Coastal-Carolina Con Cosplay Contest Rules & Registration

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● Adult Cosplay Contest Time:

• April 4th, 2026 - 1 PM -  13 & Up
• Prizes: 1st - $750 + Gift Basket, 2nd - $250 & Gift Basket, 3rd - $100 & Gift Basket

● Children's Cosplay (Costume) Contest Time:

• April 5th, 2026 - 2 PM - 12 & Under
• Prizes: 1st - Gift Bundle, 2nd - Gift Bundle, 3rd - Gift Bundle. All children who participate will receive a participation reward.

● In order to compete, you must be registered fully by 12 PM on April 4th for adults, and 1 PM on April 5th for Children.

● To register, please read the rules below, download the cosplay contest registration form, and email the completed form to cosplay@coastalcarolinacon.com

*Prizes for Adult contest are contingent based on entries, if more then 100 entrants, prizes will scale upward, if under 50, prizes will scale downward.

● Optional Reference Image Upload: [File Upload] (Image of the character for judging comparison) 

● Work-In-Progress (WIP) Photos: [File Upload] (Optional: Photos of the build process) 

● Audio Track: [File Upload] (MP3/WAV file for stage walk-on; max 60 seconds) 

● Stage Introduction: [Paragraph Text] (A 2-sentence bio for the MC to read as you walk out) 

Craftsmanship Requirement: 

For our “adult” judged category (ages 13 and up), at least 50% of the costume must be handmade or significantly modified by the contestant. Kid’s 12 and under costumes/cosplay is purely for fun, we encourage and welcome any and all kids to participate in this category! 

1. Stage Time: Each entry is allotted 60 seconds on stage. No elaborate skits requiring setup/strike time are permitted without prior approval. 

2. Content Standards: This is a family-friendly event. Costumes must provide adequate coverage (no "street legal" minimums). No profanity, political statements, or explicit gestures on stage. 

Strictly enforced for the safety of all attendees. 

● No Live Steel: No metal blades, sharp edges, or pointed metal tips. 

● Firearms: No functional firearms. All prop guns must have a permanent orange tip. No airsoft, paintball, or pellet guns allowed. 

● Projectiles: No functional bows (must be unstrung) or "firing" of any items (foam/nerf included). 

● Forbidden Materials: No explosives, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, or "messy" substances (glitter, fake blood, or liquids) allowed on stage. 

● Size: Any prop exceeding 7ft in height or 4ft in width must be cleared by staff 48 hours prior to the show.