San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Masquerade Entry Form and Rules Announced

Time to get busy working on your cosplay.

The Masquerade remains one of SDCC’s longest-running traditions, where some of the most impressive (and occasionally funniest) cosplay of the weekend (and the world) take center stage. Whether it’s a meticulously crafted recreation or a completely original design, this is where creators go all in, showing off their designs to a crowd ready to cheer them on. And if you’ve ever thought about competing, this is your shot.

This year’s event will take place on its usual date, on Saturday night (July 25) in Ballroom 20, drawing thousands of attendees in person, with additional overflow viewing areas across the convention center (including the Sails Pavilion).

Entries are now open for the 2026 Masquerade and interested parties can find the official rules and entry for on their site (note: find the form at the very bottom of the page — it’s linked incorrectly in another spot).

One important thing to note is that your costume is eligible if it has been presented at conventions other than WonderCon or Comic-Con International, but must not be worn at the convention prior to the show.

Just as in previous years, the Masquerade is free to participate in for anyone with a Saturday badge. Attendees are invited to cosplay themselves to add to the spirit of the event.

To guarantee yourself a seat to view the Masquerade, free tickets will be available starting at 12pm PT on Saturday, July 25 to those lining up near Ballroom 20, and then again from 3pm-5pm at the Masquerade Desk until all are given out. A ticket guarantees a seat.

Contestants can enter as a single participant or in a group, and trophy medallions designed by artist Sue Dawe, will be given to the winners in the following categories:

Best In Show
Judges’ Choice
Best Re-Creation
Best Original Design
Best Workmanship
Most Humorous
Most Beautiful
Best Young Fan

Winners in the above categories will also receive a free 4-day badge to San Diego Comic-Con 2027 – which is a big prize in and of itself. In the event that a group wins, up to five memberships will be given.

Additionally, several companies and organizations offer cash prizes for sponsored awards, which include:

Frank And Son Collectible Show, of the City of Industry, California, “Your one-stop show for ALL your collectible needs” will present to the entry that their representatives deem the Audience Favorite a generous $1,000 cash prize, plus a trophy.
The Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800 —The ADG has among its members Art Directors, Graphic Artists, Illustrators & Storyboard Artists, Model Makers, Pre-vis Artists, Production Designers, Scenic Artists, Set Designers and Title Artists of the motion picture, theater, and TV industries. The ADG is presenting two $500 awards: The ADG Cosplay Award for Original Concept Design, presented to the entry most exemplifying a wholly original concept, and, the ADG Cosplay Award for Best Visual Media Design, presented to the entry whose design best interprets a character or concept from a TV show or motion picture.
Costumer’s Guild West (CGW), will present a one-year membership to CGW, as well as a full scholarship and a complimentary two-night hotel stay to their weekend conference, Costume College®, to the entry they deem as Showing the Most Promise. Their conference is held each July at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store, will present an award for what they deem the Best In-Character Performance, with a generous prize of a limited-edition special collectible statuette, an Amazon gift card of $300, and a $200 Comickaze store gift card.
The Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892, is the labor union representing costume designers, assistant costume designers, and costume illustrators working in motion pictures, television, commercials, music videos, and new media. The Costume Designers Guild will present to the entry they select as the best overall a special CDG trophy and “generous gift certificate”.
Comic-Con International will present a special award given in memory of a long-time Committee and Board member Alan Campbell, a great fan of the Masquerade even, The Alan Campbell Award will be $500 cash, presented to the entry deemed Best Re-Creation of a Comics Character or Characters, as selected by a representative of the Board of Directors.