Costume Contest

Information is currently being updated for 2025 – please check back soon for updated information.

Original MarsCon Masquerade

Returning once again will be the Saturday Costume Contest and will be held in Grand Ballroom: Salon F & G beginning at 12PM.

To register, please fill out the following form by Thursday, January 11th: MarsCon 2024 Masquerade Registration Form

Costume Contest Rules

The Original MarsCon Masquerade is not associated with the ICG (International Costumers Guild) and doesn’t follow their Guidelines!

Please refer to MarsCon’s policies, which include policies on costuming and weapons at: https://www.marscon.net/wp/policies/marscon-policies/

Categories

There will be Six (6) separate Costume Category (see below), Five (5) of which will be Judged.

There will be no Pre-judging!

Display Only Open to all ages Display only will NOT be Judged.  This will allow participants to be on stage without any pressure.
Youth Open to ages 12 & below If you are age 12 or younger and are new to costume making or have purchased the majority of your costume and accessories.
Novice Open to all ages If you are new to costume making or have purchased the majority of your costume and accessories. 
Journeyman Open to all ages You have experience. Some “store bought” items with personal alterations and/or made pieces to add. Approximately 50% has been crafted/constructed.
Master Open to all ages  You have entered or won contests before.  The costume is at least 90% crafted/constructed (not mass produced).
Group All ages This is for groups of two or more.

About the Categories – If unsure of which category to choose, just ask at contest registration.

  • All Costumes WILL NOT be pre-judged.
  • Line up in front of Registration (Salon L) no later 11:30 AM
  • Line up will be by order of category, with Children & Display Only first.

Presentation:

      • Display Only category will not be judged.
      • Music or audio files must be submitted when you sign up.  Click link for more information.
      • Extra Points awarded for being in Character and being in Theme.  Skits encouraged.  Must be kept under 90 seconds with exceptions for large groups.
      • Microphone available to address the audience and judges.
      • Judges Interview will follow immediately after presentation before exiting the stage.  This will allow the judges a closer look and the opportunity to point out specifics regarding your costume/cosplay.

Join THE ORIGINAL MARSCON MASQUERADE Facebook Group, to see past costumes, ask questions, or show off some of your creations. Check it out here!

Costumes MUST cover “Your Naughty Bits”!

Please be aware that photos may be posted on the internet.  If unsure, inquire during contest registration.

*Rules may be subject to change. Download a PDF of the rules.

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