So, you’ve probably heard the name popping up in Discord servers or Telegram chats. Bomb Voyage. It sounds like a pun a dad would make right before a cruise, and honestly, that’s basically the vibe. But for the furry community in the Pacific Northwest, it’s becoming a serious staple on the calendar. This isn't your massive, overwhelming "megacon" where you're lost in a sea of ten thousand people and can't find a seat in the headless lounge. It’s different. It’s smaller. It’s on a boat. Well, sort of.
The Pacific Northwest has always been a weirdly dense hub for furries. You have Anthro Northwest in Seattle and various meets in Portland, but Bomb Voyage furry convention carved out a niche by leaning into a very specific aesthetic: the nautical getaway. It’s held in Albany, Oregon, which might seem like a random choice if you aren’t from around here, but the Linn County Expo Center provides that specific kind of "big enough to breathe, small enough to meet everyone" space that modern con-goers are actually starting to crave again.
What’s the Deal with the Theme?
Most conventions pick a theme like "Cyberpunk" or "Medieval Times," but Bomb Voyage leans hard into the 1960s/70s cruise ship aesthetic. Think The Love Boat but with more faux fur and fewer canned laugh tracks. It’s a clever bit of branding. By focusing on a "voyage," the organizers—a group known as the Oregon United Furries (OUF)—create this feeling of being on an excursion together.
It works because the furry fandom is inherently about escapism. When you step into that convention space, you aren't in a mid-sized Oregon city anymore. You're on a deck. You're a passenger. You're part of a crew. That psychological shift is what makes people willing to drive hours down I-5 just for a weekend.
The Reality of Running a Mid-Sized Con
Let’s be real for a second. Running a convention is a logistical nightmare that would make most people quit their jobs in a week. You’re dealing with fire marshals, insurance premiums, hotel block contracts, and a community that—let’s be polite—has very high expectations for "vibe." Bomb Voyage furry convention managed to navigate these waters (pun absolutely intended) by focusing on community-led programming rather than just throwing money at big-name guests.
You won't always see the "celebrity" fursuiters who have 200k followers on X (formerly Twitter) headlining every panel. Instead, you get local artists teaching you how to stitch a tail or writers hosting workshops on world-building. It feels grassroots. That’s a rare thing in 2026, where everything feels like it’s being swallowed by corporate sponsors.
The growth has been steady. We aren't talking about explosive, "broke the internet" numbers, but the attendance trajectory shows a clear demand for regional events. People are tired of the $500-a-night hotel rooms in major tech hubs. Albany offers a reprieve. It’s cheaper. It’s quieter. And the local businesses have actually been surprisingly welcoming to a bunch of people dressed as neon wolves and dragons walking around their downtown.
Why Small Cons are Winning Right Now
I’ve talked to a lot of people who have been in the fandom since the early 2000s. They miss the days when you knew everyone’s name. Big conventions like Anthrocon or Midwest FurFest are incredible, don’t get me wrong, but they’ve become "professionalized." They’re industry trade shows for the furry world.
Bomb Voyage furry convention is a response to that. It’s part of a "Micro-Con" movement.
- Accessibility: You can actually get into the Dealer's Den without waiting in a two-hour line.
- Cost: Your badge, hotel, and food don't cost as much as a used car.
- Interaction: You can actually talk to the organizers. They’re usually right there, probably stressed out, but they’re there.
The programming reflects this. You’ll find the standard fare—fursuit parades, dance competitions, and art shows—but there’s a level of spontaneity that’s lost in bigger venues. If someone wants to start an impromptu board game tournament in the lobby, it just happens. There’s no red tape. No "you need a permit for that table." It’s refreshing.
The Dealer's Den and Artist Alley
If you’re going to a convention, you’re probably looking to spend money. The Dealer's Den at Bomb Voyage furry convention is a fascinating look at the local economy of the PNW. You see a lot of "Pacific Northwest Gothic" art—lots of moss-covered creatures, cryptids, and forest-themed gear. It’s a distinct departure from the bright, "toony" style you see at California conventions.
Supporting these artists is basically the lifeblood of the event. Because the table fees are lower than at a massive convention, younger or newer artists can actually afford to take a risk and show their work. This means you find stuff that’s unique. It’s not just the same five popular charms and stickers you see everywhere else.
Navigating the Logistics of Albany
If you’re planning on attending the next iteration of the Bomb Voyage furry convention, you need to understand the layout. Albany isn't Portland. It doesn't have a light rail. You’re going to need a car or a very reliable Uber budget.
The Linn County Expo Center is the primary hub. Most attendees stay at the nearby hotels like the Comfort Suites or the Holiday Inn Express. Pro tip: book your room the second the block opens. Even though it’s a smaller con, the local hotels fill up instantly because there just aren't that many of them compared to a major metro area. If you miss the block, you’re looking at staying in Corvallis and commuting in, which isn't the end of the world but it definitely kills the "immersion."
Food-wise, you’re in a bit of a "chain restaurant" desert right around the expo center, but if you venture into downtown Albany, there are some gems. You’ve got local breweries and diners that provide a much better experience than the concession stand hot dogs inside the hall.
The Importance of the "Furry Code of Conduct"
We have to talk about the elephant (or elephant-sona) in the room. Public perception of furry conventions is often skewed by weird documentaries from twenty years ago. The reality of Bomb Voyage furry convention—and most modern cons—is that they are incredibly strict about behavior.
The OUF has a clear Code of Conduct. It’s about safety. It’s about making sure the venue wants them back next year. You’ll see "Con Ops" (Convention Operations) roaming the halls constantly. They aren't there to be fun-killers; they’re there to make sure nobody is being a creep and that everyone feels comfortable. In a subculture that prizes inclusivity, this kind of self-policing is what allows events like this to survive in conservative-leaning areas.
What to Expect if You're a Newbie
First off, don't feel like you need a fursuit. That’s the biggest misconception. Probably 70% of the people at Bomb Voyage don't own a full suit. They might have a tail, some ears, or just a t-shirt with their character on it. Some people just wear normal clothes and a badge. It’s fine. Seriously.
The "First-Time Attendee" panels are actually worth your time. They’ll tell you where the "water stations" are (essential, especially if you are suiting) and how to navigate the social cues of the fandom. For example, always ask before hugging someone. It seems like common sense, but in a high-energy environment, it’s a good rule to remember.
Actionable Steps for Your First Voyage
If you're looking to hit up the next Bomb Voyage furry convention, stop "thinking about it" and actually prep. Small conventions live and die by early registration.
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- Follow their socials immediately. They usually announce hotel blocks on Telegram or X before the website is even updated.
- Volunteer. If you want to see how the sausage is made—and save some money on your badge—sign up for a few hours of "Gopher" duty. You’ll meet the staff and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the event functions.
- Prepare for the weather. It’s Oregon. It will probably rain. If you’re carrying a $3,000 fursuit, make sure you have a waterproof bin or bag for transport.
- Set a budget. Between the Dealer's Den and the "after-con" dinners, it’s easy to overspend. Cash is still king for many artists, so hit the ATM before you get to the venue to avoid those $5 service fees.
Bomb Voyage furry convention isn't just another date on a calendar; it’s a testament to the fact that the furry community is moving toward smaller, more intimate gatherings. It’s about the "voyage" you take with people who share your weird, creative, and colorful interests. Whether you’re a veteran suiter or just a curious local, it offers a slice of subculture that feels surprisingly human.