Furry Fun: Pittsburgh’s Annual Anthrocon Convention

Written by Madeline Milchman

Pittsburgh is hosting a weekend of furry fun on Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 6th for anthropomorphics, also known as furries, to come together for the annual Anthrocon Convention at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The weekend is filled with varying events and activities, including the following:

River Cruises

Anthrocon is partnering with the Gateway Clipper Fleet to provide River Cruises with sightseeing and cocktails. The cruises run each day of the festival; times and prices vary. 

Floor Wars

Floor Wars, a dance battle event, begins on Friday with a “showcase round.” Groups of 3-5 take turns “battling” to songs selected by a DJ. This event will seed out the best crews to move on to the main competition on Saturday. Dancers are judged on team synergy, execution, originality, musicality, dynamics, and response. Winners receive plaques and/or medals. 

Fursuit Dance Competition

The dancing doesn’t end after Floor Wars. On Sunday, July 6th, the convention hosts a Fursuit Dance Competition for choreographed performances. Competitors must first submit an audition tape to qualify for the main event. They are judged on execution, originality, musicality, dynamics, and showmanship. Winners receive plaques and/or medals. 

Nightly Dances

Every night, the lights get dimmer and the music gets louder. DJs are featured on the main stage, and the floor fills with furries under strobe lights. The lineup of DJs includes hip-hop, trap, dubstep, house, trance, and drum and bass music. 

Parade and Block Party

On Saturday, July 5th, Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th street is blocked off to traffic for the Fursuit Parade and Block Party. To participate in the parade, you must pre-register outside and get your costume approved. Costumes have specific requirements and must be deemed “anthropomorphic in nature.” Following the parade, the Block Party is entirely outside and weather dependent. Anyone is allowed to join the block party, mingle, and celebrate the furry fandom. 

Stage Performances

All weekend long, performers will take the stage to showcase comedic skits, musical acts, and even acrobatics. Performers are selected based on application submissions.

Art Show

On the third floor of the convention center, artworks of science fiction, fantasy, and fannish nature will be displayed and bid on. Buyers can browse a variety of sketches, paintings, sculptures, masks, costumes, and more. On Sunday, pieces will be auctioned off.

Dealers Room

Open from Friday through Sunday, the dealers' room is filled with vendors selling cosplay wear and other items, giving tattoos, and more. 

Tickets for the whole weekend are available for pre-registration until June 15th for $80 and $100 if purchased on-site. Day membership is available for $50 on-site. To learn more about Anthrocon events, panels, and programming, visit https://www.anthrocon.org/