Starvation Gulch 2026

Help keep our campus clean and beautiful by joining the Office of Sustainability for our annual Fall Campus Cleanup! Gloves and bags provided. Pick up a little or a lot, go solo or with a team to compete for prizes awarded to the top three individuals that collect the greatest amount of trash and recycling by weight.

Howdy y'all! Grab a friend and come on down to Arctic Java to decorate your very own cowboy hat! We'll have everything from rhinestones, feathers, satin flowers, and a variety of creative options to make your hat show off your personality.

Hats and decorations will be provided while supplies last. You can also bring your own hat to decorate. We hope to see you there!

Have you ever dreamed of creating your very own s'more masterpiece? Now’s your chance to mix and match a variety of sweet and savory ingredients to discover the ultimate s'more recipe!

We’ll provide a selection of ingredients along with tried-and-true recipes for s'more greatness. Bring your creativity and taste buds, and let the s'more showdown begin.

Bike jousting is back! Join us Friday, September 11th, from 12:30pm-3pm outside of Arctic Java to prove your worth and defeat your foes!

Bikes, helmets, lances and shields provided. Safety waivers required.
Bring yourself, your courage and your friends (or enemies).

Live-action tower defense comes to the Shed. Runners sprint through a shifting maze while Towers, armed with Nerf blasters, defend every corner. Reach the objective without getting tagged, then swap sides and see if you can hold the line. Fast rounds, rotating roles, and bragging rights on the leaderboard.

Come join the Table-top Roleplaying Games club for a wild west themed System 101! Learn the game rules and how to build a character with guidance from experienced players. Then join a one-shot run by club volunteers to help bring your character to life.

Players will have the chance to win a free set of dice!

Love some country music and can't wait for Starvation Gulch? Dance it out in this western-style event with live music! Mosy on up to the Hess Rec Center in your best plaid shirt and dancin' boots for our Hoedown Throwdown!

Country or western outfits are encouraged, but not required.

Join your team in constructing the ultimate bonfire in preparation for Starvation Gulch. Dust off your work gloves, don on a hard hat, and prepare to burn it all down!

Have fun, compete for our Big Ass trophy (tallest flame) and People's Favorite trophy, and bring your build to life. Just don't get too attached!

Cheer on your Alaska Nanook Volleyball team against Seattle Pacific University for Western Night at the Patty Center! We'll have hats from the Howdy Hat Social and Hoedown Throwdown available for decorating before the game starts.

Wear your cowboy hat proudly after the game at the Starvation Gulch Bonfires!

The bonfire burns down. The dark takes over. Your team has one shot to beat the clock before Last Light is gone for good.

Step into full VR at Alaska Esports Center for Starvation Gulch. Solve the puzzles, beat the timer, escape before the flame dies out.

Join your fellow Nanooks at the first Tradition of the school year at Starvation Gulch! Partake in over 100 years of UAF tradition and watch the burning of structures built by our very own students. There’s music, dancing, fires, and groups of student clubs who provide
snacks, activities, and other opportunities for connection.

Which fire will burn the tallest? Which strucure is the People's Choice? Come out to the Nenana Lot and find out!

Celebrate one of UAF's most iconic traditions with live music at the Starvation Gulch Bonfire! Gather around the flames for an unforgettable evening featuring great music, campus spirit, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Whether you're warming up by the fire, singing along with friends, or taking in the excitement of the night, this concert is the perfect soundtrack to a beloved Nanook tradition. Artist announcements are coming soon!