David L. Lawrence Convention Center
June 30 — July 3
Various times
Move over Steely, Parrot and Iceburgh, because Pittsburgh’s other favorite creatures are heading back into town.
Fans all across western PA will soon be chanting The Furries are coming! as they welcome Pittsburgh’s favorite convention for its annual summer gathering.
Dubbed ANTHROCON, the world’s largest event for those fascinated with anthropomorphics (aka humanlike animal characters) will again make its home at downtown’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center for four fun- and fur-filled days.
This is no ordinary Anthrocon—2016 marks the event’s 20th anniversary with expanded offerings. It was back in 2006 when Pittsburgh’s love affair with The Furries was first cemented, and our fair city has hosted the vibrant convention ever since.
Based on this year’s theme of “The Roaring Twenty,” Anthrocon will celebrate the art of cartoon animals with several special guest luminaries, including prolific voice actor Trevor Devall, Lackadaisy Cats creator Tracy Butler, and award-winning animator Joaquin Baldwin.
Not to miss—and back by popular demand after debuting last year—is Anthrocon’s newest Pittsburgh tradition, the Fursuit Walk (check out NEXTpittsburgh‘s photos from 2015 here). On Saturday, July 2 at 2 p.m., the public is invited to watch this free outdoor parade, which will feature some 1,500 “fursuiters” donning wearable artwork. The 30-minute parade will start at the East Lobby, traverse along 10th Street beneath the convention center, and conclude at the West Lobby. This year, the newly improved parade route will include seating along 10th Street and live music by Colonel Eagleburger’s High Steppin Good Time Band.
A collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers—and “everyday fans who enjoy cartoon animals and their kin”—Anthrocon membership is open to one and all “who like to imagine what it would be like if animals could walk and talk.” And no, you do not have to wear a costume to attend.
The festivities feature a range of programs and events, such as dance competitions, story hours, social gatherings, charity auctions, masquerades, and presentations and discussions exploring furries in art, gaming, music, puppetry, role playing, writing and more.
View a complete 2016 Anthrocon schedule here. To receive information about registering on-site (online registration is now closed), go here.
Looking for more events? Read our 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in July, Everything you need to know about Pittsburgh concerts in July, and our Top 10 things for families to do in July in Pittsburgh feature articles.