Pop Madness

Costume contest registration will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the contest registration table near the front entrance or online in January 2025. Participants must check in at the table to receive a number for contest line-up. There are two categories: Teens:13-18 and Adults:19 and over.

Contestants will line-up beginning 15 minutes before the contest outside the main auditorium. The contest will start at 2:30 p.m. If you are not in line by five minutes until the contest time you will not be allowed to participate.

Rules for adult contestants: Costumes must be of original construction OR show modification of pre-existing materials. No costumes are allowed that are purchased or otherwise obtained from a commercial source (you may not wear a rented costume or one that has been purchased from a Halloween store). It is expected that some costumes may include some purchased items. At least 50% of the costume must have been created or altered.

There are no costume rules for the teen category, however more weight will be given to handmade costumes. We do not allow participants under the age of 13 in the teen category. See the Tween Contest info.

Contest participants will be allowed a maximum of two minutes on stage. Anyone lingering beyond that time may be disqualified. Judges will grade on costume design and presentation. In a few cases presentation HAS been chosen over design in the past so use all or most of your two minutes to show off to the judges (it's longer than you think). The judges' word is final.

Winners in both categories will receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies. You may enter as a couple or a group but only one award will be given to winners.

Please Note:

Cosplay contest guidelines will also follow the Pop Madness general cosplay guidelines ie. all costumes must be family friendly and suitable for public display etc. See guidelines on the General Pop Madness Rules page.