Cosplay
Contest rules, judges, cosplay guests, repair, and everything in between.
Ready to Compete?
Contestant spots are limited to 50 total — 25 in Craftsmanship and 25 in Masquerade. Sign up by April 20th to receive prejudging times and important updates via email.
Apply NowMainStage Cosplay Contest
Saturday, May 2nd · Saint Joseph Civic Arena
For those who have handmade 50% or more of their cosplay. Duos and small groups are welcome. Bring a build book with at least 1 reference photo and 5 progress photos. Prejudging will be held ahead of the main contest.
For store-bought or closet cosplays — no craftsmanship judging here. Scoring is based entirely on stage presence. Get into character, work that stage, and make it your moment!
Cosplays based on unlicensed or original characters may enter but will be placed in the Masquerade category unless 50% or more was handmade. Art of the character is highly encouraged for judges.
Both Craftsmanship and Masquerade will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners — 6 winners total. Each of the 3 judges will also select a personal Judge's Choice award open to both categories.
Our convention special award! To qualify, your cosplay must be from media considered retro. Open to both Craftsmanship and Masquerade entrants.
- All contestants must adhere to the General Cosplay Rules and dress code.
- Please inform our cosplay coordinator if you have any unconventional plans beyond walking on and off the stage.
- Not allowed on stage: gymnastics, roller skates or wheels of any kind, open flames, confetti, or anything requiring sweeping or mopping.
- All contestants are expected to show excellent sportsmanship and respect toward the audience, fellow contestants, judges, and cosplay staff. Unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification and a ban from future SJRC cosplay contests.
- Contestants must be 18 or older, or 16 with a parent or guardian present. Those under 16 should enter the Family and Kids Cosplay Showcase on Sunday.
- Your cosplay must not have won a major award at another convention. If it has, it must have been at least 50% altered or redone with proof to qualify for Craftsmanship. Sandbagging is not allowed.
- By applying you agree that you will have valid credentials to the show the day of the contest. Credentials will not be provided to contestants at this time.
- Those who apply online and compete in Craftsmanship will receive prejudging times early. In-person sign ups will be assigned to reserved spots.
- Keep an eye on your email between April 20th and May 2nd so you don't miss any important updates.
Meet Your Judges
Three judges for the MainStage Contest. Three judges for the Family Showcase.
Styxear also judging Family Showcase — see Cosplay Guests below.
Mainstage Performers
Performing during the cosplay contest intermission on Saturday.
A full Sailor Moon cosplay performance group bringing the magic of the Sailor Senshi to life. The Crystal Starlights will perform during the MainStage cosplay contest intermission — don't miss it.
Cosplay Repair Booth
Wardrobe malfunction? We've got you covered.
Figments and Filaments will be running the Cosplay Repair Booth at this year's Retro Con. Hot glue, safety pins, foam repair, and more — they've saved countless cosplays at conventions across the region. Find them on the floor and breathe easy.
Family Cosplay Showcase
Sunday, May 3rd · All ages welcome · No craftsmanship judging, just fun.
Ready to Take the Stage?
Sign up before April 20th to lock in your spot and get early prejudging times.
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