Painted Desert Fur Con (PDFC) acts as the official "season opener" for the North American furry circuit. Held the first weekend of January, it captures the post-holiday energy in the Southwest.
The 2026 theme leverages the American Southwest's rich folklore of desert mysteries and unexplained phenomena. This exciting choice invites diverse costuming beyond standard anthropomorphic animals: including skulls, moth-creatures (Mothman!), and other "monstrous" aesthetics that have become huge favorites in the fandom.
The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown serves as the main venue, offering a centralized "hotel con" atmosphere that fosters strong socialization.
Historical data and growth track record
| Year | Dates | Theme | Attendance | Charity Raised | Guest(s) of Honor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026 | Jan 2-4 | The Search for Cryptids | TBA | TBA | Simple Nick's |
2025 | Jan 3-5 | Camping in the Canyon | 1,412 | (Crystal's Critter Haven) | Tepiddreamer Studios, Melissa Mendelson |
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