15,500 furries expected to generate $17.4 million in direct visitor spending in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH ― Anthrocon, more generally known as the annual furry convention, returns to the David Lawrence Convention Center on July 4-7. 

VisitPITTSBURGH announced Thursday that Anthrocon is expected to bring record-breaking attendance and economic impact to Pittsburgh.

“With more than 15,500 furries expected to take on the city, the annual furry convention is anticipated to result in approximately $17.4 million in direct visitor spending, a press release from Pittsburgh’s tourism agency said.

Fursuiters, people who celebrate anthropomorphics, which are human-like animal characters, dress in head-to-toe furry attire.

“Each year, we have the privilege of working with the event organizers to establish strong community connections and partnerships that leave a significant and lasting impact on our city,” Andy Ortale, chief salesofficer at VisitPITTSBURGH, said. “And this year, there are several events on the docket that standto make Anthrocon 2024 bigger and better.”

Attendees are booked across 22 partner hotels, with six shuttle routes facilitating travel to thedowntown Pittsburgh convention center.

Over the four-day event span, attendees will explore the city by foot and partake in Anthrocon’s line-up of community events in and around Downtown, such as:

• Market Square Musicians: The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has invited musicians attending Anthrocon to perform on July 4 during the lunchtime concerts in Market Square.
• Anthrocon Block Party: On July 6, will take over Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets from noon through the evening, encouraging attendees to meet with downtown businesses and the community. Nearby restaurants and attractions are encouraged to display signage that invites the fursuiters to stop in.
• The Fursuit Parade: More than 5,000 people are expected to line the street July 6 for a world record-setting event. The Fursuit Parade begins at 2 p.m. on 10th Street near Fort Duquesne Boulevard, proceeding south along 10th Street and routing back to the convention center.
• Harris Theater Screening: A special screening 4 p.m. July 6 of the Don Bluth animated film classic “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” co-presented by Anthrocon. Tickets can be purchased via the Culture Trust at trustarts.org.
• Community Events: Anthrocon has partnered with several local businesses, including the Carnegie Science Center and Gateway Clipper, to provide special offerings toconvention-goers.

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.