COSPLAY

We at MAGFest LOVE to see folks in costume! Show off your best video game, anime, or pop culture costumes, take some photos and check out our cosplay events. MAGFest is an all-inclusive event, so wear what makes you happy! However, please make sure you adhere to our Dress Code and Prop Policy.

Dress Code & Prop Policy

Cosplay HQ will be open Thursday from 12pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-2pm, located outside HALL E. We have a cosplay repair table with everything you need for costume quick fixes, costume contest signups/info, and Prop Check.Take a look at all our Cosplay panels and events:

Super Cosplay Contest
Cosplay Meetups
Makerspace Workshops
Cosplay Dance Party @ the ARENA
So MUCH MORE!

Questions about Cosplay at MAGFest? Please contact the cosplay department at: Cosplay@Magfest.org

SUPER COSPLAY CONTEST RULES

Been working on a full suit of EVA foam space marine armor? Sewing every night for a week to create an amazing ballgown to flounce around in an engine room in? Bought a costume and did some really cool makeup with it? Come show it off on our stage, show up in character, and impress our judges and audiences! Contestants will walk the stage and have a few moments to get into character for
our audience and judges. Once everyone has had a chance, judges will select 16 entrees, group or solo, to move forward into our "Brackets" (Like a fighting game tournament!). From there, contestants will be pulled up in pairs and asked to do silly things, such as "best super move", "Dance off", "rap battle", or whatever our MC's decide at the moment! Be in character, make the audience cheer, and become the 2024 MAGFest Cosplay Champion!

For anyone who made at least 50% of their costume, please see Craftmanship Contest Rules below for submission form and information! Craftmanship winners will be announced at the end of the In-Character Contest.

ELIGIBILITY

You must have a valid MAGfest 2025 badge
If you are under the age of 13, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to enter and you must also be accompanied by your parent or guardian during judging and the contest.
When you sign up for this contest you agree to read and abide by all rules as posted. We promote an inclusive and welcoming environment, and are here to make sure everyone is having fun and enjoying themselves.
We (MAGFest staff) reserve the right to refuse entry or participation to anyone for any reason.

CONTEST RULES & GUIDELINES

Our stage show is an all audiences show! Please refrain from making lewd gestures or using inappropriate language. There are kids in the audience and in our contest! This is a single warning rule, more than one infraction will automatically disqualify you.
All costumes entered must adhere to the MAGfest Dress Code and Prop Policy. If your costume does not meet this criteria you may be asked to change or not permitted to walk the stage.
Contestants may enter craftmanship or in-character, or BOTH. However, contestant may only have one entry (if you're in a group, you can't also enter solo)
Purchased or commissioned cosplays are NOT eligible for the craftmanship contest. You must have made at least 50% of your
costume. If you are modeling a costume made by someone else, they must be present during judging to qualify. However, purchased costumes are still welcome to walk the stage and be part of our in-character portion!
Skill divisions are strictly enforced. If an entrant is deemed above the skill level of the division they have entered by the judges, they will be moved up a division. Divisions are Novice (0-2 major awards), Journeyman (3-4 major awards), Master (5+ major awards). There are occasions where your skill level may be above the category you entered. Our judges reserve the right to elevate a contestants skill level.
Be respectful to other cosplay entrants and the judges. Unruly or disruptive behavior during pre-judging, backstage, or during the contest is not permitted and entrants associated with this behavior will be disqualified and asked to leave.
Entrants with disabilities are welcome to provide their own handler or request handler assistance from our cosplay staff for any stage of the cosplay contest process. If you think you may need assistance, we encourage you to contact us in advance or request assistance during the pre-judging process. We are currently working on getting a ramp added to the stage, however if this is not possible, we will do everything possible to accommodate so you can enter and enjoy!
Craftmanship entrants wishing to compete with costumes that have previously won a costume competition must declare this upon registration. In order to be accepted, at least 50% of the costume must be altered or remade since the costume last won an award and the costume must also be entered in a higher skill division if one exists.
Group entries of up to 8 people are allowed. Entrants may not participate in multiple groups If selected for top 16 brackets, group may be asked to elect representatives to come on-stage
Professional cosplayers ARE WELCOME to enter. A professional cosplayer is anyone who makes a significant portion of their income from costume design, construction or sales or feels they are a master of their craft. If you are a pro, you MUST enter in the MASTER division.
If you are unable to attend the In-character stage show, but competed in the Craftmanship contest, we will have remaining awards at the Cosplay HQ until 3pm Sunday. Please stop by before then to check winners.

HOW TO ENTER:

Stage: Sign ups are on location, and will take place on Thursday 12-10pm and Friday 10am-10pm at the Cosplay HQ outside of Hall E.
Contestants will be given a form to fill out, asking name, pronouns, character, source material, and division. Please print clearly so our judges and MCs can read!

After completing the form, contestants will be given a badge to hang on their lanyard with a number. DO NOT LOSE THIS!

Please line up according to the number given. This will be your contestant’s number as well if we call you up on stage!

Sign ups will be open Saturday morning, if space is available. Please see Cosplay Staff outside Panels 1 1 hour before panel. Signups close 15 MINUTES BEFORE the show begins. At that time, ALL CONTESTANTS MUST BE LINED UP. Signups for in-character show will occur on location- please visit the Cosplay HQ for more information.

Craftmanship: SLOTS ARE LIMITED! Signups will be ahead of time ONLY, via the form link below. Entry will be juried, and at least some level of completion of your costume must be submitted to be considered. Deadline: December 31, 2024

Craftmanship Entry Form

You will receive an email notification no later than January 5th 2025, either with letter of acceptance, or waitlist information. If you are accepted, a 5-minute timeslot will be assigned. Please be prompt to your time slot! If you are late, or do not show at your scheduled time slot, you may be disqualified. (Please refrain from messaging before January 5th inquiring about acceptance. I
promise, if you submit, we received it and will let you know <3 )

STAGE RULES

Microphones may be used by the contestants! However, please keep your presentation to less than 30 seconds, and be mindful of our all-ages audience when it comes to language.  Please turn the microphone back over to the MCs when requested.
Everything brought onto the stage during an entry must be removed at the end of the time limit. Messy substances including confetti, glitter, flower petals, and water are not allowed.
Pyrotechnics or special effects such as fireworks, flash paper, or smoke machines will not be allowed on the stage or backstage area.
Contestants may not throw anything off the stage or into the crowd. Throwing, launching, or shooting any projectile into the audience will lead toimmediate disqualification for safety reasons.
Non-firing toy weapons will be allowed on-stage with peace bonding, but any live weapons will result in immediate removal from the stage. No food or remote-control devices are allowed on stage.

CRAFTSMANSHIP JUDGING

All costumes must be made by the entrant(s) or credited to the creator(s) on the entrant’s entry form. Models are allowed, but costume creator must be present for judging and to receive awards. Purchased costumes will not be allowed for craftsmanship judging. 
All entries must be at least 50% made or significantly modified from original garments.
Contestants will be assigned a timeslot. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY! We strive for timeliness, so plan to arrive in costume, ready to be judged 15 minutes early. I will make sure there are chairs available if needed.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are late to your timeslot, we will do our best to work you in to any other available slots, however this is on a case-by-case basis. By arriving late, you can potentially forfeit your entry.

We will do our best to work with anyone in an emergency, however out of respect of time, and to other contestants and our judges, we may not be able to accommodate a missed time.
Contestants are given 5 minutes to highlight their costumes and the portions they created. Please be mindful and respectful of this for both our judges and other contestants. 
Reference images and progress binders are welcome and appreciated, but not necessary!  Accuracy is important, but since we accept original characters and concepts, it is not one of our main criteria.
Craftmanship contestants will be judged on 3 major categories:
Appearance: presentation, neatness, put together, pride in costume, etc.
Construction: Use of material, methods, durability, creativity, etc.
Attention to detail: Makeup, props, wigs, shoes, attitude/persona, etc.

SKILL LEVELS & DIVISIONS

If you have questions about which division, you should be in, feel free to ask us!

Note: We reserve the right to move your placement to another division if we think it’s a better fit for you.

12 & UNDER

We reserve this category for kids 12 and under who have made their own costume and/or had some help from someone older. If a parent/guardian made the costume, or it was purchased, we encourage kids to enter the in-character show, and special awards for their category will be given!

You should enter if:

You are 12 or under
You made some of your own costume.

You should not enter the 12 & Under division if:

You’re 13+
Your costume was purchased, or someone 13+ older made most of your
costume.

NOVICE

The Novice division exists to encourage people who are new to costuming to
compete.

You should enter if: 

You are new to costuming, have never competed before, or are not a
professional costumer.
You have competed in the Novice division, but you have not won any
awards.
You have competed in the Novice division, but have won less than three
major awards (Best in show, best novice craftmanship, etc.)

You should not enter the Novice division if:

You are a professional costumer.
You have competed or won an award in Journeyman/Masters/Advanced.
You’ve been making costumes for many years.

JOURNEYMAN

The Journeyman division is an interim division for customers who have consistently won awards in the Novice division, but who feel they are not yet ready to compete in the Master division.

You should enter if: 

You have been cosplaying for a number of years but do not yet feel like an expert in your craft or are not a professional costumer. 
You have won more than two major awards in the Novice division.
You’ve been making costumes for many years and honed your skills.

You should not enter the Journeyman division if:

You are a professional costumer.
You have competed or won in the Master division. 
You have won more than three awards in the Journeyman division.

MASTER

The Master division is open to any competitor who wishes to enter. Professionals MUST enter this category.

If you have questions or are not sure what category you qualify for, our cosplay staff would be happy to help you figure it out.

AWARDS

In-character (Stage)

Awards will be given to ALL 16 bracket entrees. As contestants move up through the brackets, prize sizes increase! Bracket prize tiers are:

Top 16: Combatants - all recieve mpoints!
Top 8: Quarter finals- all recieve mpoints!
Top 4: Semi- Finals - all recieve mpoints!
Top 2: Finals - 2nd place to recieve special themed prize + mpoints!
Grand Champion! - Grand champion trophy, themed prize + mpoints!

Craftmanship

Best in Division- Given to an entrant who has shown an exceptional degree of craftsmanship and presentation for their division. Division winners will receive a trophy, certificate and mpoints! Plus a special themed prize!
Judges’ Awards - Each judge may grant an award to an entry that they feel is exceptional. Winners will receive a certificate and themed prize!
Honorable mention- Entrants that deserve recognition for their costume! Winners will receive a certificate and themed prize!

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at Cosplay@Magfest.org, or ask any of our helpful staff at the cosplay repair station! Looking forward to seeing you all!

Craftmanship entry Form

STAGE RULES

Microphones may be used by the contestants! However, please keep your presentation to less than 30 seconds, and be mindful of our all-ages audience when it comes to language.  Please turn the microphone back over to the MCs when requested.
Everything brought onto the stage during an entry must be removed at the end of the time limit. Messy substances including confetti, glitter, flower petals, and water are not allowed.
Pyrotechnics or special effects such as fireworks, flash paper, or smoke machines will not be allowed on the stage or backstage area.
Contestants may not throw anything off the stage or into the crowd. Throwing, launching, or shooting any projectile into the audience will lead toimmediate disqualification for safety reasons.
Non-firing toy weapons will be allowed on-stage with peace bonding, but any live weapons will result in immediate removal from the stage. No food or remote-control devices are allowed on stage.

CRAFTSMANSHIP JUDGING

All costumes must be made by the entrant(s) or credited to the creator(s) on the entrant’s entry form. Models are allowed, but costume creator must be present for judging and to receive awards. Purchased costumes will not be allowed for craftsmanship judging. 
All entries must be at least 50% made or significantly modified from original garments.
Contestants will be assigned a timeslot. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY! We strive for timeliness, so plan to arrive in costume, ready to be judged 15 minutes early. I will make sure there are chairs available if needed.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are late to your timeslot, we will do our best to work you in to any other available slots, however this is on a case-by-case basis. By arriving late, you can potentially forfeit your entry.

We will do our best to work with anyone in an emergency, however out of respect of time, and to other contestants and our judges, we may not be able to accommodate a missed time.
Contestants are given 5 minutes to highlight their costumes and the portions they created. Please be mindful and respectful of this for both our judges and other contestants. 
Reference images and progress binders are welcome and appreciated, but not necessary!  Accuracy is important, but since we accept original characters and concepts, it is not one of our main criteria.
Craftmanship contestants will be judged on 3 major categories:
Appearance: presentation, neatness, put together, pride in costume, etc.
Construction: Use of material, methods, durability, creativity, etc.
Attention to detail: Makeup, props, wigs, shoes, attitude/persona, etc.

SKILL LEVELS & DIVISIONS

If you have questions about which division, you should be in, feel free to ask us!

Note: We reserve the right to move your placement to another division if we think it’s a better fit for you.

12 & UNDER

You should enter if:

You are 12 or under
You made some of your own costume.

You should not enter the 12 & Under division if:

You’re 13+
Your costume was purchased, or someone 13+ older made most of your
costume.

NOVICE

The Novice division exists to encourage people who are new to costuming to
compete.

You should enter if: 

You are new to costuming, have never competed before, or are not a
professional costumer.
You have competed in the Novice division, but you have not won any
awards.
You have competed in the Novice division, but have won less than three
major awards (Best in show, best novice craftmanship, etc.)

You should not enter the Novice division if:

You are a professional costumer.
You have competed or won an award in Journeyman/Masters/Advanced.
You’ve been making costumes for many years.

JOURNEYMAN

The Journeyman division is an interim division for customers who have consistently won awards in the Novice division, but who feel they are not yet ready to compete in the Master division.

You should enter if: 

You have been cosplaying for a number of years but do not yet feel like an expert in your craft or are not a professional costumer. 
You have won more than two major awards in the Novice division.
You’ve been making costumes for many years and honed your skills.

You should not enter the Journeyman division if:

You are a professional costumer.
You have competed or won in the Master division. 
You have won more than three awards in the Journeyman division.

MASTER

The Master division is open to any competitor who wishes to enter. Professionals MUST enter this category.

If you have questions or are not sure what category you qualify for, our cosplay staff would be happy to help you figure it out.

AWARDS

In-character (Stage)

Awards will be given to ALL 16 bracket entrees. As contestants move up through the brackets, prize sizes increase! Bracket prize tiers are:

Craftmanship

Best in Division- Given to an entrant who has shown an exceptional degree of craftsmanship and presentation for their division. Division winners will receive a trophy, certificate and mpoints! Plus a special themed prize!
Judges’ Awards - Each judge may grant an award to an entry that they feel is exceptional. Winners will receive a certificate and themed prize!
Honorable mention- Entrants that deserve recognition for their costume! Winners will receive a certificate and themed prize!

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at Cosplay@Magfest.org, or ask any of our helpful staff at the cosplay repair station! Looking forward to seeing you all!

COSPLAY PHOTOSHOOT MEETUPS

Come back later to find/upload photos below

Find/Upload Photos Here [link available after the event]

RULES

Our rules for cosplay photoshoot meetups set the standard so everyone can be safe, comfortable, and fun! Please be respectful to both attendees and staff. Failure to follow meetup rules can result in dismissal from the meetup or dismissal from the festival entirely with no badge refund. If you have any questions about the below, please contact cosplay@magfest.org before Fest or the staff member on duty during Fest.

EVERYONE:

Follow MAGFest’s Code of Conduct and Dress Code/Prop Policy.
No means no, and cosplay (and photoshoot meetups) are not automatic consent.
Do not touch others without permission, regardless whether or not they’re cosplaying.
Follow directions of staff and, when applicable, photoshoot organizer(s).
When not posing, repeat the organizer’s order and count down with the organizer.
Stay behind the boundary tape (and aisle tape when being used).
Stay off the scenery (rocks, trees, etc.)

Cosplayers:

Please ensure cosplays and props follow MAGFest’s Dress Code/Prop Policy.
Check in your props at Cosplay Help BEFORE the photoshoot.
Only use props as directed by prop check-in and photoshoot staff.
Only pose or move in ways you’re physically able to/comfortable doing.
Keep your badge on your person and/or in a visible place.
Make layers for large groups (short people sit/squat in front, tall stand in back).
No photobombing (unless approved).

Photographers:

Photography at meetups must be free. No charging cosplayers for photos.
Encourage, don’t force. Cosplayers get final say on when/where/how they pose.
Only photograph cosplayers when they are posing (giving consent).
Let people take photos in the back by sitting/squatting in front. No aisle sitting please.
No unapproved tripods or other self-standing equipment.
Share your photos after if you can!

You and the other people at the meetup represent your fandom; please keep that in mind!

HAVE FUN.

COSPLAY PHOTOSHOOT MEETUPS FAQ

How do you keep people safe and comfortable during photoshoots?

We do not tolerate harassment. This is in accordance with MAGFest policy. More specifically, cosplayers must consent before physical contact or photography. Photographers are welcome to suggest poses and groups, but cosplayers have the right to refuse them. We also have a boundary line between cosplayers and photographers for personal space.

Why should I sign up to organize an official photoshoot?

Signing up will guarantee you a time slot in the space, complete with staff available to help so you can focus on posing, photographing, hosting, or whatever YOU do best!

Who can organize a photoshoot(s)? Do I have to be a cosplayer or staff?

Anyone who has a badge can organize, old or new! Some people are attendees, some are staff, some are cosplayers, some are photographers. You do NOT need to be cosplaying from the series you’re organizing (or even cosplay at all!); you just need to be familiar with and love cosplay from your series.

Do I need to sign up to attend a photoshoot?

No need to apply to attend an official photoshoot; only to organize one!

What if I’m not cosplaying? Can I still attend a photoshoot?

You don’t need to be cosplaying to attend; we could always use fans and especially photographers! Please note if you’re photographing you must be doing so free of charge. Non-cosplayers posing for photos is up to the discretion of the current organizer, staff on duty, and management.

I have an idea, but I’m not sure if I can organize it or not. Should I still apply?

Please do! It is much easier for us to take a photoshoot off of our schedule than to try and add one at the last minute. If you expect other programming to be an issue (such as if you’re a possible panelist or musician), please let us know in your application. We also allow requests on our application, but we CANNOT guarantee a series will be on the schedule unless there is an organizer for it.

What if I’m new to organizing?

MAGFest is a great place to start! All of our staff have hosted photoshoots before (some even at MAGFest!) and are happy to guide you. You will need to make a photoshoot order, which gives a general idea of how a photoshoot will flow. You’ll have people go up and pose, give them and photographers a countdown, have them change their pose if they’d like, and then have another group go up.

Do you have any tips for organizing a photoshoot?

Plenty, and too many to list here! If you organize we’ll email them to you before MAGFest, and they’re also available upon request. Photoshoot management have also presented a panel at MAGFest about the subject, which has been uploaded here on YouTube.

I think I’ve got organizing down. :) How do your staff help us?

We use multiple supplies including a megaphone and whiteboard, as well as give time reminders and clear aisles for you. We normally do all of these automatically if it is a large shoot, but we can bring things out when necessary or on request. Please let whoever’s with you know if you need anything!

How many photoshoots am I allowed to organize?

As many as you want if time allows! We will ask you for your order of preference however in case anyone else signs up for the same series, especially if they do a similar time and/or if they do NOT agree to collaboration. This is rare, but it has happened in the past.

Can I still organize if another organizer for my series is already approved?

We’ve hosted multiple organizer collaborations over the years to great effect! Of course, this is only if all organizers involved consent. Otherwise each photoshoot per series will be first come, first serve. We will allow multiple photoshoots per series if there is time in our schedule, but the chances of that are low.

I am not officially organizing a photoshoot. Can I still use the fountains?

That is up to the discretion of the current organizer, staff on duty, and/or management. If the photoshoot area is reserved during that time, you should prepare to use an alternate location.

How do I apply to organize a photoshoot?

Our management team will publish a sign-up application (usually in mid-to-late October or early November, with the schedule published by December). Once the draft of our schedule is finished, you will be emailed with your time in order to confirm it.

The application asks for a photoshoot order; what is that?

A photoshoot order is a list showing how the photoshoot will run. People usually do individual characters or series, small groups, large groups, and requests, but it depends on the franchise. They are highly recommended and required for organizers that are new to working with us.

How do I know what series have already been approved?

Most organizers promote their photoshoot somewhere on social media once it’s been approved. We’ll also have an up-to-date list available via our application form.

I don’t see a series that I like on the photoshoot list! What should I do?

Apply for it yourself! The only way to guarantee that your series is on our schedule is if you’re willing and able to organize it. We have staff and experienced organizers that might be able take requests, but that is not something we can guarantee.

Why can’t I find photos I’m in after the photoshoot?

Generally if a photographer is using a DSLR (or another fancy camera), they tend to take longer to upload photos since they like to edit them first. Please try and be patient with them! On that note, if you’re a casual photographer who takes pictures with their phone, we appreciate you sharing yours sooner rather than later. :)