Nanook Rendezvous

UAF Nanook Rendezvous

July 16-18, 2026

#NanookNation

Nanook Rendezvous is our annual all-class alumni reunion. A weekend to reconnect, celebrate, and make new memories. Festivities begin Thursday evening, July 16, and continue through Saturday, July 18. RSVP today so we can send you schedule updates, special announcements, and ways to join the fun.

Nanook Rendezvous 2026 schedule

Thursday, July 16

5:30 - 7 p.m. Welcome reception and awards celebration
Join us for the opening reception at UA Museum of the North as we gather with fellow alumni and celebrate our 2026 Distinguished Alumnus and William R. Cashen Service Award recipient.

2026 Distinguished Alumnus

John Davies ‘70, ‘75

2026 William R. Cashen Service Award

Bruce Cech, “Voice of the Alaska Nanooks.”

Friday, July 17

8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Continental Breakfast
Location: Murie Building Atrium

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Planetarium Panel
Location: UAF Museum of the North Auditorium

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Presentation on Creative Continuum
Location: UAF Museum of the North Auditorium Exhibit Gallery

Noon - 1 p.m. Lunch

1 - 2 p.m. Planetarium Show
Location: UAF Museum of the North Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium
Experience the Walt and Marita Babula Planetarium. If the first show fills, the second show will be at 2 p.m.

7 - 9:30 p.m. UAF Alumni Night at the Ballpark
Location: Alaska Goldpanners Growden Park
Cap off the day with UAF Alumni Night at an Alaska Goldpanners baseball game and enjoy an evening of Nanook camaraderie at the ballpark.

Saturday, July 18

Fairbanks community activities and events to explore. Download a PDF copy.

Around Fairbanks

Mill & Maker Market
4630 Old Airport Rd. | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Great Alaskan Bowl Company
Browse 60+ vendors featuring handmade goods, food trucks and Alaska-made products. Watch wooden bowls being crafted live!

Partners in the Park
Pioneer Park | 12-3 p.m.
Food, train rides, face painting and family activities. Community raffle prizes available.
Free admission.

Ester Fest
Ester Community Park | 2-10 p.m.
A lively, family-friendly fundraiser with food, activities and local spirit.
$10 adults | Free (under 18).

World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
Carlson Center
Traditional Indigenous games, dance and cultural events.
Free daytime | $10-$15 evening.

On campus and nearby

Georgeson Botanical Garden
2180 W. Tanana Dr. | 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Explore Alaska’s northernmost botanical garden in peak summer bloom.
Suggested $8 donation.

UA Museum of the North + Walt & Marita Babula Planetarium
1962 Yukon Dr. | 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Discover Alaska’s art, science and culture.
Admission: $20-$32.

Large Animal Research Station
UAF ��ϳԹ�� | Tours: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
See muskoxen, reindeer and wood bison.
$20 adults | $15 discounted
Free (4 & under).

Tanana Valley Farmers Market
2600 ��ϳԹ�� Rd. | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fresh produce, local goods and Alaska-made crafts.
Free admission.