Cosplay at SacAnime
SacAnime loves cosplay! We have designated special areas for your group photoshoots and gatherings so you can get great shots without interruptions or photo-bombing from random attendees.
Feel like you’re ready to take it to the next level? Why not participate in our Cosplay Masquerade? This on-stage event takes place Saturday night, where cosplayers put their best costumes on display for chances at awards and prizes.
Cosplay Gatherings Rules and Etiquette
Do you have a cosplay gathering you’d like to bring to SacAnime? Please complete the Cosplay Gathering Registration Form – https://forms.gle/nDMeMsJNQheZLLd69
Our contract with the Safe Credit Union Convention Center only allows us to organize gatherings in designated areas. Non-authorized Gatherings may be dispersed by SacAnime staff, security or law enforcement.
If you would like to organize a gathering we ask that you please use the registration form. This allows SacAnime to assist and avoid scheduling conflicts between groups as the designated space is limited. If a time you desire is not available, then it has already been selected by another group. A member of staff will reach out via email for rescheduling availability.
Cosplay gatherings are always a fun experience and are usually a great source of spontaneous creativity and roleplay opportunities with fellow fans. However, please be mindful of your time, as you only have the area for your designated timeslot.
Gatherings that get too rowdy, spill out of the area, or otherwise interfere with the business of the partner events nearby will be asked to disband. Also, keep your poses PG-13. There will be attendees circulating through the area all weekend.
For questions or concerns, please contact:
sacanimemasque@gmail.com
Cosplay Gathering Schedule
Schedule and location information will be posted as Gatherings are approved. Please check back soon!
Cosplay Masquerade Rules and Etiquette
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Participating in the Masquerade means you have read and understood the competition rules, the costume rules, and the stage rules.
To participate in the Cosplay Masquerade you must be an attendee of SacAnime. All entrants must have a valid SacAnime Summer 2026 badge for at least the day of the masquerade.
Anyone who wishes to participate in Masquerade must submit an application form (To be Open early July 2026). Unfortunately, we will not be taking sign-ups on site for general masquerade contestants.
Youth Category Contestants (under the age of 13) – sign-ups for the Youth Category will be available on-site! Please go to the Memorial Auditorium and check-in at our information table.
Onsite Check–in will be available at the Memorial Auditorium on Friday from 11:30AM to 5:30PM. All Contestants please check in at our information table on Friday to confirm you will still be participating in masquerade. If you do not check in, please come to soundcheck, otherwise we do not know if you plan to participate.
We will have a scheduled sound check on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Staff will go over stage etiquette and safety protocols with all Contestants. On stage rehearsals are not guaranteed but we will do our best to accommodate. We ask that, while contestants are backstage on the grounds, that you be respectful and mindful of all the professional equipment around you.
If any damages occur, you will be liable for said damages. So please be cautious of your surroundings while backstage.
You MUST show up one hour before doors open on Saturday evening to be escorted backstage for the event. Failure to appear will lead to disqualification. The official time will be communicated to Contestants prior to convention.
COSTUME RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Contestants entering the Masquerade must have made 50% or more of their cosplays to enter and be eligible for judging.
If a designer wishes to compete, but not wear the costume, a cosplayer / model – as well as the designer – must be present during both pre-judging and competition.
Entering a cosplay that has already won a major award in completion (Best in Show, Crattsmanship, etc) at other conventions will not be eligible for any awards.
PROPS/WEAPONS/STAGE EFFECTS RULES:
All props and weapons must be checked by staff security first to be allowed into the convention. (See standard SacAnime rules for FAQ)
As cosplayers, we understand the importance of bringing all the details of characters to life. Same with their props and weapons.
All props and weapons must be made by you or your group. If a prop artist or designer made said prop, they also must be present for any eligible judging.
All weapon / prop items must not have any sharp ends or bladed edges. They must be dulled beforehand. This includes all wooden, metal, 3D-printed, and Aluminum-made mediums used in the creation process.
ON STAGE PRESENCE:
Liquids, chemicals, smoke, fire, powders of any kind, confetti, glitter, poppers, fake gun caps, flashing electric tasers, or lights that risk triggering reactions in light-sensitivity ARE NOT ALLOWED ON-STAGE. If used on-stage, you will be automatically disqualified and escorted out of the convention.
Full weapon contact and excessive force is not allowed on stage. No physical body hits or contact, jumping/flipping on or off stage is NOT ALLOWED! We don’t want objects or people flying into an unsuspecting audience.
Any person or persons who breaks convention or masquerade rules will not be able to compete in future cosplay Masquerades.
IMPORTANT DATES:
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| July 4, 2026 | Masquerade Applications are open |
| August 8, 2026 | Masquerade Applications are closed |
| August 9-15, 2026 | Masquerade Acceptance Confirmation |
| August 15-22, 2026 | Waitlist Acceptance Confirmation |
| August 22, 2026 | Audio Assets and Build Book drafts deadline |
| September 3, 2026 | Build book final deadline |
We thank you all for reading our rules and regulations for the cosplay contest. We look forward to seeing all of your performances and cosplays. Good luck!
SacAnime Summer 2026 Cosplay Masquerade Application form: https://forms.gle/nDMeMsJNQheZLLd69
For questions or concerns, please contact:
sacanimemasque@gmail.com