ValleyCon | Oct 17th - Oct 19th 2025

Fargo Air Museum - 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102

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Cosplay Competition at ValleyCon

Join the ValleyCon Cosplay Competition!

Where: Fargo Air Museum – 1609 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
When: October 17th – October 19th

Show off your creativity, craftsmanship, and love for your favorite characters at ValleyCon’s 50th anniversary cosplay contest! Whether you are a seasoned cosplayer or just starting out, there are categories for all ages, and amazing prizes to be won.

Cosplay Contest Awards:

  • Adults (18+): $500 first place, $250 second, $125 third. Adult costumes must be at least 80% handmade.

  • Teens (13–17): Oculus $1st, $50 2nd, $25 3rd.

  • Youth (10–12): Switch 2 $1st, $50 2nd, $25 3rd.

  • Kids (0–9): Boys and Girls Lego Sets. Participation medals while supplies last.

  • ValleyCon Grand Champion: $1,000 Gift Card.

Contest Schedule:

  • Kids Cosplay Contest – 3:00 PM

  • Adult Cosplay Contest – 6:00 PM

Ready to compete? Fill out the application to sign up for your age category, and prepare to take the stage at ValleyCon. Show the crowd your skills, your creativity, and maybe even take home the title of ValleyCon Grand Champion!

Sign Up Now

Additional Rules and Information

General Rules
  • Open to all participants ages 3 and up.
  • Cosplays from any genre are welcome but must be family-friendly and non-offensive (no nudity or vulgar imagery). Shoes are required at all times. 
  • All contestants must register using the official registration form before the posted deadline.
  • Entrants must submit:
    • Reference images of the character 
    • A progress gallery showing costume creation
  • All participants must have a valid ticket to the event to compete.
Categories
  • Youth: Ages 3–12
  • Teen: Ages 13–17
  • Adult: Ages 18+
Costume Guidelines
  • Ages 9–13: Bonus points awarded for handmade items or props.
  • Ages 14–17: Bonus points awarded for handmade items or props.
  • Adults: At least 80% of the costume must be handmade by the creator.
    • Models are allowed, but the costume’s creator must be present at the competition.
Costumes will be judged on:
  • Resemblance to the character or original concept
  • Craftsmanship
  • Attention to detail
Prop & Safety Guidelines:
  • All weapons and props must comply with local safety regulations and ValleyCon Safety Rules.
  • No real weapons or functioning projectiles.
  • Oversized props must be safe and manageable.
  • No costumes may include realistic depictions of current official government agency names or initials.
Performance Guidelines
  • Contestants will walk a 3-pose route across the stage for both judging and audience presentation.
  • Only the contestant is allowed on stage during the performance.
  • Contestants must submit performance music in advance and are responsible for ensuring proper copyright usage.
  • Prohibited on stage:
    • Throwing objects 
    • Firing projectiles 
    • Live animals (service animals permitted)
Judging Criteria
Craftsmanship (Total: 100%)
  • Accuracy: 25%
  • Techniques: 25%
  • Creativity/Originality: 25%
  • Overall Presentation: 25%
Performance (Total: 100%)
  • Stage Presence: 30%
  • Creativity: 30%
  • Audience Engagement: 20%
  • Accuracy to Source: 20%
Code of Conduct
  • Respect all fellow contestants, staff, and judges.
  • Harassment or cheating will result in disqualification.
  • All participants must follow venue and event rules.
Important Notes
  • Late entries will not be accepted.
  • Finalists may be asked to participate in a live or video interview.
  • Winners may be featured in promotional content. Additionally, all contestants may be featured in promotional content. 
  • Winners will be invited to return the following year as a Cosplay Guest of Honor and Judge.
  • Judges’ decisions are final.
Sign Up Now