Cosplay Contest Rules

 

Welcome to the May the 4th Be With You Cosplay Contest! Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or just having fun, here are the simple rules to keep things fair and fun for everyone:

 

General Rules:

 

1. Have Fun! This contest is all about creativity, passion, and enjoying the cosplay community.

 

2. All Ages Welcome – Keep costumes and performances PG-13 (family-friendly). No nudity, excessive gore, or offensive content.

 

3. Respect Others – No bullying, harassment, or trash talk. Failure to adhere will result in disqualification for the contest.  Everyone's here to have a good time!

 

4. No Real Weapons – Props must be con-safe (no real blades, functioning firearms, or anything dangerous). If it looks questionable, get it checked at the event.

 

5. No Messy Materials – No glitter bombs, confetti, or anything that could cause a big cleanup.

 

6. Custom/Original Characters are welcome! They must tie into the Star Wars universe to be considered for the contest, so be ready to explain how they fit into the universe. 

 

Contest & Judging Rules

 

1. Handmade vs. Bought Costumes – All cosplays are welcome, but judges will weigh craftsmanship more heavily for handmade entries. Be honest about what you made!

 

2. Performance (Optional) – Striking a pose? Quick skit? Show off, but keep it under 30 seconds unless specified otherwise.

 

3. Categories & Awards:

 

• Best in Show (Overall Winner) - limited to single person entry

 

• Best Craftsmanship (Handmade Excellence)- limited to single person entry

 

• Best Group Cosplay (Teamwork & Creativity) - Groups consist of 2 or more people in cosplay together. The team limit is 5 contestants per group. 

 

• Best Padawan (Kids Cosplay) - youngling costumes are encouraged!

 

• Best Salacious Crumb Award (pet cosplay). Yes, your cat or dog may enter the contest. ALL PETS MUST BE ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES. NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

4.  Be On Time – Show up at check-in and be ready when called to the stage!

 

How to Enter

 

Sign up at the Event Information Booth before 5p.m. Sign ups will be given a number and are to report for pre-judging by 5:30 p.m.

 

During Pre-Judging, please be ready to provide character reference images if competing in craftsmanship categories, a quick concise description of the character. 

 

Before the walk-on portion starts, you will line up in the order you were pre-judged. The MC of the contest will announce your name and character as you enter the walk-on area. Strike your pose, wow the crowd, and step off the viewing area to have your photo taken before moving to the side to await the remainder of the show. 

 

Judging will be announced immediately after the last cosplayer/s get their photos taken. Trophies will be awarded by the judges for photos to be taken of the winners. Once all of the winners are announced, every contestant is encouraged to take a group photo together to commemorate the event. 

 

Please be courteous of every contestant. Negative comments, heckling, bullying and other degrading behavior will not be tolerated and constitute disqualification from the contest. We are gathering to show our love for Star Wars and celebrate the creativity of everyone. 

 

Most importantly — have a blast and show off your amazing cosplay from a galaxy far, far away!