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Cosplay

​​​Cosplay is always front and center at GSCC! Stay tuned for the GSCC 2026 Cosplay of Champions Cosplay Contest and cosplay activities announcements. 

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We can't wait to see all the amazing cosplays at GSCC and celebrate the art of cosplay and creativity with you all! â€‹â€‹â€‹

Cosplay Contest

Saturday, May 16th, 2026

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Adults (ages 15 and up)

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Divisions:

  • Rising Star (individuals)

- For cosplayers beginning their competition journey or showcasing primarily purchased or lightly modified costume

- Purchased costumes welcome

- Handmade elements allowed but not required

- Less than ~50% handcrafted or heavily modified components

- Judging emphasis: presentation, character embodiment, creativity, overall impact

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Cap: 25 entries

Advance Sign Up: available (recommended), opens April 1, 2026

Onsite Sign Up: available, subject to capacity.

Awards:

  • Best Rising Star

  • Judge’s Choice — Rising Star

  • Crowd Favorite

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*Advance registration is highly recommended. Limited onsite sign-ups may be available depending on capacity.

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  • Master Craft (individuals)

- For cosplayers who create or heavily modify the majority of their costume. This division highlights craftsmanship, technical skill, and dedication to the art of cosplay creation.

- 50%+ handmade or significantly altered

- Armor builds, sewing, fabrication, prop-making encouraged

- Judging emphasis: construction quality, complexity and techniques, detail and finishing, presentation and overall impact

- Pre-judging REQUIRED

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Cap: 15 entries

Advance Sign Up: REQUIRED (opens April 1, 2026). No walk-ups.

Awards:

- Best Craftsmanship

- Best Armor

- Best Sewing/Fabric Work

- Best Prop or Build Detail

(awarded at judges’ discretion)

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  • Groups (2-4 participants)

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Cap: 7 entries/groups (participants of all ages)

Advance Sign Up: available (recommended), opens April 1, 2026

Onsite Sign Up: available, subject to capacity.

Awards:

  • Best Group

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*Advance registration is highly recommended. Limited onsite sign-ups may be available depending on capacity.

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Ultimate Cosplay Champion Award (individuals)

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Awarded to the entry that best represents excellence in craftsmanship, creativity, presentation, and overall impact.

Eligible from:

  • Master Craft Division

  • Exceptional Rising Star entries (at judges’ discretion)

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Schedule of Events:

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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Onsite check-in opens (subject to availability and category cap) | South Expo Building

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM - Pre-judging (Master Craft Category) | Western Town Building

4:00 PM - Cosplay Contest | Western Town Building

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Sunday, May 17th, 2026

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Kids (ages 14 and under)

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Categories:

  • Kids Cosplay Showcase (individual)

 

Cap: 30 entries

Advance Sign Up: Not available

Onsite Sign Up: Available, subject to capacity.

Awards:

  • Strongest Hero

  • Mightiest Villain

  • Most Creative

  • Cutest Cosplay

  • Judge's Choice

  • Future Cosplay Star

​(awarded at judges’ discretion)

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  • Family (group, up to 4 participants, at least one participant must be 14 years of age or younger)

 

Cap: 8 entries

Advance Sign Up: Not available

Onsite Sign Up: Available, subject to capacity.

Awards:

  • Best Family Cosplay

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Schedule of Events:

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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Onsite check-in opens | South Expo Building

3:00 PM - Cosplay Contest | Western Town Building

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All programming is subject to change.

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To ensure a smooth and timely contest, individual music tracks will not be used. Contestants are encouraged to focus on posing and character presentation.

Cosplay Guidelines

1. Family-Friendly Event:

  • All costumes at Gem State Comic Con must be appropriate for a family-friendly environment. "Swimsuit areas" must be covered at all times, and no nudity or offensive attire is allowed.

  • Full body-paint costumes are permitted but will not be eligible for craftsmanship judging.

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2. Weapons & Props Policy:

  • Real weapons are strictly prohibited. This includes firearms, sharp blades, and other potentially dangerous items.

  • Allowed props: Foam or plastic weapons, lightweight replicas, and non-functional bows or guns (no triggers or ammunition). Prop firearms are permitted only if they are clearly distinguishable from real weapons and must have an orange tip. Prop bows are allowed as long as all arrows have soft tips and are not intended to be shot. 

  • Prohibited items: metal blades whether sharp or blunt e.g. swords, axes, and knives; actual guns, rifles, or artillery; heavy bats; toughened plastic training sword; explosives and incendiary devices; functional strung bows or crossbows, sharp arrows or bolts; heavy gas canisters; protruding nails or other sharp items; laser pointers. All props must be safe to be worn and/or carried around in public. 

  • All prop weapons must be inspected and peace-bonded by staff upon entry. Non-compliant items will be confiscated or must be removed from the premises.

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3. Uniforms:

  • If you plan to wear a uniform that looks highly realistic, please make sure it is clearly identifiable as a costume. Costumes that could be mistaken for local law enforcement, emergency services, or military personnel are not allowed. Official uniforms or any attempt to impersonate these professionals are strictly prohibited.

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4. Costume Safety:

  • Costumes must not restrict movement or vision in a way that could endanger the wearer or others.

  • Avoid costumes that could cause a hazard, such as overly large wings, long trains, or heavy materials that may obstruct pathways and/or could damage property or injure others.

  • Any assistants or handlers needed for your cosplay will be required to purchase their own admission.

  • No vapes, smoke machines, or fog machines. Anything that produces smoke or vapors is not allowed.

  • Shoes must be worn at all times. Even if your character is barefoot, attendees must wear appropriate footwear for safety.

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5. Behavior & Conduct:

  • Cosplay is not consent. Always ask before touching or taking photos or videos of others' costumes.

  • Harassment, inappropriate behavior, or hate speech will not be tolerated. Any costume intended to harass, provoke, or intimidate isn’t allowed. Any violations will result in immediate removal from the event.

  • Respect other attendees and their personal space. Remember, we're all here to enjoy the convention.

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6. Respect the Venue, Vendors, and Attendees:

  • Avoid using substances like glitter, confetti, or any material that may cause damage or leave a mess.

  • Be mindful of delicate props or materials near venue fixtures, artwork, and merchandise.

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All rules are subject to change without prior notice. 

Gem State Comic Con 2026

May 15-17, 2026

Fri: 3 pm - 9 pm

Sat: 10 am - 6 pm

Sun: 10 am - 5 pm

Expo Idaho

5610 N Glenwood St

Boise, ID 83714

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© 2019 Gem State Comic Con. Produced by Colossus Girl Entertainment. Gem State Comic Con is headquartered in Boise, Idaho

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