Furry conventions are popular attractions for a ton of different people, including those that don’t identify as furries! If you’ve never been to one, then it’s hard to find out what they’re like. That’s where we step in.
When you go to a furry convention, you can expect to see plenty of furry costumes, shops, games, and art. You’ll also see people raising money for charity and taking classes.
There is a lot of stigma surrounding furry conventions, and you might think you know what to expect when you go to a furry convention. However, a lot of people are surprised when they first go because they don’t expect some of these things.
You Will Definitely See Furry Costumes
Not surprisingly, furry costumes are a huge part of most furry conventions, and you’ll see a wide range of different costumes of different animal types.
People put a lot of time and money into furry costumes, whether they make them or they buy them. Furry conventions are a place to show these costumes off, and it’s one of the few public places people can wear them without being judged.
These costumes range from any type of furry animal like a dog, bear, or cat suit to actual suits simply covered in fur.
But, many people choose to not wear furry costumes. Not everyone that goes to furry conventions is ready to wear a fursuit (furry suit), and there are always people that check out furry conventions that aren’t furries. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a costume, you won’t stand out!
I summarize champion Furry Pocari Roo does and don’ts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH-Kt_vwwnQ
Do
- Go to the convention even if you don’t have a suit – you won’t be the only one
- Shower, wash your hands a lot, and get vaccinated to prevent disease in the convention
- ask for CONSENT to photo, touch or hug another furry folk!
- Report anyone who is suspicious or dangerous
- Do show appreciation to the furries you respect – but don’t follow them around like a lost sheep
Don’t
- Go to Furry that conventions that are over 18 if you are not over 18 – you might get the convention in lots of trouble!
- Don’t loiter around a dealer’s table if you are not going to buy anything.
- Don’t disrespect the hotel’s business and the guests
- Don’t go nuts with drugs or drinks – and don’t drink a drink that has been out of your sight – someone might slip you a roofie!
Shops Are Huge At Furry Conventions
There are a ton of shops at furry conventions. You can expect to see everything from creator booths to big sponsors—most of the time, you’ll even see donations for various charities throughout the convention.
Furry conventions are the perfect place to support local artists, and you’ll see everything from handmade bags to custom artwork. You can spend your entire time at a furry convention looking at things to buy!
Oftentimes, you’ll find a lot of fan-created stuff about popular pop culture, such as Beastars, a furry-friendly anime series on Netflix. However, just because it’s a furry convention doesn’t mean absolutely everything you see is going to be tied to furries. You can find a lot of things dealing with anime and other similar things, so keep an eye out for anything you enjoy.
Furries Love to Support Charities As Well
Almost every convention has a philanthropic focus as well as commercial. Charleston Rat, in the video above tells us that in 2017 – the top Furry conventions earned 415,000 for charity! The majority of furry conventions you’ll go to have some sort of charity that they’re raising money for, and proceeds will generally be split between the vendor and the charity.
On top of that, you can donate money to whatever charity as well. Sometimes there are even auctions to help raise money! There are a ton of issues that are tied very closely to furry conventions, including
- LGBTQ+ charities
- empowerment charities
- charities that deal with social issues
Games Are Part of the Fun at Furry Conventions
A huge part of furry conventions are games and other social events! There is always something fun to find while you’re walking around the convention, whether it’s a scheduled event or a spontaneous cuddle fest.
One thing to realize is that most of the people you’ll find at furry conventions, especially those in costume, are extremely nice. You’ll see people hugging everywhere, and you’ll probably be on the receiving end of kindness exhibited by strangers. In fact, you’ll probably make some friends!
So, when it comes to games and fun events, everyone is down to have a good time. There are typically games that are scheduled throughout the convention, and everyone’s invited. Because everyone’s so friendly, you don’t even have to worry about it being awkward or embarrassing!
While the planned events are always exciting, the unplanned happenings are just as fun. Oftentimes you’ll find people in fursuits having a good time, running around pulling pranks and causing laughter. They’re always harmless though, and you’ll probably see plenty of cameras following around the pranksters.
Another common spontaneous event is the cuddle sessions that randomly happen on the floor. It won’t be weird to turn a corner and find a bunch of people piled up on the floor—you’ll almost always see this in public places though, so feel free to join in if you enjoy snuggles!
Parties Happen Almost All Day and Night
Typically, you’ll find raves happening each night of a furry convention. These are fast-paced parties that include tons of bright, flashing lights and light up accessories. Most of the time you’ll even find a blue light that helps light up the darkness, and it’s definitely an experience like none other.
Because of the dark room and flashing lights, wearing a fursuit can be dangerous. For this reason, most furry conventions will hold a party earlier that’s a bit slower paced so that people can enjoy the same atmosphere in their fursuits. However, once it comes to the real rave, you won’t stand out if you’re not in a fursuit.
There’s also a ton of after parties that happen after furry convention days are over. However, these are thrown by attendees, so make sure to be smart and don’t go anywhere that you’re not comfortable with.
Expect Plenty of Art
The furry community is huge on artwork, and you’re sure to find plenty of booths selling and promoting various artwork while you’re walking around the convention center. This can be a really fun way to buy some keepsakes.
For example, you can find fanart from a series you love, or even find gifts for friends. If you go to a furry convention with friends, you’ll often find artists that are around looking to draw you real time, like a caricature artist!
You’ll also find other forms of art, such as literature. This is a unique way you can support talented furry writers!
Classes
Another type of art can be promoted in classes that are hosted by the actual convention. Sometimes this is on artwork, and other times it’s on social issues or issues that furries are currently facing.
Furry conventions teach a lot about artwork because it’s close to a lot of furry’s hearts. Part of being a furry is finding your fursona, which can come out through artwork and writing. It’s a creative process that most people don’t realize.
This is a big reason why people who aren’t furries come to conventions; it’s a great way to learn about the furry community in general. If you’re wondering how furries think, or how furries become furries, then these classes are great learning lessons.
Are Furry Conventions Safe?
Furry conventions are absolutely safe! There are a ton of safety measures in place, and the furry community as a whole is welcoming, friendly, and generally safe. If you’ve ever been to an anime convention, or even a state fair, then you’ve seen how “dangerous” a furry convention is.
While furry conventions are safe, there are several conventions that are age restricted. Because of the dances and other spontaneous events that can occur, some conventions would rather be safe and limit the ages of people attending.
Even furry conventions that aren’t age restricted typically have a section that’s rated mature or PG-13. Some artwork and literature, and even some classes, aren’t suitable for all ages. If you are looking for a convention to take your child to, it’s worth checking out what’s happened at that convention in the past and what the convention itself recommends. You can find a list of the biggest furry conventions and yearly dates here.
Of course Covid has changed everything, the jury is out to when we will be able to go back to Furry Conventions as usual. But let me tell you – Furries are a dedicated lot – so as soon as it is safe you can imagine they will back to usual!
In Conclusion
All in all, furry conventions are a great place to socialize and meet people. You can expect to see furry costumes, shops, games, and art all in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere—even if you’re not a furry.
Resources
The Anthrozoomorphic Identity: Furry Fandom Members’ Connections to Nonhuman Animals