Latest news with #Anthrocon
CBS News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Anthrocon expected to generate nearly $22 million for Pittsburgh businesses, report says
Businesses in Downtown Pittsburgh are experiencing a significant boost from the presence of furries in town for Anthrocon, which is expected to draw 19,000 people who will spend nearly $22 million in the city, according to Visit Pittsburgh. At Emporio on Penn Avenue, part of Sienna Mercato, it was hard to get seated quickly Saturday night due to all the furries in town. "It's probably our busiest day of the entire year," said floor manager Lena Balentine around 8 p.m. "Our wait is close to an hour, but we have slowly run out of food in our kitchen, so we have to close at nine tonight. This has never happened before. It didn't happen last year." They are welcoming the furries with open arms, as indicated by a sign at the front door. Having a furry on staff as a server, Bailey, doesn't hurt. "I have been loving it. I have never had so much fun at my job before," she said, sporting furry ears. "It's been lovely; they are such sweethearts, they tip well, they're patient, they're understanding." "And when we have too many people, we just start shoving them down the street," Balentine said. Win Gould, who has attended 30 furry conventions since 2016, explained there are a few reasons why furries spend so much in Pittsburgh. For starters, they like to eat, drink, and have a good time. "We are a bunch of party animals," Gould said. But, he explains, it goes beyond that. He says Pittsburgh has embraced the furries unlike any other city where he's attended a furry convention. That's from the people to the businesses. "There was a sign [at a business] that said, 'We loved having you last year,' and all that does is make us want to go and help out the people that care about us," Gould said. Anthrocon's chairman, Dr. Samuel Conway, said he's proud of how they support and partner with local businesses. "I hear a lot of people say, 'Pittsburgh likes your money.' Of course they do. This is America, but there is a genuine affection in this town for furries. We're not here for the money, we're here for the city," Conway said. "Pittsburgh's success is Anthrocon's success." The convention spills out into the streets, allowing Pittsburghers to join in. "I love Pittsburgh," Gould said. "This is the second time I've been here. And honestly, like, I live in Houston, and if I could move somewhere else, I'd probably look at moving to Pittsburgh, and it's solely because of the way that they treated this con." Gould explained that many furries are naturally introverted. Dressing up allows them to be who they truly are, Gould said, whether that be silly, goofy, or whatever else. "What everybody wants in their life is you want to feel loved and you want to feel welcomed, and the city of Pittsburgh makes us feel like that," Gould said. "So, it's great. I love Anthrocon and I love Pittsburgh. Go Pirates!"
Axios
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Cutch goes beast mode during furry convention
Pirates great Andrew McCutchen loves posting about furries, and appears to get some good karma when he does. The intrigue: Since 2014, McCutchen has periodically posted the word "furries" on his social media when Anthrocon, a furry convention, is in town. McCutchen then typically turns into a beast at the plate. By the numbers: Through 2023, Cutch played 19 home games when Anthrocon was in Pittsburgh. He blasted four home runs with a .392 batting average in that span. Yes, but: McCutchen went 1-11 with three walks and six strikeouts during Anthrocon-adjacent home games last year.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Furries, dinosaurs, and car shows
It's the 4th of July weekend, and there is plenty to do to celebrate, and if you don't have plans yet, we've got you covered. Anthrocon returns to Pittsburgh The furries are back in Pittsburgh as Anthrocon returns this weekend. Organizers estimate 19,000 will attend the convention, and it includes everything from workshops to a block party. On Saturday afternoon, there will be the annual Fur Suit Parade. Anthrocon runs through Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Full details and schedules can be found on their website right here. Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival You can head to Twin Lakes Park for the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival this weekend. It runs through Sunday, and you'll be able to check out live performances, try great ethnic foods, and shop for thousands of handmade crafts. Check out more at this link. Dinosaur Adventure in Monroeville Families can step back to prehistoric times at the Monroeville Convention Center starting on Saturday! Dinosaur Adventure will showcase exhibits with life-sized dinosaurs that even come to life. It starts on Saturday at 9 a.m. and runs through Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $25, and you can purchase them here. Head Turners' Veterans Car Show In Plum on Saturday, Head Turners Pittsburgh is hosting a veterans car show. Hundreds of cars, trucks, and bikes are expected to be parked at Plum High School, along with food trucks and other vendors. It goes from noon until 4 p.m., and you can get all the details on Facebook.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The annual furry convention, Anthrocon 2025, returns to Pittsburgh this weekend
Downtown Pittsburgh is about to get a little fuzzier. Anthrocon 2025 has officially kicked off, and organizers say this year's convention is the biggest one yet. The popular furry convention, which celebrates anthropomorphic art and characters, is expected to draw a record-breaking 19,000 attendees over the weekend. For nearly two decades, Anthrocon has called Pittsburgh home. What started as a unique gathering has grown into a major event that fills hotels, restaurants, and streets with costumed characters, many with tails, paws, and claws. "There's so much to offer the world, and here we are to put it on display," said Dr. Samuel Conway, Anthrocon's longtime chairman. The weekend's festivities include a block party, the fursuit parade, and special events like a screening at the Harris Theater. It's all part of what organizers and city leaders describe as a vibrant and inclusive celebration. "For nearly two decades, we've had the privilege of hosting the celebration of creativity, individuality, and vibrant community spirit," said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of Visit Pittsburgh. So, what is a "Furry?" Still wondering what exactly a "furry" is? It's more than just wearing a cartoon-style suit. For many, it's a form of artistic expression and community. "Dreamers, we are people who create worlds, creatures, and also things in our minds," said Dr. Conway. Others say it helps them connect in ways they can't outside of the convention. "It's a great place for people with social anxiety or who don't make friends very easily to branch out and meet others," said Nelium the Snow Leopard. "For a lot of people, they're a little shy outside of a suit, so this helps them get out there and be more extroverted," added Zune the Wolf. How much do these costumes cost participants? Those fursuits don't come cheap, either. "Too much," said Zune, when asked about the price. "Mine was $2,500." Another attendee said theirs cost $4,100 before the pandemic, and prices have only gone up since then. While it may look like all fun and fur, the economic impact is very real. VisitPITTSBURGH estimates more than $21 million in visitor spending this weekend alone. Anthrocon runs through Sunday in and around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
CBS News
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The furries are coming back to Pittsburgh in record numbers for this year's Anthrocon
The furries are coming back to Pittsburgh, with a record 19,000 attendees expected for this year's Anthrocon. More than 15,000 furries are pre-registered for the event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, VisitPittsburgh said in a press release Thursday. Registration is currently 90% sold out, and more furries are still expected. Over 12,000 total room nights are booked between 21 partner hotels Downtown, on the North Shore and in Station Square, according to VisitPittsburgh. The annual convention is expected to generate over $21.7 million in direct visitor spending. "It doesn't feel like Summer is officially upon us until the fursuiters take to the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh," Andy Ortale, the chief sales officer at VisitPittsburgh, said in a news release. "Every year, we take pride in partnering with Anthrocon organizers to cultivate meaningful community bonds and collaborations that deliver real, enduring benefits to our city." There's plenty of furry fun on the docket, including the fursuit parade, which will step off at 2 p.m. on July 5 at 10th Street near Fort Duquesne. There will also be a block party on Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets from noon until the evening. What is a furry? Anthrocon has been celebrating the furry fandom in Pittsburgh since 2006. What exactly is the furry fandom? Anthrocon explains on its website, saying it's "an artistic and literary genre that is practiced and enjoyed by tens of thousands worldwide. We count among our ranks professional sports mascots, animators, cartoonists, puppeteers, artists, illustrators, and writers, as well as those who simply think that it would be a wonderful thing if animals could walk or talk like we do." This year's Anthrocon is scheduled from July 3 through July 6. Everyone is welcome, no fursuit required.
