COSPLAY CONTEST

SoCal! 🎉


Cosplay Contest sign-ups are now open for our Anime Night Mart at @movalmall 

on March 7th & 8th! We are giving away $300 in cash prizes each day!

The sign-up form is live on our Linktree! 💛

Don’t forget to grab a free eventbrite ticket to the event for a raffle ticket!
Cosplay Contest Judging Criteria:

Craftsmanship/Handmade Prizes

1st place- $125 -Best in Show – craftsmanship- Costume 60% or more made by individual. Exhibits a well detailed, proper fitted costume & very clean finish. Your stage presence will also be considered.

2nd place – $100 – Rising Star – craftsmanship. Costume 60% or more made by individual. Exhibits an understanding of crafting and finishing of costumes. Your stage presence will also be considered.

3rd place – $50 – Best Novice – Craftsmanship. Costume 40% made by individual, participants with a purchased part of costume can still qualify but at least 40% must be handmade. Individual will exhibit a Unique approach to prop/wig/detail piece, that still maintains a quality finish. Your stage presence will also be considered.

Showman Ship Prizes (All contestants are eligible for this prize!)

$25 – Audience Choice – During Walk on, crowd cheers will be noted. Top 5-6 individuals will have a cheer off!

Anime Night Mart Cosplay Props Policy

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited inside the convention center or event grounds:

  • Functional weapons of any kind (including firearms, bows, crossbows, tasers, pepper spray, or stun guns).

  • Metal replica weapons that can be mistaken for real firearms or blades.

  • Explosives, fireworks, or live ammunition.

  • Projectiles (e.g., Nerf darts, airsoft pellets, arrows, throwing stars).

  • Sharp-edged props made of metal, glass, or other materials capable of cutting or causing injury.

  • Heavy props that pose a risk if dropped (generally anything over 15 lbs should be pre-approved).

  • Liquids, powders, or chemicals of any kind.

Allowed Props (With Restrictions)

  • Prop Firearms:

    • Must have an orange tip (per federal law).

    • Cannot be capable of firing projectiles.

    • Cannot make realistic firing sounds.

  • Prop Blades/Swords:

    • Must be made of foam, plastic, wood, or lightweight material.

    • No live steel or sharp edges permitted.

  • Bows, Crossbows, & Slingshots:

    • Must be unstrung or have a loose string.

    • No functional projectiles allowed.

  • Staffs, Spears, & Polearms:

    • Tips must be blunt, padded, or capped for safety.

    • Must be easy to carry through crowded areas.

Prop Size Guidelines

  • Props must not exceed 6 feet in height or 40 pounds in weight without prior approval.

  • Oversized props must not block walkways, entrances, or exits.

  • If your prop is deemed too large for crowded areas, you may be asked to check it or keep it in designated photo areas only.

Behavior Guidelines

  • Props may not be brandished, swung, or used in a threatening manner.

  • Horseplay, mock combat, or sparring is not allowed in convention space.

  • Keep your prop under control at all times and be mindful of your surroundings.

Enforcement

  • Staff and security may inspect props at any time.

  • If a prop violates this policy, staff may confiscate it until the end of the event or request that you remove it from the premises.

  • Repeated violations or unsafe behavior will result in removal of our event without refund.