Cosplay Contest

Cosplay is more than just wearing a costume—it’s about fully embodying a character through both costuming and performance. Our competition celebrates cosplayers who bring characters to life with handmade costumes, welcoming creators of all skill levels to showcase their work on the grand stage. Cosplayers will be judged in the morning and then showcase their craftsmanship later in the day. Stay tuned to @the_dtl on Instagram for updates. By attending, participants consent to having their likeness photographed or recorded for future use. Cosplay contest participants will be entered into a raffle for a MomoCon 2025 Badge. You must be present at the contest to win. Category winners will receive and additional entry into the raffle. Prizes brought to you by Famore, Surebonder, AWA, MomoCon, and the City of Lawrenceville. Rules & Guidelines-- This is a craftsmanship contest—costumes must be at least 70% handmade or altered to compete, unless entering the Novice category, in which case 60% must be handmade or altered. Pre-judging: Choose a timeslot for pre-judging between 10:00 am - 11:30 am on May 3rd, 2025, at the Lawrenceville Arts Center (125 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046). Judging will take place in the upstairs lobby, and each participant will have about 5 minutes with the judges. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Contestants must check in at 1:30 pm in the upstairs lobby of the Lawrenceville Arts Center to walk the stage on the Grandstage and hear contest results. Failure to attend will forfeit any potential prizes. Categories-- Novice: No major or category awards in any craftsmanship competition; 1-2 minor awards (e.g., judges' choice, audience choice). Category winner will receive- Pass to AWA 2025, and an additional ticket into the MomoCon Badge Raffle, $50 worth of Surebonder Product, and a $50 Famore' gift card. Journeyman: 1-3 major or category awards in Novice or Journeyman. Category winner will receive- Pass to AWA 2025, Mehron Makeup Palette, an additional ticket into the MomoCon Badge Raffle, $75 worth of Surebonder Product, and a $75 Famore' gift card. Masters: 1-5 major awards in Novice or Journeyman, or 1 award in the Master’s category. Category winner will receive- Pass to AWA 2025, Singer Adjustable Dress Form, an additional ticket into the MomoCon Badge Raffle, $100 worth of Surebonder Product, and engraved Famore' 730 floral scissors & $50 gift card. Judges' Choices will Receive- Surebonder Cosplay Kit and a $25 Famore' Gift Card We can’t wait to see the incredible creativity and craftsmanship on display!

Please arrive at your pre-judging time slot 5-10 minutes early. Judges may change a contestant's category upward at their discretion. Cosplays that have won previous awards are eligible to be entered, however, these should either be minor awards, such as judges or audience choice, or if a cosplay has won in a lower category, that cosplay must be entered into a higher category, for example, if a costume has won best journeyman it must be entered into masters to be eligible. Please disclose this information in your application. It is not required, but encouraged to provide the judges with a printed reference photo of your character, and work in progress pictures. No glitter, confetti, or particles of any kind can be released on stage. This is a family friendly event. Cosplays must cover as much as a one piece swimsuit. Body-paint costumes are not eligible to win. The show adheres to the “PG-13 rule” when it comes to language and hand gestures on stage.