Furry Weekend Atlanta (FWA) 2025 was a monumental event in the furry fandom, solidifying its position as one of the largest and most attended furry conventions globally. Held from May 8 to May 11, 2025, in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, this year’s gathering drew an impressive 17,736 attendees—a record-breaking number that highlighted the convention’s explosive growth and enduring appeal.
FWA has long been a cornerstone of the furry community since its inception in 2004. What began as a smaller regional event has evolved into a massive, multi-hotel extravaganza, thanks to dedicated volunteers, inclusive programming, and a commitment to fun, education, and charity. In 2025, the convention spanned several major venues, primarily the Atlanta Marriott Marquis (the main hub), with additional spaces at the Hilton Atlanta, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and possibly others like the Courtland Grand for overflow. These hotels in the heart of Atlanta provided easy access to convention activities, nearby attractions, and the vibrant downtown scene.
The official theme for FWA 2025 wasn’t explicitly highlighted in all announcements (themes are more prominently featured in some years), but the event embodied the spirit of community celebration, creativity, and self-expression that defines the furry fandom. Attendees from across the United States and beyond converged on Atlanta to embrace their fursonas, connect with friends old and new, and participate in a whirlwind of activities.
The Scale and Atmosphere
Walking into the Marriott Marquis during FWA 2025 felt like stepping into a living, breathing world of anthropomorphic wonder. The massive atrium and sprawling convention floors were alive with color, movement, and the distinctive sound of paws on carpet. Fursuits of every species imaginable—wolves, dragons, foxes, hybrids, and more—filled the halls. The sheer volume of attendees (nearly 18,000) created an electric energy: lines for registration snaked through the lobby, dealer halls buzzed with commerce, and public spaces overflowed with hugs, photos, and spontaneous dance parties.
One attendee shared on social media: “For being the biggest furry convention I’ve ever attended, it definitely lived up to its name!” This sentiment echoed across platforms, with many first-timers expressing awe at the scale while veterans noted how the event had grown without losing its welcoming vibe.
The convention’s growth brought challenges, like crowded spaces and long queues for popular activities, but organizers mitigated this with expanded venues, dedicated quiet rooms, decompression spaces, and medical support available 24/7. Accessibility features, including ambassador desks and young furry chill spaces, ensured inclusivity for all ages and needs.
Programming Highlights
FWA 2025 offered an incredibly diverse schedule, with hundreds of panels, workshops, performances, and social events. The Sched platform (used for the official timetable) listed everything from early-morning RPG sessions to late-night dances.
- Panels and Education — Topics ranged from art and writing to fursuit construction, mental health, and fandom history. Popular tracks included role-playing games (like Amberlight RPG and Kids on Bikes: Cyberpunk Urchins), miniature painting, and board games in dedicated rooms.
- Fursuit Activities — Fursuit lounges, parades, and dances were highlights. One viral video captured the overwhelming demand: “Every single piece of this convention center is packed right now with people trying to register—it is nearly impossible to do any fursuit activities.” Despite the crowds, fursuiters embraced the chaos, posing for photos and spreading joy.
- Special Events — A standout was the sold-out Georgia Aquarium trip on Thursday evening, where fursuiters and attendees enjoyed a private after-hours experience among marine life. Other events included pug crawls (themed social walks), exploding kittens card game sessions, and charity-focused gatherings.
- Dealer’s Den and Artists’ Alley — The vendor areas expanded significantly, offering everything from custom fursuits and badges to prints, plushies, and accessories. Attendees reported spending hours browsing and supporting creators.
- Performances and Nightlife — Evening dances, live music, and themed parties kept the energy high into the night. The con’s charity partner, Lost-n-Found Youth (supporting LGBTQ+ youth), benefited from fundraising efforts, with FWA 2025 raising an impressive $150,000—a testament to the community’s generosity.
Quiet and decompression spaces provided essential breaks for those overwhelmed by the sensory overload, while volunteering desks encouraged hands-on participation.
Memorable Moments and Community Impact
Feedback from attendees painted a picture of overwhelming positivity mixed with constructive notes on crowd management. A post-con Reddit thread sparked discussions about everything from hotel logistics to favorite panels, with many praising the volunteers’ hard work.
For many, FWA 2025 was transformative. First-time attendees discovered a sense of belonging, while long-time members reconnected and made new friends. The event reinforced the furry fandom’s core values: creativity, acceptance, and support. One highlight video compilation captured the joy—fursuit hugs, group photos, and spontaneous hallway dances—encapsulating why people travel far for these weekends.
Charity remained central. The record $150,000 donation to Lost-n-Found Youth underscored FWA’s role not just as entertainment but as a force for good.
Looking Ahead
As FWA 2025 wrapped up on May 11, the community was already buzzing about the future. The convention’s success set a high bar, with 2026 (May 7-10, themed “Nowhere Inn Between”) promising even more expansion, including potential use of AmericasMart for additional space.
FWA continues to prove that the furry fandom is thriving. From its humble beginnings to becoming the second-largest furry con worldwide (as noted in mid-2025 reports), it remains a beacon of inclusivity and fun.
If you missed FWA 2025, mark your calendars for future events. Whether you’re a seasoned fur or curious newcomer, there’s always room for more paws in Atlanta. The fandom’s spirit—creative, kind, and unapologetically weird—shone brighter than ever in 2025.
faqs
FWA 2025 set a new record with 17,736 attendees, making it one of the largest (if not the largest at the time) furry conventions ever. The massive turnout created an electric atmosphere but also led to crowded spaces, long lines, and high demand for fursuit activities and popular panels.
The theme was Futurepunk—a vibrant, neon-lit cyberpunk dystopian aesthetic with elements of retro-futurism, high-tech/low-life vibes, glowing visuals, and punk rebellion. Attendees embraced it through fursuit designs, badges, art, and decor, giving the con a cohesive, immersive feel.
All registrations happened through MyFWA.com. You needed a MyFWA account to purchase badges, and pre-registration was open year-round (including at-con). Attendees under 13 were linked to a guardian’s account. Wristbands were required for entry, and lost/stolen ones had to be deactivated at registration immediately.