The Kemono is like nothing else—imagine stepping into a world where your wildest furry dreams are brought to life. The first time I heard about it, I thought, “What in the name of anthropomorphic animals is this?” But after my first event, let me tell you: I was hooked. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve danced through the con scene before, getting the most out of a Kemono requires a bit of preparation, an open mind, and a whole lot of energy. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
What is Kemono?
So, what is this whole thing, really? A Kemono is an event inspired by “kemono” characters—those adorable, yet powerful, anthropomorphic animals we see in anime, manga, and the broader furry fandom. Imagine a massive, colorful gathering where people from all over the world come together to celebrate their love for animal-themed characters. Think of it as a giant costume party, but with more creativity than you’d find at a Halloween gathering (not that I’m complaining about Halloween). There are dance-offs, performances, art showcases, and if you’re lucky, a good handful of people who’ll offer to trade furry stickers or plushies.
The first time I walked in, it felt like a fever dream. The air was thick with creativity, every corner packed with elaborate costumes—foxes with neon fur, wolves wearing neon sunglasses (yes, those exist), and bunnies who looked like they stepped out of an anime series. Once you see it, you can’t forget it. You’ll want to keep coming back for more.
Pre-Party Preparations
1. Plan Your Costume (It’s Kind of a Big Deal)
Okay, I’m going to level with you: one of the best parts of a Kemono is the costumes. But here’s the thing—I learned this the hard way. My first costume? A disaster. I tried to DIY a fox costume with felt and hot glue, and let’s just say my hands were more stuck than the tail was. It didn’t help that I was that person standing in the corner, too shy to ask people to help me untangle my mess.
So, pro tip: Plan ahead! And I’m talking way ahead. Once you pick your character, get your supplies early. Maybe you want to go the whole hog and create a custom fursuit (some people are seriously talented), or you might be better off buying one pre-made. I’m definitely the latter category. I’ve seen some wild creations—like a ferret with glitter on its tail that probably took someone months to finish. If that’s your vibe, go for it! But me? I’m all about comfort and cuteness. Keep it flexible, breathable, and something you can move in because trust me, you’ll be dancing.
2. Get Familiar with the Schedule
Here’s the deal: Kemono Parties usually pack a lot into their schedules. We’re talking panels, performances, workshops, and don’t forget the all-important social meetups. Once you get your ticket, check out the schedule. Plan ahead, and figure out what interests you most. Panels about furry culture? Check. Workshops on costume-making or digital art? Absolutely. There’s usually a dance battle or two—I mean, it’s a party, right?
If you’re like me and want to make sure you don’t miss anything, you’ll want to take a screenshot of the event schedule and mark the events you’re into. And hey, don’t forget to book your spot in advance for some of the workshops—they fill up faster than you can say “furry fandom.”
3. Budget (Yes, You’ll Want to)
Look, I’m not gonna lie to you—these events can get a little expensive, especially when you’re eyeing all the cool merchandise. The first time I went, I dropped half my savings on a limited-edition plushie. Fast forward to me, four hours later, regretting my life choices because my wallet was on life support. You don’t need to do that. I mean, sure, buy the cool stuff, but make a plan. Set aside money for food, merchandise, and if you’re getting a custom art piece done, you might want to save a bit more. Trust me, the temptation to splurge is real.
4. Connect with the Community (You Don’t Want to Miss This)
If you’re new to the fandom, it can feel a little overwhelming. I’ll be honest, my first Kemono was like stepping into an alternate universe where everyone knew what a “fursuit” was, and I was just over here trying not to trip on my costume. But here’s the thing: Once you connect with the community, it’s like you’ve found your tribe.
Join Facebook groups or Twitter threads related to the event, chat with fellow party-goers online, and maybe set up meetups beforehand. It’s a great way to ease into things. And trust me, you’ll quickly discover how friendly and welcoming everyone is. You’ll find people who are as passionate about the furry fandom as you are, and chances are, you’ll make friends who’ll stick around after the party ends.
At the Party: Making the Most of Your Experience
1. Embrace the Chaos
Look, it’s gonna be overwhelming. I’m talking lights, music, furry suits everywhere. But here’s the thing: lean into it. If you go into this expecting to just “observe,” you’re doing it wrong. The energy is contagious. It’s not just about dressing up—it’s about letting your creative flag fly. Don’t be afraid to join in, whether that means showing off your dance moves at the rave or participating in a panel discussion. Embrace the chaos.
One thing I didn’t realize until my third party was how much I loved the art showcases. Watching people’s custom artwork—drawn or painted—was so awe-inspiring that I ended up spending half my time just gawking at the pieces and chatting with the artists. Those conversations? Priceless. You might find someone willing to make custom artwork just for you.
2. Panels & Workshops: The Hidden Gems
I gotta say, I went to one panel, thinking it would be “meh,” but it turned out to be a total game-changer. I attended a workshop about the art of fursuit design, and not only did I learn some pro tips (did you know you can use foam to make a more breathable head?), but I also met some wicked cool people who helped me troubleshoot some costume mishaps. So, don’t skip out on the panels. They’re not just a “talking head” kind of thing. There’s usually some hands-on stuff, like learning how to make your own accessories or talking about how to improve your art skills.
3. Games and Competitions: Get Involved
Competitive spirit, anyone? Whether it’s a dance-off or a trivia game about furry culture, I’m telling you, there’s something exhilarating about the friendly competition at Kemono. The first time I joined a trivia contest, I was sure I’d win (turns out, I didn’t, but let’s pretend I did for dramatic effect). But even if you’re not into winning, it’s hilarious to watch others go head-to-head in a costume contest or trivia challenge.
Plus, the prizes are often wild. Last time, the grand prize was a custom-made plush of a character from my favorite fandom—of course I didn’t win, but it was worth the try.
4. Photography: Capture the Magic
By now, I’m sure you’ve spotted a few costumes that left you slack-jawed. Whether it’s a furry unicorn with a rainbow tail or a lion that somehow had LED lights in its mane, you’ll want to capture it all. My first instinct was to pull out my phone and snap photos, but I quickly realized I had to ask for permission first. Not everyone is okay with random pics, and I get that—boundaries, people! But there are also areas designated for photos, where professional photographers hang out and can help you capture that perfect moment.
If you’re feeling extra bold, grab a few photos with your new friends. You’ll want memories—and hey, you’ll also look wicked cool on social media.
Etiquette & Tips for a Smooth Experience
1. Respect the Space
It might sound simple, but trust me, it’s easy to forget when you’re caught up in the excitement. Be mindful of your costume and your space. Some fursuits have super detailed tails or horns—don’t get too close unless invited. That said, people love to talk about their outfits, so be ready to engage in some fun convos.
2. Hydrate & Rest
I’m no marathoner, but trust me, you’ll be on your feet a lot at these events. I remember at my first Kemono, I had zero idea how much I’d be walking around (and dancing). Hydrate, take breaks, and don’t push yourself too hard. I ended up sitting out for a few panels because I was wiped out, but it was exactly what I needed to avoid burnout.
3. Don’t Forget Safety
I’m not trying to sound like your mom, but safety’s gotta be a priority. Know where the exits are, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t be afraid to ask a staff member if you’re unsure about anything. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be lost in a sea of fursuits.
4. Keep an Open Mind
I know I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating. Kemono is a place where people come from all walks of life to express themselves. So keep an open mind. Don’t judge. Just enjoy the ride.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it. Navigating and enjoying a Kemono isn’t rocket science, but it is about having the right attitude, preparation, and an open heart. Once you embrace the culture, the people, and the wild costumes, you’ll be hooked. Trust me, the magic of Kemono will stay with you long after the event. And who knows? You might just be counting the days until the next one.
