Annual 'Furry' convention canceled in Pittsburgh for 2nd straight year

The covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of Anthrocon, the annual furry convention, for the second year, according to the group’s official Facebook page.

“We had high hopes but, at this point, it looks like we will not be able to safely hold the convention,” Anthrocon staff wrote in a Facebook post. “As such, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that the convention will be canceled this year.”

The pandemic caused the cancellation of the annual Pittsburgh convention last year, too.

The annual convention draws thousands of participants and attendees to the city each year. In 2019, there were more than 9,300 attendees at nearly 300 events over three days.

The convention raises money each year for various charities, and they’ve donated nearly $300,000 over the years. In 2019, attendees raised nearly $46,000 for PEARL Parrot Rescue, a group that provides education to current and potential bird owners.

A virtual convention is in the works for this year, according to the Facebook post. The next in-person convention is tentatively scheduled for June 30 to July 3, 2022.

“We are looking forward to Anthrocon’s return in 2022 and are excitedly anticipating seeing everyone in person and making the return of Anthrocon 2022 the best Anthrocon ever,” staff wrote.

The furries have held the convention in Pittsburgh each year since 2006, and Visit Pittsburgh estimates those conventions have brought in more than $71 million to the city since the start.

Information on deferring memberships and other cancellation details are available online at anthrocon.org.