Painted Desert Fur Con (PDFC)

Painted Desert Fur Con (PDFC) is a furry convention held each January at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown in Phoenix, Arizona, serving as one of the first events on the North American convention calendar. The 2026 edition drew 2,064 attendees, up from 1,412 in 2025, and the convention raised over $10,000 for Crystal's Critter Haven that year.

2026: The Search for Cryptids

Scheduled for the first weekend of the year (January 2-4, 2026), PDFC leaned into the eerie folklore of the local deserts with its "The Search for Cryptids" theme.

The Southwest is rich with legends of desert anomalies, and this regionally targeted theme encouraged creative costuming. PDFC attendees were encouraged to step outside standard anthropomorphic designs and explore monstrous aesthetics, from skull-dogs to Mothman iterations and Wendigo suits. This visual variety makes PDFC one of the more creatively distinctive conventions of the season.

How Do I Get to Painted Desert Fur Con?

Phoenix is a well-connected transit hub:

• Flying: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a major facility with frequent direct flights, particularly from cities looking to escape winter weather.
• The Valley Metro: A rental car is not necessary for PDFC. The affordable Valley Metro Light Rail connects to the PHX airport loop and drops attendees into the downtown convention grid.

Where Should I Stay for Painted Desert Fur Con?

PDFC prioritizes a centralized convention environment:

• The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown: Acting as the primary anchor, this hotel creates a self-contained convention hub. Late-night events, panels, and the Dealers Den are housed directly below the hotel towers, producing a dense, social atmosphere that runs around the clock.

Past Years

2025: Camping in the Canyon. PDFC 2025 saw strong growth with 1,412 attendees in Phoenix. The convention raised over $10,000 for Crystal's Critter Haven.

What Are the Highlights of Painted Desert Fur Con?

• The Southwest Season Opener: A 2,000+ attendee convention that serves as the opening event of the convention year.
• The Search for Cryptids: A creative, regionally themed 2026 edition suited for monstrous and eerie cosplay.
• The Winter Escape: Offering warm Arizona weather in the dead of January.
• Strong Phoenix Transit: Easy access via PHX Airport and the downtown Valley Metro Light Rail.