Anthrocon’s Fursuit Parade and Block Party is a Ton of Fun

What You Can Expect From the Anthrocon Parade

Anthrocon's fursuit parade is a lot like what you'd expect- those visiting for Anthrocon start on a massive walk around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Over the two or so hours of the parade, over 3,000 participants (in 2024, at least) engage with the crowd and show off their incredible fursuits to nearby spectators.

Be on the lookout for furry species of wolves, foxes, dogs, big cats, dragons, and other mythical creatures in the mix. You may even spot some fursuits that are styled after famous characters you may recognize, and some that are so elaborate that they need a handler to help them navigate the route, too.

Our images will do the talking here, because the fursuits are, without a doubt, impressive and you'll quickly see why the convention has become a popular spot year after year.

After the parade ends, the nearby streets become an organized block party where non-furries can say hello, grab photos, and all around have a fun time with all those coming into the city for the event. Just be mindful that some participants may have signs on (such as “no hugs please”), so be sure to take care if any notices you may see- those are not for decoration. 

How to Get the Most Out of the Parade

When visiting downtown for the Anthrocon Parade, it is worth noting a few key details.

First, the parade is immensely popular. This is not only by the number of participants (the parade is incredibly long), but by locals coming out to watch and take part in the fun. The crowds fill up fast, and by the time the parade starts prime viewing spots are often two, three, or four people deep.

In a way, the density of visitors is a bit no different than the St. Patrick's Day Parade, albeit over a much smaller parade route around the convention center.

Second, Anthrocon almost always takes place in Pittsburgh the first week of July and the parade is often mid-day on the weekend. In many cases, the conference often falls on some of the hottest days of the year (and before you ask, yes, some fur suits have novel cooling/fans build in!). The year we visited for the parade, it was a hot, cloudless day and was quite intense to stand in even as a spectator.

If you can get in early and score a viewing spot along the road underneath the convention center (particularly on the east side, likely towards the start of the parade route), you'll possibly get a reprieve if it is as equally hot and sunny. But, no matter what, take water to be safe.

Finally, Anthrocon seems to get record attendance with each passing year. This also translates to the parade with thousands upon thousands of visitors taking part. Suffice it to say, the parade is long. So if you're planning to watch it all or stick around for the block party that typically follows, you may be hanging out for quite a bit of time. The parade often has a feeling of “there can't be more, can there?” and then it goes on for another hour.

These are all good things. We love just how popular Anthrocon and the parade is. But for those who haven't visited before, be prepared. We left before the parade ended, so we didn't get a estimate on how long it was, but after a period of time you'll find many attendees hanging out closer to the Cultural District to get the block party kicked off early all the same!

While most Pittsburghers probably won't be attending Anthrocon for the conference, the fursuit parade is a great opportunity to see those coming in for the conference, enjoy some stunning fursuits, and get to mingle afterwards at the block party. Don't miss it!

Have you attended any Anthrocon events during the conference? Comment below to share!

For more details on Anthrocon's fursuit parade (and other events during the conference), click here