THE DARKSIDE MASQUERADE COSPLAY CONTEST RULES & REGULATIONS

YOU MUST FILL OUT THE SUBMISSION FORM BELOW BY FRIDAY OCTOBER 17TH AT 12PM TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COSPLAY CONTEST

Step into the shadows and onto the stage. The Darkside Masquerade is our one-night-only cosplay championship, focused on craftsmanship, creativity, and ambition. Whether stitched, forged, or engineered, your work will be judged on what you create—not just how you wear it.

AWARDS

Competitors will compete for one of three build categories:

  • BEST IN SHOW AWARD
    $500 PRIZE + $50 Gift Card to Out of Step Offbeat Boutique
    The ultimate embodiment of character, style & presence. Commanding attention from the moment they appear.

  • THE TRANSFORMATION AWARD
    $200 PRIZE + $50 Gift Card to Out of Step Offbeat Boutique
    For the entrant who most convincingly becomes their character… voice, movement, attitude, aura.

  • THE VISION WARD
    $50 Gift Card to Out of Step Offbeat Boutique
    Honoring the most imaginative, striking, or original look — whether elegant, eerie, or avant-garde.

ELIGIBILITY

  • 18+ only, single entries (no groups).

  • Entrants must hold a valid Darkside NJ event ticket.

  • Costumes must primarily be built by you. Wigs, shoes, and base garments can be store-bought but should be styled or altered by you.

  • Fully store purchased costumes will not be accepted

  • Character or design must be recognizable from pop culture (film, TV, anime, comics, games, fantasy). Music acts/drag looks are not eligible for this contest.

  • Costumes previously shown at major finals are not allowed unless significantly rebuilt.

ENTRY PROCESS

  • Apply online at www.darksidenj.com/cosplay by Friday October 17th at 12pm

  • Submit your  information via our online form

  • Include at least one build image

JUDGING & CRITERIA

  • Pre-judging is required. Judges will review all builds on site prior to contest beginning. ALL CONTESTANTS MUST REPORT TO THE MAIN STAGE BY NO LATER THAN 2PM

  • Stage walk will not be scored directly but may influence judges’ impressions.

  • Scoring split:

    • Accuracy/Design: 30%

    • Creativity: 30%

    • Construction: 40%

JUDGING & STAGE PERSENTATION

  • All entrants must report in costume to Darkside NJ. Bring printed or digital construction/progress photos with you.

  • Every entrants will walk the stage to showcase their work. Music will be provided by Darkside NJ. No personal stage sets, props, or dressing are permitted.

sTAGE & SAFETY

  • Costumes may not exceed 8 feet in any direction. Entrants must be able to walk, move, and get on/off stage safely with minimal assistance.

  • If at any point judges or Darkside NJ staff believe a costume presents a safety risk, we reserve the right to step in and remove it from stage.

  • No fire, fireworks, lasers, explosives, confetti, glitter, or liquid effects.

  • All props must comply with Darkside NJ’s weapons/prop policy.

CONDUCT RULES

The Darkside Masquerade Cosplay Contest is a celebration of creativity and community. To keep the competition safe, inclusive, and respectful:

  • Costumes may not be obscene, offensive, or rooted in hate. This includes insensitive or unnecessary use of makeup, hate group imagery, or designs that promote exclusion.

  • Excessive gore, graphic violence, or disturbing content may be disqualified at the judges’ discretion.

  • Costumes may not promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, firearms, unsafe behavior, or carry political messaging.

  • Entrants are expected to respect fellow competitors, staff, and audience members. Unsportsmanlike behavior, harassment, or rule violations will result in removal from the contest.

MEDIA & LIABILITY

By entering, you grant Darkside NJ/NJPRFM permission to photograph, film, and use your likeness for promotion. Participation is at your own risk; organizers and venues are not responsible for injury, loss, or damage to costume or your person under any circumstance.

If you wish to participate in the Darkside Masquerade Cosplay Contest, you must fill out the form below in full. Please read all contest and rules and regulations Before applying. All entrants must be 18+