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Cosplay & Costume Rules
We absolutely love cosplay, but we also love not being in trouble with the law, or the venue, or angry parents of young attendees. So, when it comes to what you wear, we ask that you follow the rules listed below. Failure to comply with this policy could result in your removal from the event. So, to keep everyone happy and having fun, here are the official rules on cosplay and costumes.
Coverage – Cosplay and costumes must cover the area of your body publicly acceptable swim wear (bikini or trunks) would cover. Thongs and other similarly revealing swim wear are not considered acceptible for purposes of this rule. Open and/or exposed backs are permitted.
Dance Belts & Underwear – Please cover your bits (including the contours of your bits) and avoid a very awkward conversation with our security team. Dance belts, underwear, and nude body suits are highly recommend for cosplay and costumes that are especially revealing.
Sharp Edges – No part of your cosplay or costume should be able to cause injury to someone who accidentally runs into you. Make sure all sharp edges and pointy bits have been capped, taped or are appropriately dulled.
Oversized Cosplay – If you have an exceptionally large costume or cosplay you must have at least one handler to assist you in navigating the event. These are typically costumes or cosplay that involve things such as wings, large pieces that extend beyond your arm’s reach, parts that are difficult to retract, or pieces that might impair your vision.
Posing for Photos – Lets face it. If you have an awesome cosplay or costume, you are going to be asked repeatedly for photos and to pose with others for pictures. When you pose for a photo, you must move out of the flow of foot traffic. If there is no immediate open area, you must move to a position off to the side and preferably against a wall of some kind. Blocking hallways or walkways is a violation of the fire safety regulations and is not permitted.
Body Paint & Glitter – Any glitter or glitter spray used on the body or costumes needs to be sealed in order to prevent incidental transfer or shedding in the venue.
Bondage – No accessories that attach two or more people together, even temporarily, are permitted. This includes but is not limited to: handcuffs, leashes, and ropes.
Hate Symbols – Any signs or symbols that can be characterized as a hate symbols or signs of discrimination may not be displayed. This includes any symbol that is widely accepted as a symbol of oppression, hatred, or violence towards a specific group of people.
Signs – May not contain hate speech, solicit personal contact, or attempt to provoke arguments, fights or conflict with the general public, other attendees, staff or guests.
Official Personnel Uniforms – Cosplay or costumes that intentionally impersonate those of local law enforcement, safety personnel, venue personnel, staff or security are strictly prohibited.
Shoes – The soles of your feet must be protected by either shoes or adhesive foot coverings. The pavement outside is very hot, and there is always a lot of walking at cons, so be sure to take good care of your feet.
Skateboards, bikes, roller skates, roller blades, and unicycles – Are allowed at the venue, but are not permitted inside the buildings or in crowded areas for the safety of other people. If you’re wheeling around outside, you must stop and walk if there is not a clear and open pathway at least 4′ to either side of you.
Props & Weapons – MUST adhere to the PROPS & WEAPONS POLICIES posted by A-Kon in addition to the rules here.
Laws & Regulations – All federal, state, city, and local laws/regulations must be adhered to in addition to the rules listed above. If you can’t wear it on the street or do it in public legally, you can’t at A-Kon either.
Right of Refusal – We reserve the right to refuse or restrict any cosplay or costume for any reason. This means that we may ask you at any time to change out of or put away parts of your cosplay or costume. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s usually for a good reason.