Costume Contest

Whether you arrive in plate armor, step out of a history book, come dressed as your favorite anime character, or bring a creation entirely from your own imagination, we want to see it!

Fall & Fantasy Festival is excited to present our First Annual Costume Contest, taking place Saturday, September 26, 2026 during the festival.

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Prizes

Costume Contest participation is FREE with the purchase of a Saturday festival admission ticket.

1st Place: $300 Cash Prize

Additional prizes will be awarded for 2nd and 3rd Place.

More prize information will be announced as we get closer to the festival!

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What Costumes Are Welcome?

Almost anything your imagination can create!

Costumes may be inspired by:

• Fantasy & Renaissance

• Historical clothing and characters

• Horror & Gothic

• Science Fiction

• Anime & Manga

• Video Games

• Comics & Pop Culture

• Original Characters

• Cosplay

• Handmade and original creations

• And more!

You do not need to dress within the Fall & Fantasy theme to participate.

The only major requirement is that all costumes, props, and performances must remain family friendly and appropriate for a public, all-ages festival.

Both handmade and purchased costume elements are welcome. Contestants will have an opportunity to tell our judges about their costume, including any pieces they created, modified, designed, or assembled themselves.

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Costume Weapons & Props

Costume weapons and props are welcome when they can be carried safely in a crowded public festival environment.

Real firearms, functional weapons, or other dangerous items are not permitted as costume props. Festival staff reserve the right to require any prop or costume element considered unsafe or inappropriate to be removed from the event.

Please remember that Fall & Fantasy is a family-oriented festival with guests of all ages.

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Judging

Contestants will present their costumes before our judging panel. Judges may consider elements such as:

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Overall Presentation • Creativity • Craftsmanship • Character • Originality • Attention to Detail

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Purchased costume components will not automatically disqualify a contestant. However, contestants are encouraged to tell the judges about their own work, modifications, construction, design choices, and creative process.

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Meet Our Judges

We are thrilled to welcome Carolyn Kahon to our Costume Contest judging panel!

Carolyn is known for her fantastic costuming and character work as Ember the Cryptid. Her creativity, costuming, and love of bringing characters to life make her a wonderful addition to our first annual contest.

Follow Ember on Instagram: @ember_the_cryptid

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How to Enter

Participation in the Costume Contest is free with paid Saturday admission to Fall & Fantasy Festival.

Contestants will need to register for the Costume Contest and check in on the day of the event.

Additional information regarding registration, check-in location, contest time, judging procedures, and contestant lineup will be posted here as it becomes available.

Advance festival tickets are available now at FallandFantasy.com

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Fall & Fantasy Festival 2026

The Costume Contest is just one part of a full weekend of fantasy, history, entertainment, vendors, activities, food, and family fun at Fall & Fantasy Festival 2026.

📅 Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27, 2026

🎭 Costume Contest: Saturday, September 26

Costumes are encouraged throughout the entire festival weekend, whether or not you choose to compete.

Come as a knight, witch, warrior, cryptid, adventurer, anime hero, historical figure, monster, space traveler, or something we've never seen before.

If you can imagine it, we want to see it at Fall & Fantasy!