The Midnight Pumpkin Blog

At every Comic Con type convention, they’re easy to spot- people dressed as animals, either in a full suit or maybe just wearing a few fur parts. For some cosplayers known as furries, this is their alternate animal identity. If you are unfamiliar with the ways of the fur, here’s an introduction to the furry community and where to find furry conventions.

What is a Furry?

A furry is someone who enjoys and appreciates anthropomorphic animals—animals with human-like traits, such as the ability to walk, talk, or wear clothes. Furries create and engage with this culture through art, stories, roleplay, animation, gaming, and costume performance.

Many furries design their own unique “fursona,” which is an original character that represents them in the furry community. This can be a wolf, fox, dragon, cat, or any kind of animal—real or mythical.

Some furries choose to bring their characters to life through artwork, digital avatars, or even elaborate fursuits.

While some people assume being a furry is all about wearing fursuits, that’s not always true! Many furries never wear a costume at all. The furry community is incredibly diverse, including artists, writers, musicians, and roleplayers who enjoy the fandom in different ways.

How to Get Your Own Furry Costume (Fursuit)

If you’ve ever seen furries at a convention, you’ve probably noticed their colorful, highly detailed fursuits.

A fursuit is a full-body costume that brings a fursona to life. However, not all furries wear fursuits—some prefer partial suits (head, paws, tail) or no suit at all!

Ways to Get a Fursuit:

1. Commission a Fursuit Maker
   • The best way to get a high-quality, custom-made fursuit is by commissioning a professional fursuit maker.
   • Popular makers include Made Fur You, Lemonbrat, Don’t Hug Cacti, and Koshka Fursuits.
   • Prices range from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on complexity, materials, and craftsmanship.
   • Commissions often have long wait times (6 months to 2+ years), so plan ahead!
2. Buy a Premade Suit
   • Some fursuit makers sell premade fursuits that are ready to ship.
   • These can be found on websites like The Dealer’s Den, Etsy, and FurAffinity.
   • Prices vary but can range from $500 to $5,000.
3. Make Your Own Fursuit
   • If you’re crafty, you can try making your own suit!
   • Materials include foam, faux fur, resin or EVA foam for eyes, and upholstery fabric.
   • Tutorials are available on YouTube and Fursuit-making forums.
4. Buy a Furry Partial Suit
   • If a full fursuit is too expensive or too hot to wear, you can get a partial suit (head, hands, tail, feet).
   • These are more affordable, usually between $500 to $2,500.

Fursuit Care Tips:

• Keep your fursuit clean by washing the inner lining and spot-cleaning the fur.
• Use a brush to keep the fur looking fresh.
• Avoid overheating—many fursuiters wear cooling vests and take frequent breaks.

Furry Conventions: Where to Go and What to Expect

While you can be a furry at any convention, there are conventions made just for furries! Furry conventions, or fur cons, are gatherings where furries from all over the world meet to socialize, showcase art, attend panels, dance, and participate in costume events.

Whether you’re in a fursuit or just going to meet fellow furries, these conventions are a great way to experience the fandom.

Biggest and Most Popular Furry Conventions

1. Anthrocon (AC) – Pittsburgh, PA, USA

• One of the biggest furry conventions in the world!
• Usually held in July with over 13,000+ attendees.
• Features a massive fursuit parade, dance competitions, and artist alley.

2. Midwest FurFest (MFF) – Chicago, IL, USA

• Held in December, it’s currently the largest furry convention with over 14,000+ attendees.
• Popular for its charity events, late-night dance parties, and fursuit meetups.

3. Further Confusion (FurCon) – San Jose, CA, USA

• Held in January, it’s one of the longest-running fur cons.
• Known for its panels, live music, and themed events.

4. Furry Weekend Atlanta (FWA) – Atlanta, GA, USA

• Typically in May, attracting around 8,000 attendees.
• LGBTQ+ friendly, with a vibrant party atmosphere.

5. Eurofurence – Berlin, Germany

• Europe’s largest furry convention.
• Takes place in August, drawing over 3,000+ attendees.

6. Texas Furry Fiesta (TFF) – Dallas, TX, USA

• Takes place in February or March.
• Well-known for its themed events, music, and big fursuit parades.

7. Japan Meeting of Furries (JMoF) – Toyohashi, Japan

• Asia’s largest furry convention.
• Growing in popularity, offering a unique cultural experience.

What to Expect at a Furry Convention

Attending a furry convention for the first time? Here’s what you’ll find:

• Fursuit Parade: A massive gathering where fursuiters show off their costumes.
• Artist Alley: A marketplace where artists sell furry-themed art, prints, and commissions.
• Panels & Workshops: Learn about fursuit-making, writing, animation, and more.
• Furry Rave/Dance Competition: Late-night parties featuring DJs and dance-offs.
• Charity Events: Many conventions raise money for animal rescues and other charities.
• Gaming Rooms & Meetups: Hang out with fellow furries, play games, and make friends.

Are Furry Conventions for You?

If you love anthropomorphic art, cosplay, or meeting creative people, then furry conventions are a great place to explore, especially if you are curious about the furry culture.

You don’t need a fursuit to attend—many furries go in casual clothing, wearing ears, tails, or furry-themed accessories.

Furry conventions are also incredibly welcoming to newcomers. If you’re interested but nervous, consider joining furry Discord servers, Telegram groups, or online forums to connect with others before going to your first con.

And most of all, have a fun, furry, time!