One of the world’s premier furry conventions is returning to Pittsburgh for its 20th anniversary celebration.<\/p>\n
Anthrocon 2026, dubbed “Critters, Cryptids and Curses,” will take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from July 2 through July 5. Organizers are expecting another large turnout and an economic impact exceeding $18 million.<\/p>\n
More than 16,000 people have pre-registered for the convention, and organizers expect on-site registration to bring attendance to over 18,000.<\/p>\n
Anthrocon first moved to Pittsburgh in 2006 after outgrowing its previous venue. Since then, attendees have contributed nearly $164 million in direct visitor spending to Allegheny County, according to a news release provided by Visit Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
The convention has also raised more than $600,000 for southwestern Pennsylvania charities and nonprofits over the past two decades.<\/p>\n
“Over the past two decades, Anthrocon and Pittsburgh have grown together, creating a partnership that has become a defining part of our summer calendar,” Visit Pittsburgh president and CEO Jerad Bachar said in a statement. “Pittsburgh’s welcoming spirit, creative energy and vibrant neighborhoods have made it a natural home for the Anthrocon community.”<\/p>\n
The convention’s annual Fursuit Parade is scheduled for July 4 at 2 p.m. The parade will begin inside Hall C of the convention center, proceed onto 10th Street, and return indoors through Hall D.<\/p>\n
An Anthrocon Block Party will follow the parade along Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets. The event is open to the public and will continue through the evening.<\/p>\n
Other events planned during the convention include screenings of the movies “Robin Hood” and “Robot Dreams” at the Harris Theater, a public stand-up comedy show at City Winery Pittsburgh on July 2, and a series of river cruises aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet.<\/p>\n
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