Cosplay

Calling all cosplayers at HanaCon!

HanaCon embraces cosplay in all its forms, and our Saturday evening Cosplay Variety Show is the perfect stage for you to showcase your incredible creation. Whether you meticulously crafted your costume from scratch or found the perfect outfit to embody your character, this is your chance to shine and perhaps even take home a prize and trophy! We have two divisions for competition: Cosplay Performance and Cosplay Craftsmanship.

To ensure your participation, we strongly recommend applying before the convention starts by filling out the form below, as our on-site sign-up slots will be limited. To sign up in person, visit Cosplay HQ at any time before 3 p.m. Don't miss out on securing your spot!

Pre-registration will be open until May 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Note: Cosplay guests and Hanacon staff and volunteers are prohibited from entering the Cosplay Variety Show.

Levels of Competition

Youth: For participants aged 18 or younger.
Novice: For individuals who have never entered or won a craftsmanship/performance award at any other pop-culture, comic, or anime convention. If you've previously received an award as a Journeyman or higher, you must enter at a higher level.
Journeyman: For those who have won at least two major craftsmanship/performance awards as a Novice or Journeyman at other competitions.
Master: Open to everyone, regardless of prior awards or experience.

If you're unsure which level or division suits you best, feel free to reach out to Allison aka Mythril-Arts at acarswell@HanaConAnime.com for guidance.

Cosplay Performance

Do you know your character inside and out? Have you mastered their look and persona? The Cosplay Performance contest welcomes you to display your costume and your stage presence. Tell a captivating story through a skit or show off your dance skills. If the "play" aspect of cosplay is more your vibe, this division is for you.

You may enter with any type of costume, whether it's store-bought, commissioned, or handmade. We embrace diversity in age, abilities, ethnicity, and gender identity. The focus here is on your stage presence, and there is no craftsmanship evaluation.

Rules & Important Details

Cosplays can be from any pop media, including original characters.
Dress rehearsal for the Cosplay Variety Show will be held from 3:45-4:30 p.m. in Main Events. Please attend the dress rehearsal with you and/or your entire group; failure to do so will lead to disqualification.
You have the option to participate in both the Cosplay Performance and Cosplay Craftsmanship divisions with the same costume(s). Please note that Craftmanship judging is only for contestants who made the majority of their costumes by hand, but you will be evaluated separately for each.
Keep your stage time under 5 minutes.
All entrants must be registered for Hanacon and will be required to show their badge at check in.
Pre-recorded audio is required; live mics are not available. Send your audio to the Cosplay Director beforehand, or bring the file to rehearsal on a USB drive, CD, or phone.
Special note: Idol performances (Love Live, Project Sekai, Idolmaster, etc.) will be limited to the first 5 entries.
No electrical outlets will be provided; bring your own power source if needed.
Anything you bring on stage must leave with you. No loose items such as glitter, feathers, rose petals, or confetti are allowed.
Skits that have previously won major awards at any other convention are prohibited.
Costume guidelines must be followed. Any cosplay displaying offensive language or imagery, or revealing outfits that would not be allowed at a beach or pool are not permitted.
Groups are encouraged to participate! Your division is determined by the highest-ranking member in your group.
Please respect the authority of the Cosplay Director. Any attempt to undermine their decisions will result in disqualification.
Awards will be presented at the discretion of the Cosplay Director, based on the number of entrants.

Cosplay Craftsmanship

If you've poured countless hours into patterning, sewing, gluing, 3D printing, constructing and enhancing your cosplay, the Craftsmanship competition is your chance to shine! Sign up in advance to present your costume to a panel of judges who will examine your workmanship, ask about your construction techniques, and provide an opportunity for you to showcase your creative skills.

We embrace diversity in age, abilities, ethnicity, and gender identity. The focus here is on the workmanship and techniques you used to bring your cosplay to life.

Rules & Important Details

Your cosplay must be at least 75% crafted by you. In other words, if you break your cosplay down into 4 parts, at least 3 of those parts must have been created by you and not purchased. The more you craft, the higher your score potential!
Cosplays can be from any pop media, including original characters.
Prejudging occurs from 12-3 p.m. in the Cosplay HQ room. Sign up ahead of time for priority.
If you have a model wearing your costume, both the model and the crafter must be present for judging.
A build book with construction photos and documentation is required for Journeyman and Master levels.
All entrants must be registered for Hanacon and will be required to show their badge at check in.
Just like the Cosplay Performance contest, you may participate in both the Craftsmanship and Performance contests with the same entry.
Costumes that have previously won major awards at any other convention and haven't undergone significant changes (with proof) are not eligible to enter.
Groups are welcome, and your division is determined by the highest-ranking member.
Costume guidelines must be followed. Any cosplay displaying offensive language or imagery, or revealing outfits that would not be allowed at a beach or pool are not permitted.
You may showcase your costume in the Cosplay Variety Show at 6 p.m. (optional and does not affect scoring).
Please respect the authority of the Cosplay Director. Any attempt to undermine their decisions will result in disqualification.
Awards are given at the discretion of the Cosplay Director, based on the number of entrants.

Hall Cosplay Award

Imagine strolling through the venue in your spectacular cosplay when a staff member approaches with a ribbon in hand. Congratulations, you've won a HanaCon Hall Cosplay Award! There is no sign-up in advance; simply be yourself whether you crafted or purchased your cosplay. If you're selected, you have the option to strut your stuff on stage with your award during our Cosplay Variety Show, happening on the Main Stage at 6 p.m.
Please note that participants in the Craftsmanship and Performance divisions are not eligible for the Hall Cosplay Award.

Join us at HanaCon for a weekend filled with cosplay creativity and camaraderie! We can't wait to see your amazing costumes and celebrate the passion you bring to the world of cosplay!