Cosplay - Tidewater Comicon

Cosplay is a huge part of the Tidewater Comicon experience—and whether you’re stepping onto the stage or just showing off your latest build on the show floor, we want to see you bring your A-game.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the Cosplay Contest, Meet-Up Times, and Prizes.

Want to connect with other fans, snap epic group photos, and celebrate your fandom? Our Cosplay Meet-Ups are the place to be!

Come to the Lobby Stage (in front of Hall A) at the scheduled times throughout the weekend where fans dressed as characters from the same fandom gather for group photos and hangouts.

The rules on this page are subject to change, if you are interested in participating, please check the cosplay section of the website often to ensure you are aware of any updates or changes.   Be advised that signing up for any cosplay contest is an affirmation that you agree to follow the rules presented on the Tidewater Comicon website as well as any decisions made by cosplay staff prior to, or during, Tidewater Comicon.

All cosplay events/panels have the potential to be photographed/filmed/recorded in some fashion. These recordings may be used in future galleries or promotions. Signing up for, and/or attending, any cosplay event is done with the understanding that recording could occur at any time and permission is tacitly given for the participant’s likeness to be used.

1. Any weapons must be PROP only. If you can hurt someone with it, leave it at home. NO Airsoft, etc. 

2. You can only enter in one category. Example: Adult, Kid, Group.  

3. Originally crafted costumes only.  (Store bought costumes are still welcome to enter but are not eligible to win).  

4. Tidewater Comicon is a family friendly event. All costumes must cover “swimsuit areas”-no nudity. Body-paint costumes are not eligible to win. Tidewater Comicon adheres to the “PG-13 rule” when it comes to language and hand gestures on stage. Violation of this rule may cause you to be disqualified from the competition. 

5. You must be a registered Tidewater Comicon attendee in order to compete. Each member of your group must have a badge, pass, or other form of attendee membership. There is no additional fee to get into the contest.

6. The contest is open to characters from published works; movies, TV shows, comic books, cartoons, video games, and card games.

7. Costumes must be handled by the contestant or by handler(s) the contestant brings to help. Handlers are required to be registered attendees of the convention and Tidewater Comicon cannot provide on-stage assistants.

8. Contestants are not allowed to throw anything off stage, nor use projectiles or use anything on stage that will leave a mess. This includes (but is not limited to) liquids, glitter, and confetti.

9. No pyrotechnics, fire, explosive devices, live animals, or similar special effects can be used during the competition; this includes smoke/smog machines and flash powder. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and be asked to leave the convention area depending on the severity of the incursion. All prop weapons must conform to the Tidewater Comicon prop policies, including being checked.

TIME TO SUIT UP

Cosplayers — your time is now!

Whether you’re crafting from scratch, upgrading a fan-favorite look, or debuting something brand new, we want to see what you’re bringing to Tidewater Comicon 2026.

Use this graphic to show off your cosplay plans, tag your crew, and let the community know you’re coming ready to turn heads. From first-time cosplayers to seasoned veterans, everyone is part of what makes this show unforgettable.

Download our graphic, Post your images, share it, tag your crew — and get ready to suit up! Be sure to tag us on insta and we’ll share the coolest looks in our stories!

ADULT COSPLAY CATEGORY

First Place Prize: $500 in cash and prizes, a cool foam check, and a photo shoot from BC Photography!
Second Place Prize: $250 in cash and prizes.

(Ages 16 and up)

GROUP COSPLAY CATEGORY

First Place Prize: $500 in cash and prizes, a cool foam check, and a photo shoot from BC Photography!
Second Place Prize: $250 in cash and prizes.

(All ages. Prizes are for the group, not individual persons)

KID COSPLAY CATEGORY

Kid Category
First Place Prize: $250 in cash and prizes, a cool foam check, and a photo shoot from BC Photography!
Second Place Prize: $100 in cash and prizes.

(Ages 15 and under)

SATURDAY PRE-JUDGING 10AM-12PM AND 3PM-5PM

ALL CATEGORIES (ADULT, KIDS, & GROUP)

This year we’ve made some updates to make it easier for the fans.

You can go the judging booth next to the main stage anytime from 10am-12pm or 3pm to 5pm to have your cosplay judged for competition.

At 5pm our judges will deliberate.

At 6:15pm contestants and fans can take the seating by the main stage, at which time the top 2 finalists in each category will be called up to the main stage. Winners will be announced at 6:15PM.