We have guidelines in place to ensure that all cosplayers and convention patrons may enjoy the event. In short, we expect cosplayers to be respectful of others, exercise sound judgment, and place safety and courtesy above all else. These guidelines also apply to our Cosplay Contest, which you can read more about below. Specifically, we require both cosplayers and patrons to adhere to the following guidelines, understanding that failure to respect them may result in removal from the convention:

• All costumes must be family-friendly, i.e., no lewdness or vulgarity
• No live steel weapons or real guns are allowed. All weapons must be peace-bonded, must have an orange safety tip, and may not contain any sharp edges or points. All weapons are subject to inspection upon entrance to the event.
• No projectiles of any kind will be allowed. This includes arrows, throwing stars, darts, foam, water, paper, silly string, plastic, food, metal, etc.
• Respect others’ personal space, i.e., no touching of any kind or aggressive behavior
• Exercise control of your personal volume
• No harassment of any kind will be tolerated
• No profanity will be tolerated
• Any other behavior witnessed that is deemed to be inappropriate

We thank you in advance for following our cosplay guidelines, and ensuring a fun event for all! Please feel free to ask staff or volunteers for clarification.

• All costumes must adhere to the general Cosplay Rules (Family-Friendly, must wear shoes, no live weapons, etc.).
• All Costume contest contestants must register at least one hour before the start of the contest at booth #TBA in the vendor hall. No contestants will be considered after the contest begins. Each contest may be limited to a certain number of participants. Register early!
• Your registration form should include a full address, e-mail, phone number, and a phonetic spelling of your character for the Emcee, and the series your character is from. If you have an original cosplay, please mention that on your form.
• You will be provided a lanyard with a number that you will need to enter the contest. Please keep the lanyard somewhere safe. Capital City Comic Con will not be responsible for lost or stolen lanyards and badges. Lanyards must be returned immediately after the contest.
• Preference will be given to hand-made or hand-crafted costuming and props.
• Each contestant may only enter one costume into each competition.
• No skits during judging.
• No political or religious statements.
• No flashpots, explosive devices, or similar special effects.
• Bladed weapons must be peace-tied and sheathed at all times.
• Costumes must be self-contained.
• Large or elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help; Capital City Comic Con will not be able to assist.
• Capital City Comic Con reserves the right to disqualify anyone for any reason.

Our two Saturday costume contests will have pre-judging. These additional rules apply to our Saturday contests:

• Individuals for the Saturday Teen & Adult Open Contest and the Saturday Cash Prize Contest will be pre-judged at sign-up. Please arrive to register in full costume including makeup with any props you would like the judges to consider.
• All entrants must have a cosplay that is at least 65% handmade or kit-bashed.