There was also a furmeet at the ren fest here in Michigan. Unfortunately, I missed it.
In the past, the folks who run the venue like the fursuiters to come out. If we chose a certain weekend, maybe they'd let us in for free, but we'd likely have to perform a stage act. Paying to come in while in costume seems self-defeating as you're an attraction/street act and not able to enjoy the event like a regular visitor.