As of the time of writing, I can say I've been to at least two non-furry meetups, and at least five non-furry music shows with my fursuit head. Obviously my experience is not universal, but I have a pretty good idea of what fursuiting at public events is like for me.

I can mention all of the inhibitions that go away after donning my fursona's head, the ways it helps me dance and even not get my senses overwhelmed, but I go into much more detail about that in my main article on fursuiting. What I want to write about in this short piece is the people's reactions, because they were much more positive than expected.

In general, we all have this idea that we'll get side-eyed or name-called. Those of us with shame and cringe still clinging to our souls believe we're intruding, that it's not appropriate for us to be there as furries... but, at least in my beloved Buenos Aires, in the music shows I've been to and the hangouts I've participated in, that's not the feeling I get at all.
I stand out, I draw attention (which, if I'm honest with you and myself, it's at least 40% of why I do it), but I don't really feel out of place. Aside from the fact that there's furries everywhere, who'll feel the joy of seeing a fellow animal out and about; I found that people are more fascinated and curious about this thing of ours than disgusted or shocked.

In hangouts, it's a great conversation starter, and I love a good opportunity to see if someone clicks with that mode of expression, of playing the part of yourself and uniting the creature-esque and human parts of yourself, not in contrast but in harmony.
However, I am mainly thinking about music shows. I like to think seeing a fursuit in the mosh pit is going to be something memorable for a lot of people. As mentioned before, dancing is also something that just comes easier in a fursuit; the animal in me (the animal that is me) just wants to move around, and the suit gets me in that headspace real easy. The people also love to see someone doing weird expressive shit like that, they try to guess what your fursona is, they feel comfortable approaching you to dance together, and they are very kind about how hot it gets and how reduced your visibility is.

I have been offered water and drinks (though, as a rule, you should never drink from a stranger's beverage), some of the bands have started to recognise me, and even when I don't bring the fursuit, its animal influence stays with me. I also notice, with the bands I've seen more than once, that they get regulars who will also notice you, which builds a fascinating sensation of common culture and it can even normalise furries for people who've only thought of them as a niche online thing they'll never cross paths with. I can say that one person who saw me more than once told me they were eyeing the furry fandom the first time they saw me, and had gone on to make their fursona since then.

Of course, it'd be irresponsible not to clarify that this doesn't mean harassment is non-existent. Always have a buddy so you're not going out alone, make sure your fursuit is safely stored somewhere you can transport it and put it away in, remove your head frequently to avoid getting too hot, and stay well hydrated. Feel the temperature of the event; if you sense hostility, take it out and consider leaving (in your shoes, I woulnd't want to be somewher I feel unwelcome in). If you feel like everyone's watching you and you don't like that, it might be a good idea to stay out of the suit for the rest of the night.

But, other than that, bringing furry shit to non-furry places is surprisingly more fun and well accepted than you'd expect. You never know who you'll meet, who'll ask what furries are with genuine curiosity and wonder in their eyes, who'll remember that night a little bit more. If you have a fursuit, I highly recommend you give it a shot.