Anthrocon 2026 Celebrates Milestone 20th Anniversary in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 26, 2026) - Anthrocon, one of the world’s largest furry conventions, is headed back to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) this July for a landmark 20th year.

VisitPITTSBURGH is thrilled to welcome this event back for what is projected to be its largest year yet, with more than 18,000 attendees expected and a strong slate of community events to celebrate two decades in Pittsburgh.

Anthrocon 2026, which is themed “Critters, Cryptids & Curses,” will take place from July 2-5 and has over 16,100 pre-registered attendees, with on-site registration also available. This year’s convention is anticipated to generate more than $18.6 million in direct visitor spend.

A Relationship Decades in the Making

Anthrocon first relocated to Pittsburgh in 2006, when the event outgrew its former venue. What began as a leap of faith blossomed into a 20-year legacy. Anthrocon found its perfect match in Pittsburgh—a welcoming and vibrant city, filled with creativity and uniqueness, that became the fandom’s permanent home.

As a testament to Anthrocon’s devotion to the region, the organization has raised over $600,000 for local southwestern Pennsylvania nonprofits and charities. Anthrocon attendees have also strengthened the local economy, contributing $163.9 million in direct visitor spending to Allegheny County since 2006.

"Over the past two decades, Anthrocon and Pittsburgh have grown together, creating a partnership that has become a defining part of our summer calendar," said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. "Pittsburgh's welcoming spirit, creative energy and vibrant neighborhoods have made it a natural home for the Anthrocon community. In return, attendees continue to make a meaningful impact by supporting our hotels, restaurants, attractions, local businesses, and charities year after year."

Celebrating 20 Years in the Steel City

Over the four days of Anthrocon 2026, attendees will explore the city by foot and partake in an exciting line-up of community events in and around Downtown. Highlights include:

• The Fursuit Parade – The Annual Fursuit Parade will take place on July 4, beginning at 2 p.m. inside of Hall C of the convention center, leading out onto 10th Street then routing back indoors to Hall D.
• Anthrocon Block Party – Immediately following the Fursuit Parade, the Anthrocon Block Party will take over Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets, with festivities lasting through the evening. Organizers are encouraging attendees to engage with Downtown businesses, and members of the public are welcome to attend.
• Harris Theater Screening – The Harris Theater is set to join the festivities with a special screening of Walt Disney’s “Robin Hood” on July 3 and the film “Robot Dreams” on July 5. Tickets can be purchased via the Culture Trust at trustarts.org.
• City Winery – The critters of comedy will take to the stage of the City Winery for an evening of stand-up on Thursday, July 2. The show is open to the public, but seating is limited.
• Gateway Clipper Fursuit Cruises: In partnership with the Gateway Clipper Fleet, Anthrocon is offering river cruises from July 3-5. A convention badge is not required to attend, but each cruise is limited to 175 passengers. Tickets are available through Anthrocon’s website.

In addition to these community events, Anthrocon organizers encourage downtown restaurants and businesses to participate by offering Anthrocon-themed specials, events, and signage throughout the weekend.

Media Opportunities and Press Conference

VisitPITTSBURGH will host a press conference on Wednesday, July 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the DLCC, with individual interview opportunities available following remarks from Anthrocon CEO Dr. Sam Conway, Mayor Corey O’Connor, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, and VisitPITTSBURGH President and CEO Jerad Bachar.

To attend, please RSVP to Madeleine Buckley (Madeleine.Buckley@visitpittsburgh.com) by Tuesday, June 30.

Members of the media looking to secure a media pass to Anthrocon must notify pr@anthrocon.org. All requests must be made with at least a 2-hour notice.

For additional information about Anthrocon, visit anthrocon.org. You can find tips on how to make the most of your trip to Pittsburgh for Anthrocon 2026 at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.

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About Anthrocon
Anthrocon began as Albany Anthrocon in 1997, and since then has grown into one of the largest anthropomorphics conventions in the world with a membership in 2025 of over 18,000 attendees. All of the finer aspects of anthropomorphic, or more commonly, “Furry” fandom, are celebrated here, including costuming, visual arts, literature, and dance. Since 2006 Anthrocon has been at home in Pittsburgh, with the city itself widely recognized as an integral part of the Anthrocon experience. So deeply connected is the convention with Pittsburgh that in 2010 Anthrocon adopted the city ‘s well-known black and gold as its official colors. They can be seen on the Anthrocon pawprint flag that is raised over the convention center each year to let everyone know that the Furries are back in town.

About VisitPITTSBURGH
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating business events, sports events, and leisure travel.