Anthrocon Parade & Block Party

Fursuit Parade

As our chairman indicated last year, there will be a limit to the parade capacity and there is to be a minimum standard of dress for participation in the 2025 Fursuit Parade. Anthrocon has done its very best to keep these new rules and standards as flexible as possible. You can find the parade process and rules below.

We understand that these changes may not be universally popular and we want our attendees to know that these decisions were not made lightly. As both the convention and parade reach unprecedented levels of attendance and participation, it has become necessary to implement these new rules to keep the parade safe for all attendees. We are confident that the Fursuit Parade and Block Party will continue to provide a unique and wonderful experience for Anthrocon attendees and Pittsburgh citizens alike.

Parade Process

On Saturday, beginning at 1:00 PM, the West Lobby entrance of the convention center will be reserved for parade participants only. Additionally, parade participants may use the exit lane from Hall D as an entrance to the building. Participants who will require a handler or who require ADA mobility accommodation should line up in the East Lobby.

• The parade will begin with the Fursuit Parade Lineup, which will be in the convention center Hall C. The lineup for the parade will start at 12 PM, with doors closing at 1:50 PM.
• The number of participants in the parade will be limited, and as such, all participants must be pre-approved. You must either wear or bring the costume that you intend to wear in the parade, or alternatively a photo that shows all elements of the costume, to the registration point outside of Room 309 on Friday between 3 PM and 9 PM, or on Saturday from 9 AM until 12 PM. We cannot register any participants after 12 PM on Saturday.
• Individuals approved for participation will have an identifying sticker affixed to their membership badge. The person presenting the suit for approval must be the person who will wear it in the parade. Substitutions are not permitted.
• The parade will begin at 2 PM, starting from Hall C and leading out onto the streets underneath the convention center. Participants who will require a handler or who require ADA mobility accommodation should line up in the East Lobby.
• The parade ends in Hall D, where there is cooling and hydration for fursuiters. Once the parade is finished, or fursuiters are feeling ready, they can take the elevators back up to the 3rd floor of the convention center, and make their way to Penn Avenue (either through the convention center, or the Westin) for the Block Party.

Parade Rules

• All participants must have a costume that is “anthropomorphic” in nature. The parade is not for general cosplay. (i.e. the addition of ears to existing costume armor does not qualify for participation in the parade.)
• Full-body fursuits are encouraged. Partial fursuits must incorporate additional elements in addition to a head, hands, and (optional) tail (these at the wearer’s discretion based upon their interpretation of the species/character). Examples include: footpaws, sleeves or leggings, or other costume features that define the character. No human skin should be showing. All clothing and costume elements must conform to the Anthrocon Standards of Conduct.
• Handlers will be permitted to assist with the donning and preparation of a costume in the staging area; however, handlers will not be permitted to walk in the parade. Exceptions will be made for handlers who are assisting performers with mobility challenges and participants under the age of 13 who need a parent or guardian to accompany them.
• Due to the nature of the parade lineup area, the presence of escalators on the parade route, and other aspects of the parade, Anthrocon strongly recommends that fursuiters whose costume design requires a handler (i.e. an oversized or overly bulky suit) should opt to participate in the Block Party as an alternative to the parade.
• Even if a costume has been pre-approved, any costume that is determined not to meet these standards at parade time will not be allowed to participate.
• Any elements that are in violation of our standards of contact (examples: tactical gear, fetish wear, etc.) are not permitted in the parade. Individuals causing disruption or interference with parade operations may be refused participation as well as face revocation of convention membership.
• All fursuiters must hydrate before the fursuit parade. It’s for your own safety!
• No stopping in the parade route. We require fursuiters to continue moving in the parade except in case of emergency. Staff and volunteers are positioned along the route should you require assistance.
• Flags affixed to flagpoles are not allowed. Flags that are hand carried or worn (such as a cape) that abide by our Standards of Conduct are allowed.
• People with ADA accessibility needs or young children are permitted handlers.
• No photography or video is allowed inside the lineup area. This includes selfies whether handheld or on selfie-stick.

We understand that these changes may not be universally popular and we want our attendees to know that these decisions were not made lightly. As both the convention and parade reach unprecedented levels of attendance and participation, it has become necessary to implement these new rules to keep the parade safe for all attendees. We are confident that the Fursuit Parade and Block Party will continue to provide a unique and wonderful experience for Anthrocon attendees and Pittsburgh citizens alike.

Anthrocon Block Party

Right after the Fursuit Parade will be the Anthrocon Block Party! Weather-dependent, the street of Penn Avenue (in front of the convention center) will be blocked off from 9 to 11 Street for furries and Pittsburgh locals to interact.

Things to keep in mind for the block party:

• The block party is entirely outdoors! While there will be temporary fursuit headless zones with cooling, please keep it mind that it may be very hot outside. This also means that if the weather doesn’t look good, the event may be cut short.
• We will have Anthrocon Safety staff and volunteers supporting the block party, in addition to law enforcement personnel patrolling the area.
• There will be food and refreshment services around, including some food trucks. Fursuiters should be mindful of any potential risk to their costumes.
• Restroom facilities will be available on the street in the form of portable restrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions