Cosplay Guidelines

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 CAVE celebrates the creativity of cosplayers and encourages everyone to cosplay whoever they want—no matter your size, gender, age, religion, shape, color… or even species. (Yes, aliens, robots, and mythical beings are absolutely welcome.)

Cosplay is all about imagination, self-expression, and having fun—so go wild, get creative, and be unapologetically you!

•   Footwear is required at all times. Bare feet are not permitted. 

• Masks or other face coverings may NOT be worn outside of the designated event areas.

• Cosplays must not include hateful or offensive imagery, nor be used to agitate or intentionally offend others. This includes (but is not limited to) Nazi/SS imagery, KKK imagery, blackface, or any similar content.  

•  Costumes must not obstruct walkways, entryways, or impede the flow of traffic. 

• Excessively shedding costumes or props (e.g., heavy use of glitter, loose feathers) is not allowed.

• Metal weapons and blades for cosplay are STRICTLY prohibited. Prop weapons made of Foam, Plastic, PVC, etc are permitted.  

• Props must measure less than 7 feet in any direction when at rest. Expandable props may be extended temporarily for photos, provided they do not disrupt egress/traffic flow of attendees.

• Costumes must provide adequate coverage and must not be considered indecent exposure. Private areas must be fully covered with opaque, secure materials that will not shift or create gaps. Attendees must remain appropriately dressed and fully covered in all public convention areas.

• Individuals wearing tight-fitting costumes that accentuate the groin area are required to wear appropriate undergarments, such as a dance belt.

• Costumes or props that enable mobility (e.g., skates, skateboards, scooters, bicycles) are permitted for display only and may not be used for movement anywhere within the venue.

• Any costumes, especially including the names, branding, or imagery of ANY historical or modern-day branches of military or any police-style attire (examples such as LVMPD, LVFD, ICE, USMC, US Navy, USAF, etc.) are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  Armored or Militaristic-style cosplays must be of a known/named character, or representative of a specific IP (e.g. Halo Spartans, Helldivers, Ghost - Call of Duty)

• Gun props must not be made in any form of usable weapon, such as repurposing non-operable BB/Airsoft weapons, or especially real weapons.  Foam, wood, or plastic weapon props with NO POSSIBILITY of 'proper function' of a firearm in any fashion are the only exception.  And if wooden, foam, or plastic, but made to appear realistic, and could have any possible chance of being confused for a live firearm, it MUST have a painted or solid orange tip in a BRIGHT orange color to clearly differentiate it as a prop.

• All Weapon Props will be inspected and marked as appropriate upon onsite inspection. If a weapon is deemed unsafe, you may NOT enter the event with it, and you may NOT leave it with CAVE Staff or volunteers for safekeeping.

Attendees must understand and agree that, for their safety and the safety of others, CAVE reserves the right to inspect costumes, props, and any items brought into the event at any time.

CAVE reserves the right to modify or update this policy at its sole discretion and without prior notice.

•  Costumes that are unable to fit through a standard doorway must be pre-approved. 

• Costumes with restricted vision or that significantly hinder movement must be disclosed on the entry form.

•  Each attendee is limited to one entry. 

•  All entrants are required to arrive on time at the main stage and participate in the stage walk. 

• There is a limited number of spots available in each category. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. In-person applications will only be available if space remains, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online in advance. Performance entries will not be accepted in person, as all performances must be reviewed and approved before the event. 

•  Only CAVE guests are eligible to participate in the cosplay contest. 

•  All participants are expected to be respectful toward staff, the venue, and fellow attendees and to follow all CAVE Convention Guidelines at all times. 

• Best Video Game Character ( 17 & under & over 18 )
• Best Anime Character ( 17 & under & over 18 )
• Audience Choice ( 17 & under & over 18 )

Host information, and more event info to come

Application form TBD