information and rules
COSPLAY PARADE
We have two cosplay contests: Pro and Amateur. Show up in costume and jump on stage on the night, or prepare a full act and compete for the crown in the main contest. Any fandom is welcome: anime, games, films, or your own original character.
Pro Cosplay Contest
Prepare an act, register in advance, and perform on the main stage.
How to apply
- Complete the application form using the Registration button below by 24 October 2026.
- Tell us about your cosplay: character, fandom, and your costume.
- Attach photos of your cosplay if you have them (work-in-progress shots are welcome too).
- Describe your act.
Your performance
- Recommended length: about 1.5 minutes (you can make it longer or shorter if needed).
- You can perform either solo or in a group. This will not affect the judges' scoring.
- It can be anything: a dance, a posing routine, a scene, a fight, or something unexpected. Use your imagination and make it one of a kind.
- Please send us your music/audio track by 26 October 2026 in MP3 format.
- Perform at your scheduled slot during the Pro Cosplay Contest at the event.
Rehearsal
A rehearsal on the event stage will take place a few days before the event. We will share the details later. Attendance is strongly recommended. It’s a practice run, not an audition.
Categories
- Best Cosplay
- Best Performance
- Judges’ Choice (special award)
All winners are chosen by our judging panel.
What you get
- Free entry: no ticket needed. You’re on the guest list.
- A private dressing room to get ready backstage.
- Winners receive a unique gift set and a commemorative certificate.
- We also share professional photos and videos of the performance.
Amateur Cosplay Contest
For everyone in the crowd who wants to show off their costume.
This contest is made up of our guests: people who came to the party in cosplay and want their moment on stage. You don't need to be a professional cosplayer or prepare anything. Just come in costume and have fun.
How it works
- Register on the night. Find our cosplay registrar (or they may find you) at the event and give your name and your character's name.
- Come to the stage on time. Be near the stage at the start of the Amateur Cosplay Contest.
- Take the stage. When we call your name, you get 20–30 seconds in the spotlight. Pose, dance, play your character, go wild. It's your moment.
Winners are chosen by the winners of the Pro Cosplay Contest.
Categories
- Best Cosplay
- Scariest Cosplay
A regular event ticket is required to take part.
General rules
- Horror Circus is an 18+ event. All participants must be 18 or older.
- Cosplay from any source is welcome: anime, manga, games, films, series, or original characters. There is no theme requirement.
- Prop weapons must be made of safe materials. No real blades, firearms, or sharp metal.
- No fire, pyrotechnics, liquids, confetti, or anything that could damage the stage or harm the audience without prior approval from the organizers.
- Costumes must follow the venue’s basic decency rules.
- If your cosplay is very revealing, please contact us to check it in advance.
- By taking part, you agree that photos and videos from the stage may be used by Anime Cell on social media and in promotion.
- The organizers may adjust the schedule or decline a performance if safety rules are not followed.