighthearted way for locals to blow off steam, show off their creativity, and laugh at the sheer absurdity of outhouses careening down the street.
Over the years, it’s grown into one of Fur Rondy’s signature events, drawing both participants and spectators from all over the state (and sometimes beyond).
Outhouse themes range from classic cabin-style privies to over-the-top creations like rocket ship outhouses, castle latrines, and even tributes to pop culture.
The costumes are just as creative — you’ll see teams dressed as everything from lumberjacks to superheroes to (of course) rolls of toilet paper.
How to Join or Watch the Alaska Outhouse Races
If you’re thinking about racing your own outhouse, you’ll need to plan ahead. Teams typically register in January, and there are some rules to follow when building your entry.
The outhouse needs to be big enough for one team member to sit inside during the race, and it must include the all-important toilet paper roll.
Beyond that, creativity is encouraged — the wilder, the better.
If you’re just looking to watch the fun, it’s totally free to spectate. Bundle up (it’s February in Anchorage, after all), grab some hot cocoa, and find a good spot along Fourth Avenue.
It’s guaranteed to be one of the most entertaining things you’ll see all winter.
Mark Your Calendar for Next Year
If you’re already thinking this needs to be on your Alaska bucket list, mark your calendar for February 2026 — the next round of outhouse glory will roll down Fourth Avenue as part of Fur Rondy.
Whether you race, cheer from the sidelines, or just shake your head in disbelief, it’s the kind of offbeat, only-in-Alaska fun that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Outhouse Races Across Alaska
While Anchorage’s Fur Rondy Outhouse Races get most of the attention, they’re not the only game in town. Several smaller communities around Alaska have embraced the tradition with their own local flair.
Trapper Creek Outhouse Races
Each winter, the tiny town of Trapper Creek (about 2 hours north of Anchorage) hosts its outhouse races as part of the community’s Cabin Fever Reliever celebration.
It’s a no-frills, all-fun event where the outhouses are a little more “whatever we could find in the shed,” and the crowd leans heavily local.
Chatanika Days Outhouse Races
A Fairbanks-area favorite, Chatanika (just up the Steese Highway) holds outhouse races every March as part of Chatanika Days at the historic Chatanika Lodge.
Along with the races, the weekend is packed with snowmachine games, live music, and general winter shenanigans.
Alaskan Outhouse Races
Over the years, a few other towns — from Haines to Petersburg — have hosted their own occasional outhouse races, especially tied to winter festivals.
These tend to pop up when the snow is good and someone in town gets inspired (or a little bored).
While they’re not annual fixtures everywhere, they show up just often enough to remind everyone that Alaskans will put skis on pretty much anything.
And in the middle of a long winter, sometimes you just need to race a toilet down the street to remind yourself that laughter is one of the best ways to stay warm.
