ESTABLISHED 2014
Annual gathering of anthropomorphics in Newport News, VA
September 3rd to 6th, 2026
VOL. 12
PRE-BOARDING INFORMATION
FursonaCon is an all-ages furry convention welcoming any children or adults who loves silly talking animals.
A furry convention is a multi-day event where attendees gather to meet new friends, attend panels about many interesting topics, shop from artists and dealers creating unique pieces unable to be found elsewhere, participate in fun activities, and celebrate the furry community as a whole.
You don’t need a fursuit. You don’t need an elaborate character. You don’t even need to know exactly what you want to do before you arrive.
Come as yourself and explore at your own pace.
Some of the best moments happen when you wander into something unexpected.
The Absolute Essentials
Some Other Common Ideas
The hotel address is 740 Town Center Drive, Newport News, Virginia, 23606.
If you are flying in, you will be arriving at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. It is approximately a 15-minute taxi ride, or 45 to 90 minutes by public transportation.
If you are driving, it depends on where from. Williamsburg is about 25 minutes away, Norfolk and Portsmouth are about 40 minutes away, Chesapeake or Virginia Beach are about 45 minutes. Richmond is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the convention center.
Once you arrive, hotel parking is $6/day or $12/day for valet parking. There are also free parking garages nearby, but please ensure they allow overnight parking before doing so.
Your first stop will be Registration, where you’ll check in and receive your convention badge. Follow event signage and ask a staff member if you’re unsure where to go.
Please make sure you have your ID ready beforehand to ensure a smooth and quick registration experience for all.
Once you’ve received your badge, take some time to orient yourself and get comfortable with the space. Check out where Artist Alley, Dealers’ Den, the Main Events Hall, and other rooms are, where staff stations are, and where things like food or your hotel is from the convention space.
There is usually more happening than any one passenger could possibly experience.
Browse the schedule and pick out a few things that genuinely interest you. Maybe there’s a panel you’d like to attend, an event you’d like to see, an artist you want to meet, or even something new that sounds completely unfamiliar.
Leave some room in your schedule, too.
There are sometimes attendee-ran activities held around the convention space as well, like a spontaneous art circle outside by the fountain or a hot peppers taste test in the lobby. You never know what you’ll come across.
Attending your first convention can feel intimidating. You may look around and see groups of longtime friends and wonder how everyone already seems to know each other.
The truth is that plenty of attendees are feeling exactly the same way.
Say hello to someone whose fursuit, badge, or artwork catches your attention. Join a panel about something you’re interested in. Spend some time in the Artist Alley. Attend a group activity.
You don’t need to become the most outgoing person in the room. Just be yourself.
As you meet others, please be respectful of the people around you.
Ask before taking someone’s photograph. Respect personal space and boundaries. Be mindful that fursuits can make it difficult for someone to see or hear you. Follow staff instructions and convention policies.
Most importantly, remember that everyone is here to have a good time.
For dining options, Newport News has plenty of high-quality seafood options like Fin Seafood, Schlesinger’s Steakhouse for the classic white-tablecloth experience, as well as some award winning restaurants like Saté.
However, low-cost nearby options are limited. You can try My Pi Custom Pizza a short walk away, R&R Convenience & Deli for a quick bite, or Chef’s Market Food Hall for a little bit of everything. There are plenty of other options nearby, albeit, a mile or so away.
If you need some coffee, try Cure Coffehouse walking distance from the convention center. Highly recommended by many attendees.
It’s easy to get caught up in everything happening around you and forget the basics.
Try to follow the 6-2-1 rule:
Convention staff and volunteers are there to help keep the FursonaCon Express moving.
If you’re lost, unsure where something is happening, have a question, or encounter a problem, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Look for official staff or volunteers, or visit the appropriate convention operations area.
No question is too small if it helps you enjoy your journey.
Floorplan Map
Note: Our groups are moderated and intended for users 13+.
The convention itself remains all-ages.