Anthrocon, the world’s largest furry convention, is back in Pittsburgh from July 3–6, 2025 — and it’s shaping up to be bigger than ever. Thousands of fans, artists, and performers will gather downtown to celebrate creativity, community, and self-expression, all while giving the local economy a major boost.
In this post, Pittbsurgh slip and fall lawyers explore Anthrocon’s history, this year’s schedule, its famous fursuit parade, charity work, and the economic impact of this one-of-a-kind event.
Early History: From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon
Anthrocon started small. Its first convention took place in Albany, New York in 1997, drawing about 500 attendees. From the beginning, it focused on building a community where fans of anthropomorphic art and characters could connect.
The event moved around — stopping in Valley Forge and Philadelphia — before becoming the largest furry convention in the world by 2001, when attendance hit around 1,457.
Pittsburgh became Anthrocon’s permanent home in 2006, with the David L. Lawrence Convention Center providing space for steady growth. By 2008, it earned recognition in Guinness World Records for its size. Importantly, Anthrocon has always paired fun with giving back, raising over $100,000 for animal charities in recent years.
Anthrocon 2025: Pittsburgh Returns
This year’s Anthrocon runs July 3–6, 2025, once again at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Organizers expect a record-breaking 19,000 attendees, pushing the event to full capacity for the first time.
Beyond the colorful costumes and packed panels, Anthrocon is a serious economic engine. In 2025, it’s projected to generate $21.7 million in direct visitor spending, with more than 12,000 hotel room nights booked across 21 partner hotels.
Fursuit Parade & Public Celebrations
One of the most beloved parts of Anthrocon is the fursuit parade, set for July 5. This year’s parade is expected to feature about 5,000 participants, all suited up in creative, often handmade costumes. The parade will march along Penn Avenue, drawing crowds of spectators eager to snap photos and cheer on participants.
The fun doesn’t stop there. A block party will fill Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets, welcoming furries and non-furries alike. Even local sports stars have joined the celebration — Pirates MVP Andrew McCutchen has voiced support for the event, helping bridge the gap between niche fandom and mainstream attention.
Charity Auctions & Community Giving
Anthrocon’s charity auctions are a long-standing tradition, and they continue in 2025. Over the years, these auctions have raised more than $100,000 for causes like Gray Paws Sanctuary and other animal-related nonprofits.
Much of the credit goes to Samuel Conway, better known as Uncle Kage, who has served as convention chair and lead auctioneer since 1999. Under his guidance, Anthrocon has donated over $200,000 to charity since it began.
Economic & Cultural Impact
Anthrocon isn’t just fun for attendees — it’s a big win for Pittsburgh. The convention is expected to inject about $21.7 million into the city’s economy this year, up from around $18 million in 2024.
Local hotels fill up fast, and downtown businesses — from restaurants to souvenir shops — enjoy a noticeable boost. Partnerships with groups like the Gateway Clipper and Mega Cat Studios show how the convention connects with the broader community, bringing people together in ways that go beyond the convention center walls.
Record-Breaking Growth & Fandom Expansion
The furry fandom’s growth is easy to see in the numbers. Anthrocon’s attendance nearly doubled from around 9,700 in 2022 to over 17,600 in 2024, and this year’s crowd is expected to surpass 19,000.
As more people learn about the event through media coverage and public support, the community continues to grow and gain acceptance. With that growth comes new challenges: bigger crowds mean longer lines, busier streets, and more coordination across city agencies to keep everything running smoothly.
Why Anthrocon Matters
Anthrocon is more than just a convention — it’s a celebration of art, identity, performance, and creativity in a space where everyone is welcome. For many, it’s a chance to connect with others who share similar passions in a positive, inclusive environment.
The convention also provides a major boost to Pittsburgh’s economy and helps raise funds for local animal charities. In short, it’s an event that supports both cultural expression and community good.
Conclusion
From its modest start in 1997 with just 500 fans, Anthrocon has grown into a massive, record-setting celebration of creativity and community. In 2025, more than 19,000 attendees will fill Pittsburgh with color, spirit, and generosity, proving again why this city is the perfect home for the world’s largest furry convention.
Pittsburgh Injury Lawyers, P.C. ensures public spaces are secure before mishaps occur; Pittsburgh’s host city and Anthrocon organizers take proactive steps — event planning, crowd management, and city coordination — to create a safe, joyful, and memorable experience.
Whether you plan to attend, support local businesses during the event, or simply enjoy the energy downtown, Anthrocon is an experience worth celebrating. Share your favorite Anthrocon memories in the comments below!