Cosplay Events General Info

Welcome to the exciting world of Cosplay!

Since 1992, the founding year of Anime Expo, cosplay has been an integral component of Anime Expo’s colorful fan community. Fans from all walks of life converge at Anime Expo to show their passion for cosplay. Whether they wear their costumes within the halls of Anime Expo or appear on stage before family and friends, all cosplayers are here to show off their passion for Japanese animation and culture.

Cosplay Attendee Information

Cosplay Events Locations

Event Check-in, Repair Station and Changing Area LACC 407
Masquerade Judging and Tech Desk LACC 405

Rules and Policies

All costumes and prop weapons must adhere to the Anime Expo Code of Conduct and Weapons Policy.

Any questions regarding either of these should be asked in the Anime Expo Cosplay Forum where they can be properly addressed by Access Control staff.

Download the 2011 Participant Waiver Here

Cosplay Events Updates

All official Cosplay Events related news and updates will ONLY be posted at the Cosplay Events Info Desk. If you find any postings outside of the Cosplay Events Info Desk, please report it to Anime Expo Access Control immediately.

Hours of Operation

July 1 – 10am to 6pm
July 2 – 10am to 6pm
July 3 – 10am to 6pm
July 4 – 10am to 2pm

Events Information

Attendees that are interested in cosplay are encouraged to come watch our events! Information on audience rules can be found in the Main Events Guidelines. For information on acquiring tickets for Masquerade, please read the Main Event Ticketing FAQ.

Masquerade

The biggest cosplay event in all of Anime Expo! Extravagant costumes and some of the best cosplay performances can be seen on stage in the Masquerade. Year after year, cosplayers keep coming back to put on a show for you. Get your tickets early because it’s going to be a packed house, and you’re going to want to see what everyone will be talking about tomorrow morning.

Click here for the contestant rules for Masquerade!

Pop Shock Masquerade

Cosplay is much more than Anime and Manga. Give me Lolitas! Give me Steampunk! Give me a Morning Musume cosplay troupe! Show me your best Hard Gay! Angelic or Gothic, J Rock or J Pop, this competition showcases fans of a wide spectrum of fashion genres and celebrities that shape our fandom. To compete, online registration is preferred. At con registration will be open as space permits.

Click here for the contestant rules for Pop Shock Masquerade!

Chibi Masquerade

The mini version of Masquerade, Chibi Masquerade serves as a great way to see great skits without the long lines and the stress of competition. This event is often a starting ground for the best and brightest in Masquerades to come– you can see them first here. Come sign up at the Cosplay Events Info Desk to strut your stuff!

Click here for the participant rules for Chibi Masquerade!

Midnight Tea

Welcome to our little tea party. Venture from table to table of enchanting characters, each brimming with faux treats that look good enough to eat. Each party has its own story to tell, limited only by their imagination and skill. This competitive event showcases cosplayers and crafters in an interior design challenge with a tea party theme. NOTE: No food or drink will be served.

Click here for the contestant rules for Midnight Tea!