A furry convention also furry con or fur con is a formal gathering of members of the furry fandom β people who are interested in the concept of fictional non-human animal characters with human characteristics. These conventions provide a place for fans to meet, exchange ideas, transact business and engage in entertainment and recreation centered on this concept. Originating in California during the mids, as of there are over 50 furry conventions worldwide each year.
As of , the largest furry convention is Anthrocon in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania. It had a self-reported attendance of 17, in Furry conventions offer a range of volunteer-led programming, usually focusing on anthropomorphic art, crafts, music and literature.
Some raise money for charity. Furry conventions started in mid with parties at popular science fiction conventions , such as Westercon and BayCon in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over time, these parties split off into conventions of their own, starting with ConFurence 0 in Furry conventions sometimes start out as furmeets , where groups of local fans meet at a regular location, often on a scheduled basis. As the local community grows, these groups may put on events that attract dealer attention or significant fan activity and which become recognized as fully-fledged conventions.
Other conventions spring up in the wake of discontinued events; for example, Califur was founded in following the final ConFurence in , in order to keep a furry convention in the Los Angeles Basin. Convention programming includes presentations , panels , workshops and tutorials on anthropomorphic culture , from literature , fiction and art to science , technology and spirituality.
The convention will often provide space for stand-up comedy routines by entertainers like Uncle Kage and Alkali Bismuth ; filk music , many kinds of gaming , and roleplaying sessions, as well as numerous puppeteering and performing arts events. Most conventions will feature some kind of an art show, in which artists' work is displayed, often for direct purchase or auction during the convention.
