Cosplay Competition Rules and Regulations

📅 Event Information

Event Name: Sonoma Con 2025 Cosplay Competition

Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at 4pm

Location: Santa Rosa Fairgrounds (E.C Kraft Building)

Saturday Schedule

9 am — Deadline to drop entries at the Information Booth

9:30 am – 1:30 pm — Costume Contest check-in (Table near the multi-purpose stage in E.C. Kraft Building)

3 pm – Participants line up for the Costume Parade (Sonoma Con Photo OP area in E.C. Kraft Building)

3:30 pm - Pre-show entertainment on the Main Stage

3:45 pm — Contestants report for the Costume Contest.

👤 Eligibility

The competition is open to individuals aged 5 and above.

Participants under 18 must have parental or guardian consent. Parents or guardians must be present during judging and contest participation for all entrants under 18 years of age.

🎨 Costume Guidelines

Costumes must represent characters from anime, manga, comics, video games, card games, movies, or original designs.

Costumes may be handmade or purchased

No inappropriate or offensive content is allowed (e.g., hate symbols, excessive gore, or nudity).

Real weapons are strictly prohibited. Props must be inspected and approved by staff for safety.

All props must comply with venue rules and must not be sharp, heavy, or launch projectiles. No harmful items are allowed entry into the venue or the cosplay contest. This includes, but is not limited to: firearms, realistic replica firearms (all prop firearms MUST have a prominent orange tip), functional bows/crossbows, incendiary devices, tasers, laser devices, metal swords, knives, daggers etc.

🎤 Performance Rules (if applicable)

Each contestant/group is allowed up to [2 minutes] on stage.

Performances may include skits, monologues, or character presentations.

Microphones may be available upon request (subject to availability).

No explicit language or inappropriate gestures during performances.

🏆 Judging Criteria

Judges will score based on the following:

Craftsmanship: Accuracy, detail, and construction quality. (Note: purchased costumes and props will not qualify for craftsmanship scoring.)

Accuracy: Faithfulness to the character's appearance.

Creativity: Originality, design, and innovation.

Performance (if applicable): Stage presence, acting, and crowd engagement.

Overall Presentation takes into consideration all above categories.

📝 Registration

Participation in the cosplay contest is limited to 30 registrants. All participants must pre-register by Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at 10pm PST.

Day-of registration is subject to availability and must be requested by Registration is subject to availability and may close prior to this date if all slots are filled.

Complete the official registration form, including a character reference image and performance details (if any). Construction photos of handmade costume components are encouraged to be submitted for consideration, but not required for entry.

Day of entries will not be guaranteed a spot. On-site registration must be

You MUST attend the Costume Contest check-in on-site on Saturday, October 4th between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Pre-judging will be in order of arrival, there may be a line and we encourage you to arrive early to maximize your time with the judge panel.

⚠️ General Rules

Respect all fellow competitors, staff, and attendees.

Follow all directions from event organizers and volunteers.

Any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior will result in immediate disqualification and removal from the venue.

The organizers reserve the right to modify or cancel parts of the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

By participating in the cosplay contest at Sonoma Con, you authorize event organizers to take your photograph. This photograph may be used for promotional use.

🏅 Awards & Prizes

Categories may include:

Best in Show (Youth and Adult).

Winners will be announced at the end of the competition.

For questions, please contact: Joe at sappeventservices@gmail.com