Gateway FurMeet (GFM)

Gateway FurMeet (GFM) is a furry convention running from October 16 to 19, 2026, at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in St. Louis. This is the 10th birthday edition, so expect a bit more energy than usual. It is a solid mid-size event that has grown into a reliable fall anchor for the community, with the 2025 run drawing over 1,200 attendees. The venue is right in the downtown core near Busch Stadium, which makes getting around and finding food easy.

The programming leans heavily into dance and performance. The headline event is Cardinal Clash, a 1v1 single-elimination dance bracket capped at sixteen dancers. You do not need a fursuit to compete, but the judging looks for dynamics and personality. There is also a strong charity focus, with the 2026 partner being St. Louis Pet Rescue. The convention has a history of raising significant funds for local adoptions, so it is a good one to support if you care about the local scene.

DragonMelde is the Guest of Honor for 2026. If you are bringing a minor, note that parental consent forms must be notarized in specific scenarios, such as when a 17-year-old attends alone. It is a straightforward, well-run con that feels welcoming without being overwhelming. Just make sure you check the specific badge tiers and dates before you book your travel.