Cosplay Contest and Information

Get ready to shine!

We are so excited to have you show off your cosplays! We have one main contest to give to show your hard work off at our event. The main cosplay event you will sign-up at our registration to perform and be given a time and location to go to. Please follow further instructions given. 

Rules & Judging Process

Judges will use the following criteria:

• Accuracy – How well is the character represented through your cosplay?
• Recognizability of the character
  Construction – How good is the quality of the craftsmanship and styling of your cosplay?
• Styling and creativity – A binder containing the work and process is not required, but appreciated
• Bonus points will be given for the following: Performance, Complexity of the character

Cosplay Policy

• Family Friendly event. Private areas must be covered with an opaque cloth at all times.
• No Shirt, No shoes, No services policy
• No Profanity or graphic sexual imagery may be displayed on costumes or clothing
• Grossly offensive outfits, uniforms, or any cosplay with the intention of being of heavy shock value will be asked to change out or risk expulsion from the convention.
• Attendees may not wear a uniform that can be mistaken for official medical, police, SWAT, FBI or other law enforcement agencies. GUN Soldier cosplays must be clearly indicated. Any gray area may be subject to being asked to change.
• BLADED WEAPONS (SWORDS, KNIVES, AXES)
• No live steel (peace-tied, tethered, or sheathed edged weapons are not permitted)
• No metal blades of any type. There are NO exceptions given even if it’s dull or covered
• Lightsabers cannot have metal above the hilt
• No sharp edges on non-metal weapons
  May not be swung except in designated photo areas for action shots
• FIREARMS: Dallas police will reserve the right for prop removal from public spaces if a gun prop is deemed to be too realistic. Weight contributes to realism
  All firearms must have a closed barrel with a visible orange tip. Orange tape nor paint are not acceptable. (removable barrel plugs are permitted, but may only be removed for photos) The trigger can move on the conditions that the slide cannot move and/or replicate realistic gunfire. All airsoft and paintball weapons must be triggered disabled and demonstrated to be unable to fire
  Attached scopes or laser attachments must be disabled and demonstrate to be unable to power on. Removable gun clips and moveable gun chambers must be empty or stuffed. Water gun barrels and attachment containers must be visibly empty. Firing any type of projectile is not permitted (including water, bubbles, or silly string)
• Dallas Police judgment stands firm. Associates of Chaos Creators and Sonic EXPO cannot overrule governed decision. We are working to create a safe space for the expression and appreciation of Fandom. As such, open carry of real firearms are not allowed in all convention controlled spaces BLUNT WEAPONS (STAVES, BATS, MACES, WOODEN KATANAS, HAMMERS) Cannot be composed of solid metal (metal detailing is permitted)
  Only foam bats are permitted. No exceptions.
• Metal nails or spikes of any type must not be protruding from all blunt weapons
  Brass Instruments are not permitted
• No real instruments bigger than a violin will be permitted. May not be swung except in designated photo areas for action shots. Props heavy enough to cause injury may be declined on a case-by-case basis