Cosplay Contest Info

Kids Costume Contest

• Contestants will be able to sign up at Hailium Workshop's & Duske 2 Dawne's table any time on Saturday or before 1:00 pm on Sunday.
• The Kids Costume Contest will be Sunday October 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
• There will be no online sign-ups or pre-judging.
• You must have a Sunday ticket to participate.
• There will be prizes for first, second and third.
• Entrants must be onsite, in cosplay, and ready to go at least 30 minutes before the contest.
• Store-bought costumes are permitted. This is a costume contest (vs. a cosplay contest).
• Your costume and presentation should be suitable for ALL ages. This is a family friendly show!
• If you need any assistance, you may have one person to help you.
• For safety reasons the following are not allowed: projectiles of any kind (darts, pellets, or even water), aerosol spray, pyrotechnics like fire, bubbles, smoke, or fireworks. No mess is to be left on stage after your presentation.
• Please refer to the North Shore Horror & Anime Fest costume and weapon policy.
• Live animals are not allowed during the show unless they are a service animal.
• If you break any equipment or cause any damage to the facility, you will be responsible for paying to replace it. Be aware of cords, curtains, screens, etc.
• North Shore Horror & Anime Fest staff, volunteers, celebrities or cosplay guests are prohibited from entering the contest.
• Entry into the event is at the discretion of the event staff, and we reserve the right to reject any entrant who does not adhere to these rules or whose costume is in violation of them.

Adult Cosplay Contest

• Contestants will be able to sign up at Hailium Workshop's & Duske 2 Dawne's table any time on Saturday or before 1:00 pm on Sunday.
• The Adult Cosplay Contest will be Sunday October 11, 2026, following the Kids Costume Contest which begins at 2:00 pm.
• There will be no online sign-ups or pre-judging.
• Professional costumers and/or performers are not permitted.
• You must apply as an individual.
• You must have a Sunday ticket to participate.
• There will be prizes for Best-in-Show, Best Master, Best Intermediate and Best Novice.
• Entrants must be onsite, in cosplay, and ready to go at least 30 minutes before the contest.
• Store-bought or commissioned costumes are NOT PERMITTED! Your costume needs to be made or modified by you. Our judges will know.
• 50% of the costume must have been made or modified by you.
• Your costume and presentation should be suitable for ALL ages. This is a family friendly show!
• If you need any assistance, you may have one person to help you.
• For safety reasons the following are not allowed: projectiles of any kind (darts, pellets, or even water), aerosol spray, pyrotechnics like fire, bubbles, smoke, or fireworks. No mess is to be left on stage after your presentation.
• Please refer to the North Shore Horror & Anime Fest costume and weapon policy.
• Live animals are not allowed during the show unless they are a service animal.
• If you break any equipment or cause any damage to the facility, you will be responsible for paying to replace it. Be aware of cords, curtains, screens, etc.
• North Shore Horror & Anime Fest staff, volunteers, celebrities or cosplay guests are prohibited from entering the contest.
• Entry into the event is at the discretion of the event staff, and we reserve the right to reject any entrant who does not adhere to these rules or whose costume is in violation of them.

Competition Levels

• Novice – A cosplayer who has never won an award in an adult Cosplay Contest or Masquerade.
• Intermediate – A cosplayer who has never won a 'Best Intermediate', 'Best Journeyman', 'Best in Show' or 'Best in Class' or comparable award or higher in an adult Cosplay Contest or Masquerade.
• Master – A cosplayer who has won a 'Best Intermediate', 'Best Journeyman', 'Best in Show' or 'Best in Class' or comparable award in an adult Cosplay Contest or Masquerade.
• Contestants can always compete in a level higher than their level.
• The Cosplay Coordinators and Cosplay Guest Judges reserve the right to move contestants to a higher level should they deem it appropriate.
• If you have any questions as to what level you should compete at, please reach out to hailiumworkshop@gmail.com