Parade: Open to everyone in costume - sign up on the day.

Competition: Pre-registration required; craftsmanship-based; must meet construction and safety rules below.

This is a for fun, entry level to intermediate craftsmanship-based competition.

• A minimum of 50% or more of the costume must be made by you, or curated from parts for screen accuracy.
• Competitors are encouraged to submit a simple build book documenting construction, but this is not required.
• You may reuse a costume from previous competitions only if it hasn't received any awards, or has been significantly altered since then.

Fan-art interpretations are allowed, but you must submit both the fan art and official design references, with an explanation of how the design was adapted.

Not permitted: realistic police or military uniforms; realistic replica weapons; R18 or otherwise unsuitable costumes for a public family event. If security might tackle someone over it, it's a no-go.

• All submissions are reviewed by the judging panel before the event - avoid last-minute surprises.
• You'll get an email with your prejudging time and location. Need a specific slot (makeup, elaborate costume, etc.)? Say so on the application; we'll do our best.
• Arrive 15 minutes early. Assemble outside the judging room and wait your turn.
• Running late? Message us ASAP - we'll try to help, but we can't run infinite slack.
• Accessibility: Tell us on the form. Contestants may bring one support person into the judging room.

Construction & technique

• Fabric choice and quality
• Seam finishes, hems, overall fit
• Patterning and tailoring
• Armour construction and painting craftsmanship

Accuracy & detailing

• Faithfulness to references
• Silhouette match
• Embellishments, lining, buttons
• Small details and character accuracy

Props & materials

• Creative material use
• Durability and portability
• Blunt edges and safe construction
• Paint, design, surface finishes

Wigs, makeup & prosthetics

• Wig styling and colour match
• Makeup application and prosthetic blending
• Sculpting, molding, or casting where applicable

Safety first. Props must comply with the following.

Allowed

• Foam, resin, EVA, Worbla, plastic, rubber, wood, fabric
• Blunt-edged or clearly fake / fantasy designs
• Toy weapons with disabled functionality (proof required)

Not allowed

• Realistic firearms (including replicas), lighters, vapes
• Sharp, heavy, or metal weapons (knives, swords, axes, etc.)
• Sports equipment used as weapons (bats, paddles, clubs)
• Working power tools or unsafe materials
• Bows with taut strings or metal tips

Size: No prop over 2 metres long or 10 kg. Props over 5 kg must be balanced so weight is evenly distributed, with balance point more than one-third of the prop length from the end.

Oversized costume? Email us in advance so we can plan.

1st: Trophy and a $300 voucher for Geek Inventory

2nd: Trophy and a $200 voucher for Geek Inventory

3rd: Trophy and a $100 voucher for Geek Inventory

Plus additional categories depending on submissions.

• Huge props or sets? Storage can be arranged - give us a heads-up first.
• If you need to turn sideways to fit a doorway, mind the crowd.
• No accidental-impalement hazards - unsafe builds may be benched.
• Be kind, hype each other up, and celebrate creativity.

By entering, you acknowledge that:

• Photos and/or video of you and your cosplay may be taken during the event.
• Those images may be used by The Retro Event and partners for marketing, promotion, and social media, whether you win or not.
• Your name and images may appear in future event materials, ads, and exemplar galleries.
• No extra compensation or permissions are required for that use.

The form requires you to confirm you agree to the above.