Furries return to Pittsburgh for 19th Anthrocon

It’s that time of year — the furries are back in Pittsburgh for Anthrocon. And this July, there’s going to be more attendees than ever before, at over 19,000.

Anthrocon is the annual furry convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center that attracts thousands of people who don animal costumes. This year, it will take place from July 3-6 with the theme “Deep Sea Adventures.”

Every summer, anthropomorphics, otherwise known as furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel from all over the world to the city for the four-day event. The group is a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and anyone who enjoys cartoon animals.

Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, said this year’s convention is expected to have an economic impact of more than $21 million in direct visitor spending.

Already, attendees have booked more than 12,000 total room nights between Downtown, North Shore and Station Square partner hotels, according to VisitPittsburgh.

“Just the simple fact that Pittsburgh opens up its streets and our businesses to this incredible group of people who come back and just really love Pittsburgh because Pittsburgh loves them — I think is such a remarkable testament to the openness and welcoming spirit of Pittsburgh,” Bachar said.

A furry legacy

Chris Mays, deputy director of public relations for Anthrocon, said this weekend marks Pittsburgh’s 19th Anthrocon.

“As much as we’re trying to keep the excitement going for 2025 and our 19th year, I can say that there already have been some conversations about what we can expect, what we want to do for 2026 to celebrate our 20th year,” Mays said.

The furries go by their animal names while at Anthrocon and when addressing the media.

Appearing as a brown-and-white dog, “Spangler” has been fursuiting for 23 years and has been a staff member at Anthrocon for almost 15.

“It gives me something to look forward to every year,” said Spangler. “It’s like my second home.”

Spangler flies in from Maine every year and carries the suit’s head through the airport.

“There have been times when I’ve come into the airport just carrying my head through the airport,” Spangler said. “People say, ‘Oh my god, it’s this week.’ They get really excited to see us.”

Unforgettable weekend

Bachar said, similar to previous years, Anthrocon will have its traditional public-facing events, including the Fursuit Parade and Block Party.

But due to the sheer number of attendees, the entrance for the convention center had to be reconfigured for efficiency purposes, he said.

The 10th Street bypass underneath the convention center is now completely closed to allow for easier movement of people through roped-off lines. Typically, the bypass is only closed during the parade.

Bachar said VisitPittsburgh hopes the local community shows up for the parade and party like usual in support. More than 5,000 people are expected to line the route during the parade starting at 2 p.m. Saturday on 10th Street near Fort Duquesne.

“The city, they just cheer when they’re walking by restaurants. They’re waving — it brings a smile to our faces,” he said. “With everything that’s going on in the world, this testament of just human kindness is really extraordinary.”

The block party will start at noon Saturday and run through the evening on Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets.

Mays suggested attendees of the parade and block party “have fun” with the deep-sea theme of Anthrocon.

“Dress up, bring beach balls,” Mays said.

A complete list of events can be found on the convention’s website, anthrocon.org.