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.