The countdown is on: the annual furry convention in Pittsburgh, Anthrocon, is just days away.
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.
The festivities will run from July 4-7 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Anthrocon will include a variety of specialized events, panels, stage performances, dances, river cruises, competitions and, of course, the annual parade and block party.
Here are five things you need to know ahead of this year’s furry convention, AnthroCoaster.
Record-breaking attendance is expected
More than 15,000 furries are expected in Pittsburgh during Anthrocon 2024, according to VisitPittsburgh, and the conference is expected to result in around $17.4 million in direct visitor spending.
Across the city, Anthrocon attendees are booked in 22 partner hotels, and there will be six shuttle routes available to take visitors to and from the convention center.
The hotel room block earmarked for Anthrocon guests sold out within 12 minutes after registration opened.
Anthrocon’s annual parade is on Saturday
The Fursuit Parade and Anthrocon Block Party will take place July 6.
VisitPittsburgh said more than 5,000 people are expected to line the street for the parade, which will take place beginning at 2 p.m. on 10th Street near Ft. Duquesne Boulevard. It will proceed south along 10th street and route back to the convention center.
The block party will be at noon on Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets.
Events span across the city
For Anthrocon attendees looking to explore Pittsburgh or get some fresh air outside of the convention center, there are activity options around the city.
On Thursday, musicians attending Anthrocon will perform during the lunchtime concerts in Market Square.
Anthrocon is co-sponsoring a screening of the Don Bluth animated film “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Harris Theater, and tickets can be purchased through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Attendees can also sightsee from the water by taking a Gateway Clipper River Cruise. Tickets can be purchased online.
‘Show Your Badge’ for discounts
Anthrocon attendees can participate in the Show Your Badge Program to receive special offers and discounts from almost 50 restaurants, attractions and stores around the city.
The free pass is valid for all of 2024, and it can be downloaded through Bandwango. Users can then scroll through a list of participating vendors to view discounts and offers, according to VisitPittsburgh.
Anthrocon clarified that attendees will not be able to show their Anthrocon badge at the participating locations — they are separate. However, there are some offers that are unique to the Anthrocon badges.
Specific instructions can be found online.
Anthrocon registration has ended online
Online registration to attend Anthrocon has ended. However, weekend and day passes will be available to purchase in person at the convention. Weekend memberships are $80, and day memberships are between $40 and $50.
Anthrocon will not sell upgraded teirs of memberships — sponsors and above — at the door due to high demand and limited supply, according to its website, however.
Attendees under the age of 18 by July 4 will need to complete a minor consent form to pick up their registration, as well as any other necessary forms.
All memberships will be available starting at 2 p.m. Thursday in Hall E in the convention center, and more information regarding events and panels can be found online.
Megan Swift is a TribLive reporter covering trending news in Western Pennsylvania. A Murrysville native, she joined the Trib full time in 2023 after serving as editor-in-chief of The Daily Collegian at Penn State. She previously worked as a Jim Borden Scholarship intern at the Trib for three summers. She can be reached at mswift@triblive.com.