The Runway Costume Contest is a catwalk event for cosplayers of all skill levels and ages to showcase a costume. This is a lighthearted and fun contest for contestants and spectators. Pre-registration required in advance online or at the Cosplay Lounge the day of the event.
There will be no pre-judging. Contestants can enter in store-bought or homemade costumes.
Please read all rules and regulations carefully before registering. The Contest will take place on Friday June 13 2025. All competitors must have a valid entry ticket to the show on the day of the competition.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:
Best In Show: $250 Cash Prize and a custom medal
Best individual: $200 Cash Prize and a custom medal
Best Group: $100 Cash Prize and a custom medal
Best Youth: $50 Cash Prize and a custom medal
Judges’ choice: Custom medal
AWARDS: All awards, with the exception of the Judges’ Awards, will be chosen by a majority vote of the Judging Committee. The Judges’ Awards will be chosen by those respective individuals.
COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS
Registering for the Competition
Registration is open to all attendees who have a valid entry badge or wristband for the date of the competition.
All costumes must come from an established cartoon, comic book, anime, video game, manga, novel, or movie.
Participants can enter as individuals or in groups (up to 10 per group).
Registration is limited to one entry per person. Competitors may not compete both individually and as part of a group.
There is a limit of 50 competitors.
Competitors may register online in advance via the Runway Competition Entry Form linked below.
On site registration is first come, first served. Competitors may register at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH located in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. On site registration must be completed by 4:30pm on the day of the competition.
Acceptance of late entries is not guaranteed and is conditional on space left in the contest. To have a better chance at being in the competition, please fill out the form ahead of time.
Costume Guidelines
· This is a runway-style contest with no pre-judging. Costumes may be handmade or store-bought.
· All costumes must be PG-13 or less. Nudity, simulated nudity, and risqué costumes are not allowed. The contest organizers have final say on the eligibility of all costumes and reserve the right to disqualify and eject competitors found to be in violation of this rule.
· No costumes that are found to be racist, derogatory or otherwise promote hate will be allowed. The contest organizers have final say on the eligibility of all costumes and reserve the right to disqualify and eject competitors found to be in violation of this rule.
· Competitors must be able to wear their costumes for 2+ hours without inducing medical distress such as dehydration, muscle strain or impaired mobility.
· No harmful or potentially harmful materials are allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks or sparklers, smoke, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dropped.
· All props and costumes used in the competition must adhere to GalaxyCon’s Prop and Costume Rules. Props must be tagged by Prop Check.
Checking in at the show
All competitors, whether they have registered online or in person, MUST check in at the Cosplay Info Booth, located in the Cosplay lounge.
Competitors will be asked to verify their information and will receive their competitor number and instructions for roll call and muster upon check in.
Appearing on Stage
Contestants will line up and appear on stage according to their assigned competitor numbers. Once on stage, the Emcees will announce the contestant’s name and character. The competitor will strike three poses on stage before exiting.
Once they have exited the stage, contestants should find a seat in the audience to watch the rest of the contest. Anyone not present for the awards ceremony will be disqualified and will not receive the award if chosen.
No lighting or music requests will be allowed.
Competitors may pose/use their props at the costume competition. There is to be no throwing or brandishing of props in any way which may cause harm to the performers, fellow competitors, hosts and crew, and damage to the stage and technical equipment. Competitors found to be in violation of this may have their prop confiscated and face disqualification from the competition.
The Runway Competition has a Clean Stage Policy. No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped. Please leave the stage as clean as you found it.
We ask that all competitors practice good sportsmanship. Sabotage, bullying and/or trash talking will not be tolerated. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention. By entering the competition, competitors consent to having their likeness captured by official photographers and videographers. The resulting materials, including photographs, video, and audio recordings, may be used by GalaxyCon or local promotional entities, without restriction or financial compensation, in news materials, promotional materials, on the web, and other properties.
Conflicts of Interest
Cosplayers who are personally affiliated with judges are not permitted to compete. This includes family members, and any cosplayers who may be acting as a judge’s handler at the event.
Questions? Please email cosplay@galaxycon.com
A special costume contest showcasing the risque side of fandom!
Please read all rules and regulations carefully before registering. The Contest will take place on Friday June 13 2025. All competitors must have a valid entry ticket to the show on the day of the competition. All competitors must be at least 18 years of age to compete.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS (Additional awards may be created at the Judges’ discretion):
Best In Show: $200 CASH PRIZE & custom medal
Director’s Choice: $150 cash prize & custom medal
1st Runner Up: $150 cash prize & custom medal
2nd Runner Up: $100 cash prize & custom medal
Best Group: $100 cash prize & custom medal
Judges’ Awards: Custom medal
AWARDS: All awards, with the exception of the Judges’ Awards, will be chosen by a majority vote of the Judging Committee. The Judges’ Awards will be chosen by those respective individuals.
AFTER DARK COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS
Registering For The Competition
Registration is open to all attendees who have a valid entry badge or wristband for the date of the competition and are at least 18 years of age at the time of the event. No competitors under the age of 18 will be allowed to compete. Proof of age is required upon check in at the show.
Competitors may register in advance via the online form linked below or at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH located in the COSPLAY LOUNGE on the day of the competition. Competitors must register by 8:00pm in order to confirm their participation in the competition. Late entries will only be accepted at the discretion of the contest organisers.
Competitors may register independently or as part of a group (maximum 10 people).
One entry per person. A person cannot compete both individually and as part of a group.
There is a limit of 50 entries.
Costume Guidelines
· This is a runway-style contest with no pre-judging. Costumes may be handmade or store-bought.
· All costumes must come from an established cartoon, comic book, anime, video game, manga, novel, or movie.
· No Nudity. While this is an 18+ event, we still can’t allow any nudity.
· No costumes that are found to be racist, derogatory or otherwise promote hate will be allowed. The contest organizers have final say on the eligibility of all costumes and reserve the right to disqualify and eject competitors found to be in violation of this rule.
· Competitors must be able to wear their costumes for 2+ hours without inducing medical distress such as dehydration, muscle strain or impaired mobility.
· No harmful or potentially harmful materials are allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks or sparklers, smoke, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dropped.
· All props and costumes used in the competition must adhere to GalaxyCon’s Prop and Costume Rules. Props must be tagged by Prop Check.
Arrival at the Show
Once at the convention, Contestants should check in at the Cosplay Information Booth, located in the Cosplay Lounge. This can be done at any time before the contest while the booth is open. Directions to the prejudging room will be given at check-in, as well as any time or location updates.
ROLL CALL: All entrants must arrive at the contest venue at least 30 minutes prior to the competition for roll call. Late arrivals may not be admitted into the competition.
Appearing on Stage
Contestants will line up and appear on stage according to their assigned competitor numbers. Once on stage, the Emcees will announce the contestant’s name and character. The competitor will have 30 seconds to cross the stage and show off their costume.
PLEASE NOTE: While competitors are welcome to approach the judges’ table, please refrain from physically touching the judges. Please do NOT hand the judges anything explicit or unsanitary. Doing so will result in immediate disqualification from the contest.
Once they have exited the stage, contestants should find a seat in the audience to watch the rest of the contest. Anyone not present for the awards ceremony will be disqualified and will not receive the award if chosen.
No lighting or music requests will be allowed.
Competitors may pose/use their props at the costume competition. There is to be no throwing or brandishing of props in any way which may cause harm to the performers, fellow competitors, hosts and crew, and damage to the stage and technical equipment. Competitors found to be in violation of this may have their prop confiscated and face disqualification from the competition.
The Craftmanship Competition has a Clean Stage Policy. No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped. Please leave the stage as clean as you found it.
We ask that all competitors practice good sportsmanship. Sabotage, bullying and/or trash talking will not be tolerated. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention.
By entering the competition, competitors consent to having their likeness captured by official photographers and videographers. The resulting materials, including photographs, video, and audio recordings, may be used by GalaxyCon or local promotional entities, without restriction or financial compensation, in news materials, promotional materials, on the web, and other properties.
If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com
The GalaxyCon Craftsmanship Costume Competition is our biggest cosplay event of the weekend, featuring the best cosplayers at GalaxyCon and over $2,500 in cash and prizes!
Please read all rules and regulations carefully before registering. The Contest will take place on Saturday June 12 2025. All competitors must have a valid entry ticket to the show on the day of the competition.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:
· Best In Show: $1,000 Cash Prize, Custom Medal, & Award Trophy
· Con Chair Spotlight: $400 Cash Prize & Award Trophy
· Masters Award: $300 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Craftsmanship Award: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Individual, Journeyman: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Individual, Novice: $75 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Individual, Junior/Youth: $60 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Group, Journeyman / Masters: $100 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Group, Novice: $80 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Original Character: $80 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Best Prop: $60 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
· Judges’ Awards: Custom Medals
AWARDS: All awards, with the exception of the Judges’ Awards and the Con Chair Spotlight, will be chosen by a majority vote of the Judging Committee. The Judges’ Awards and Con Chair Award will be chosen by those respective individuals.
CRAFTSMANSHIP COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS
Craftsmanship Requirements
Competitors MUST have constructed or significantly altered at least 70% percent of their costume in order to compete.
Competitors will be required to select the skill division in which they wish to compete. If entering as a group, please select the division which reflects the highest skilled member of your group. The competition judges reserve the right to advance a competitor to a higher division level should the competitor’s work or experience level be deemed qualified.
Division Guidelines
Junior/Youth:
This division is for any contestant 13 years old or under wearing a costume made by themselves. Parents/guardians are allowed to have assisted with construction in a limited capacity (such as operating a tool/machine) but the majority of the costume must be made by the child competing. Costumes entirely built by an adult but modeled by a child should be entered under the adult’s appropriate skill division.
Novice:
Equivalent to Beginner. The Novice division is for any contestant who is new to cosplay and/or competing in major costume competitions. Contestants who have previously competed and placed in the Novice/Beginner division or higher at a previous craftsmanship competition held by GalaxyCon or another major convention should enter the Journeyman Division. This division is not open to professional costume makers.
Journeyman:
Equivalent to Intermediate. Contestants who have previously placed in the Novice Division at a contest should enter the Journeyman Division OR Contestants who have been crafting for more than two years. This division is not open to professional costume makers.
Masters:
Equivalent to Advanced or Professional. The Masters division is for any contestant who has been cosplaying for 5+ years and has made a number of advanced-level costumes. Previous competition experience or placement is not required for this division as long as the costume entered demonstrates advanced construction techniques. Professional costume makers must compete at the Masters level.
Costume Guidelines
· All costumes entered must be at least 70% handmade, or significantly altered, by the competitor.
· Store-bought costumes, or costumes consisting mostly of store-bought garments, are not allowed. This includes costumes from stores like Amazon, Spirit Halloween, Walmart, MicCostumes, EZ Cosplays, thrift stores, etc.
· The following store-bought items are allowed: wigs, notions, trims, belts, shoes, jewelry, and most accessories. Other items will be allowed at the discretion of the judges.
· Props are allowed to be store-bought. However, this will make them ineligible for the Best Prop award.
· Commissioned costumes may only be entered if the creator of the costume is able to attend prejudging.
· All costumes must be PG-13 or less. Nudity, simulated nudity, and risqué costumes are not allowed. The contest organizers have final say on the eligibility of all costumes and reserve the right to disqualify and eject competitors found to be in violation of this rule.
· No costumes that are found to be racist, derogatory or otherwise promote hate will be allowed. The contest organizers have final say on the eligibility of all costumes and reserve the right to disqualify and eject competitors found to be in violation of this rule.
· Competitors must be able to wear their costumes for 2+ hours without inducing medical distress such as dehydration, muscle strain or impaired mobility.
· No harmful or potentially harmful materials are allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks or sparklers, smoke, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dropped.
· All props and costumes used in the competition must adhere to GalaxyCon’s Prop and Costume Rules. Props must be tagged by Prop Check.
A Note On 3D Printing: GalaxyCon allows the use of 3D printed materials. Contestants who use pre-made print files should be prepared to describe how they have altered the item post print.
A Note on Stilts: GalaxyCon allows the use of stilts up to 18 inches. Competitors MUST show that their stilts are securely attached and demonstrate the ability to walk unaided while using them before being allowed onto the stage.
Competing with Previously Made Costumes or “Sandbagging” Policy
If the costume being entered has already won an award at a GalaxyCon contest earlier that same weekend, it is ineligible to compete. If the costume has won an award at a previous GalaxyCon or other major convention before the current calendar year, it is ineligible to compete. If the costume won at another convention within the current calendar year, it can still be entered.
Registering For the Competition
Registration is open to all attendees who have a valid entry badge or wristband for the date of the competition. Competitors must be available for both pre-judging and the stage portion of the competition.
There is a limit of 100 entries for the competition.
Participants can enter as individuals or in groups (up to 10 per group). Registration is limited to one entry per person. Competitors may not compete both individually and as part of a group.
Competitors are highly encouraged to register online in advance via the Craftsmanship Competition Entry Form linked below.
Contestants who register online will receive a confirmation email with their contestant number and prejudging information once their entry has been processed, which can take up to 5 business days.
On site registration is first come, first served. Competitors may register at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH located in the COSPLAY LOUNGE. On site registration must be completed by 4:30pm the day before the competition.
Arrival at the Show and Pre-Judging Appointment
Once at the convention, Contestants should check in at the Cosplay Information Booth. This can be done at any time before the contest while the booth is open. Directions to the prejudging room will be given at check-in, as well as any time or location updates.
Please arrive at the Prejudging Room at any time within your 30-minute prejudging window. Contestants will be seen in order of arrival. The judges will speak to individual contestants for about 3 minutes and to groups for about 5 minutes. Please have any reference/progress photos ready to show at this time.
Every contestant will be photographed by a GalaxyCon photographer before meeting with the judges.
Once done with prejudging, you are free until it is time to line up for the stage event.
All contestants regardless of division MUST provide a reference photo of their character to the judges at their prejudging appointment. Competitors competing in the Journeyman and Masters competitions must also provide a build book or other documentation of the construction of their costume. Novice competitors are not required to provide additional documentation, but it is highly encouraged.
Appearing on Stage
All contestants must be at the Main Stage for line-up at least 45 minutes prior to the start time as listed on the official GalaxyCon schedule (or the provided updated time if applicable). Arrivals any time later than this may not be accommodated and may result in disqualification.
Contestants will line up and appear on stage according to their skill division line-up number (provided during prejudging).
Once on stage, the Emcees will announce the contestant’s name and character. Contestants will strike 3 poses and then exit.
Once they have exited the stage, contestants should find a seat in the audience to watch the rest of the contest. Anyone not present for the awards ceremony will be disqualified and will not receive the award if chosen.
No lighting or music requests will be allowed.
Competitors may pose/use their props at the costume competition. There is to be no throwing or brandishing of props in any way which may cause harm to the performers, fellow competitors, hosts and crew, and damage to the stage and technical equipment. Competitors found to be in violation of this may have their prop confiscated and face disqualification from the competition.
The Craftmanship Competition has a Clean Stage Policy. No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped. Please leave the stage as clean as you found it.
We ask that all competitors practice good sportsmanship. Sabotage, bullying and/or trash talking will not be tolerated. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention.
All winners will be photographed by GalaxyCon Photographers. These photos will be uploaded to GalaxyCon’s website a few weeks after the convention.
By entering the competition, competitors consent to having their likeness captured by official photographers and videographers. The resulting materials, including photographs, video, and audio recordings, may be used by GalaxyCon or local promotional entities, without restriction or financial compensation, in news materials, promotional materials, on the web, and other properties.
Conflicts of Interest
Cosplayers who are personally affiliated with judges are not permitted to compete. This includes family members, and any cosplayers who may be acting as a judge’s handler at the event.
If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com. Please include the specific contest and city you are inquiring about.
The Masquerade Competition is where costuming and cosplay go to the next level! More than just a cosplay contest, this costume talent show is your chance to put on a performance!
Over $1,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs!
Please read all rules and regulations carefully before registering. The Contest will take place on Sunday June 15 2025. All competitors must have a valid entry ticket to the show on the day of the competition.
Pre-Registration is required.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS:
BEST IN SHOW: $500 Cash Prize & Award Trophy
Director’s Award: $250 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
Best Individual: $150 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
Best Group: $150 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
Best Junior / Youth: $50 Cash Prize & Custom Medal
Judges’ Award: Custom Medal
AWARDS: All awards, with the exception of the Judges’ Awards, will be chosen by a majority vote of the Judging Committee. The Judges’ Awards will be chosen by the individual judges.
MASQUERADE COSTUME & PERFORMANCE COMPETITION RULES
Registering for the Competition
The competition is limited to 30 entries, with no exceptions.
Registration is limited to one entry per person. Competitors may not compete both individually and as part of a group.
Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals on stage at the same time.
Competitors may register online in advance via the Masquerade Competition Entry Form. On Site registrations are subject to availability, pending any remaining open slots once advance registration has closed.
On site registration is first come, first served.
Once the competitor cap of 30 entries has been reached, a wait list will be established in the event of any late withdrawals or no shows of registered competitors. Wait Listed competitors will be contacted in order of sign up. Please provide a reliable contact method. If the contest organizers cannot get a hold of you, they will move on to the next name on the list.
Audio Files: All audio files MUST be received by 5:00pm the day before the competition. We strongly recommend sending your audio file in advance to cosplay@galaxycon.com. This will allow time to identify any potential technical issues. Entrants that have not provided their audio file by the time listed above will be removed from the competition. Audio files may also be dropped off at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH prior to 5:00pm the day before the competition.
Please send your audio file in mp3 or mp4 format.
Competing with Previously Made Costumes or “Sandbagging” Policy
If the costume being entered has already won an award at a GalaxyCon contest earlier that same weekend, it is ineligible to compete. If the costume has won an award at a previous GalaxyCon or other major convention before the current calendar year, it is ineligible to compete. If the costume won at another convention within the current calendar year, it can still be entered.
Checking in at the show
Contestants MUST check-in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH by Sunday at 3:00pm. Contestants who fail to check in on time will forfeit their entry into the competition.
Upon check in at the COSPLAY INFO BOOTH, contestants will be asked to verify their information and introductions. Contestants will receive their competitor number and instructions for muster and roll call prior to the competition.
Roll call will take place 30 minutes prior to the start of the competition at the competition venue. Competitors must arrive at the venue by that time in order to compete. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
Performing On Stage
There is a performance time limit of 90 seconds for individuals and 3 minutes for groups.
IMPRESS US! This is a competition based on performance. The more the judges and audience are entertained and impressed, the greater chance you have to WIN!
Microphones will be provided at the discretion of the cosplay contest organizers for use of live vocal performances only. Microphones will not be provided for prop purposes. The contest organizers reserve the right to determine the use of microphones for each entry. Entrants who purposefully mistreat microphones (dropping, hitting, throwing etc) will be disqualified and potentially removed from the convention.
No lighting change requests.
Competitors may pose/use their props at the costume competition. There is to be no throwing of props on stage, or brandishing of props in any way which may cause harm to the performers, fellow competitors, hosts and crew, and damage to the stage and technical equipment. Competitors found to be in violation of this may have their prop confiscated and face disqualification from the competition.
All performances are confined to the stage area or area immediately surrounding the stage including off stage left and off stage right and should be entirely self-contained.
Performances may not include any person not listed on your sign up sheet and may not utilize audience members, other contestants, stage crew, convention staff or convention volunteers.
The Masquerade Competition has a Clean Stage Policy. No harmful or potentially harmful materials will be allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: water, cigarettes, flames, fireworks, silly string, confetti, and any other substance that can be fired, launched, or dripped. Please leave the stage as clean as you found it.
All costumes/skits must be PG-13, PG, or G. No nudity or simulated nudity. No derogatory references or depictions. The contest organizers reserve the right to disqualify competitors if their costume is found to be in violation of convention rules.
We ask that all competitors practice good sportsmanship. Sabotage, bullying and/or trash talking will not be tolerated. Improper behavior will get you removed from the competition and possibly the convention.
By entering the competition, competitors consent to having their likeness captured by official photographers and videographers. The resulting materials, including photographs, video, and audio recordings, may be used by GalaxyCon or local promotional entities, without restriction or financial compensation, in news materials, promotional materials, on the web, and other properties.
Conflicts of Interest
Cosplayers who are personally affiliated with judges are not permitted to compete. This includes family members, and any cosplayers who may be acting as a judge’s handler at the event.
If you have any questions, please email us at
A fun costume contest for kids 13 and under to walk the stage among peers. They can enter homemade or store-bought costumes and showcase their favorite character! To enter, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign up in the room before the contest.
The ANIMATE! KID’S COSTUME CONTEST will be “Runway” style. There will be no pre-judging. If you have any questions, please email us at cosplay@galaxycon.com