Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest

🎄 Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest

Get ready to unwrap your creativity at the Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest! This festive competition is for cosplayers with tons of talent but little contest experience — and no major award wins (yet!). If you’re newer to the cosplay scene, this is your moment to shine brighter than holiday lights!
(Cosplayers who have already earned major awards should apply for the Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest.)

Show off your handmade costume for a chance to win $200 in cash prizes, sparkling trophies, and recognition from seasoned cosplay veterans. More than just a contest, this is your first step toward cosplay greatness — and a way to share your craftsmanship with our joyful community.

If accepted to participate, you’ll receive a special link to create your contestant profile on the event website where you can upload photos, videos, and social links. You’ll also get customizable holiday-themed social media templates to promote your participation — plus a BOGO code for two weekend passes and one free dessert ticket to sweeten the season!

Application Deadline & Prizes

November 1st, 2026, or until all 20 spots are full. $200 in cash prizes plus trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as two Judge’s Choice.

Rules and Guidelines

Entrants will either enter as a child (17 and under) or an adult (18+).
All entrants must buy a ticket.
Craftsmanship Novice Contest is limited to 20 entrants.
If we have not received 20 online entrants for the Craftsmanship Contest prior to the convention, walk-up registration may be available.
Children will not count toward the 20 entrant limit.
All entrants must check-in for the cosplay competition when they arrive at the convention.
Nudity is not a costume. Costumes must be PG-13.
Craftsmanship Contest will take place on Saturday and pre-judging is mandatory.
Missing pre-judging will disqualify you for any award.
Selected Craftsmanship entrants will receive an email including their pre-judging time. Pre-judging is beside the main stage near the guest cosplayer alcoves.
This is a Craftsmanship show. Costumes must be 75% handmade, or altered, upcycled. Entrants will be judged on craftsmanship only. (Please note, store bought costumes are welcome to enter our runway contest on Sunday. Registration will be day-of at the convention!)
Re-Run Rules: Any costume that has won an award at a previous convention or event is not eligible to win an award. This includes best in show, category awards or minor awards. Winning an award during the Craftsmanship contest will make that costume ineligible to win an award at Sunday’s Runway contest. A costume that does not place at the craftsmanship contest is welcome to renter their costume at the runway show on Sunday. You can enter a new costume on Sunday regardless of Saturday results.
Group cosplays will be judged as one entry.
Craftsmanship Novice Contest awards will be 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as two Honorable Mention- plus Best Child.
Build books and/or references are not required, but highly recommended
Judges’ decisions are final.