It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights. It’s time to meet… this year’s WonderCon Anaheim 2023 Masquerade rules. Doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, does it?

The WonderCon Anaheim Masquerade returns for its 18th annual event on Saturday, March 25 in the Anaheim Convention Center’s ACC North Ballroom (subject to change) at 8:30pm PT.

Last year, WonderCon had limited the competition to 25 entries. This year, they only state that “there is a limit on the number of contestants accepted” without specifying a number, so if interested, be sure to sign up early.

Intermission entertainment will be provided by Star Wars lightsaber performers, The Saber Guild, for a meld of cosplay, dance, and popular music for a lively performance.

A panel of guest judges will award WonderCon trophies for Best In Show, Judges’ Choice, Best Re-Creation, Best Original Design, Best Workmanship, Most Humorous, and Most Beautiful. Winners in the above categories will receive Free 3-day Badges for WonderCon 2023. If a group wins, up to eight badges will be awarded.

Additionally, two other awards will be given out. Frank & Son Collectible will present to the entry their representatives deem the audience favorite a $500 cash prize. The Costumer’s Guild West will present a one-year membership to their CGW group, as well as one full scholarship and one night’s complimentary one-night hotel stay to their annual weekend conference, Costume College®, held the last weekend in July 2023 (winner may choose 2024 instead) in Woodland Hills, CA, to the entry their representatives select.

You can find more information about these new special prizes, as well as the rules for entry, on CCI’s site.

Applicants in the Masquerade must have a badge to the convention (which will be held March 24-26).