Hey everyone, it’s Crinkle Cat reporting back after my second trek to Furry Weekend Atlanta. If you caught my pre-con hype posts, you know I went in feeling way more prepared — mentally, physically, and with an extra suitcase just for “essentials.” FWA 2026 delivered in a massive way: over 17,300 congoers turned the main con hotels and surrounding spaces into a non-stop furry metropolis. Badges everywhere, tails swishing through the skyways, and that unmistakable energy of thousands embracing who they really are.
The con organizers clearly listened to feedback from previous years. Line and queue management was noticeably smoother. Popular events had better capacity planning, and there was actual staff on hand to guide people, answer questions, and keep things moving. I felt far less overwhelmed navigating the schedule than last time. That said, the sheer scale brought its own challenges. With so many tantalizing panels, vendors, dances, and activities running 24/7, the con sometimes felt like one giant “choose your own adventure.” While that’s fun, it also made deeper connections harder to forge. Everyone scattered into their own orbits — partying like sleep was optional — which left little room to decompress. It’s the classic big-con paradox: more options, but sometimes fewer intimate moments.
What really stood out to me this year was the increased visibility and acceptance of babyfur and AB/DL representation. The annual babyfur meet and greet had grown so popular it moved into the expansive Centennial Ballroom — a huge upgrade from last year. Walking around the con floor, it was genuinely easy to spot friends and strangers rocking onesies, cute overalls, pacis, and those iconic PeekABU hats. The energy felt warm and unapologetic. I met so many lovely babyfurs and diaperfurs who were kind, creative, and just happy to be there.
I made multiple stops at Your Little Space in the Mature Market. Their booth was proudly tailored to our community, and the foot traffic showed it. What warmed my heart most were the curious conversations with attendees who weren’t fully “in” yet. I overheard comments like, “Diapers are interesting to me, but I’m not super into the little stuff.” That’s exciting! It signals a real shift. There’s growing openness to interweaving AB/DL elements into furry expression, especially if we create welcoming pathways for people in the “middlespace,” diaper lovers (DLs), and caretakers/big siblings who might not vibe with full age regression or infantilism.
This duality showed up clearly at events like the Moonlight Festival. In that 18+ safe space meant for kink gear, openly diapered folks were still relatively rare — mostly just my roommate and me. People approached with genuine, open-minded questions, which I loved. Yet the overall vibe sometimes made overt AB/DL expression feel a bit out of place. One AB/DL-friendly vendor with a “little” aesthetic booth stood out against the heavier BDSM energy, leaving some attendees visibly confused. It highlighted an opportunity: we need more intentional bridging. Vendors, event organizers, and creators in our space could do more to appeal across the spectrum — middles, bigs, DLs, and those who enjoy the sensory or comfort aspects without full “little” headspace.
I also noticed fewer AB/DL room parties this year. From what I gathered, it came down to communication and coordination gaps before the con. I only heard about a couple after the fact, and they didn’t spark major FOMO. Instead, I ended up in smaller, casual kink hangs focused on catching up with old friends in lower-pressure environments. Those moments were meaningful, but it left me wanting more structured community spaces at future cons.
Overall, FWA 2026 reinforced something important: AB/DL and babyfur culture is becoming more visible and less shocking within the broader furry community. That’s progress worth celebrating. But visibility alone isn’t enough. We need ongoing, thoughtful conversations about balanced representation. How do we make our spaces inviting to curious newcomers without diluting what makes our kink special? How can we better integrate AB/DL vendors and events so they complement rather than clash with other kink expressions? And how do we push for better coordination so our community parties and meetups thrive at massive events like FWA?
To my fellow AB/DLs, babyfurs, and diaper lovers: let’s keep showing up proudly but also strategically. Share your art, your stories, and your cute fits. Engage kindly with the curious. Support creators and vendors who understand the full spectrum — from hardcore littles to casual DLs. To the wider furry community: thank you for the warm curiosity I encountered this year. Your openness makes these massive cons feel like home.
FWA 2026 was exhausting, exhilarating, and full of potential. I left feeling hopeful that the conversation around AB/DL inclusion is only getting started. Let’s keep it going — online, at future cons, and in the quiet moments between panels where real connections happen.
| What was your favorite moment from FWA 2026? Feel free to share in the comments or reply on Bluesky, and don’t forget to tag me at @crinklecattales.com! |