Cosplay Outfits

Costumes and outfits are a popular part of conventions and related events. We welcome cosplay at Anime Washington but have a few rules to help make it fun and safe for everyone. Before starting work on your cosplay, or bringing an existing one, please be aware of the Anime Washington guidelines.

Anime Washington is a family-friendly event, so please keep this in mind when choosing costumes and avoid costumes that are vulgar, graphic, offensive, and/or sexually inappropriate. Staff reserves the right to deem a costume unacceptable and to request appropriate modifications. Remember, what is “acceptable” to you may, or may not, be acceptable to others. We intend to allow people to have fun but not to make anything awkward or potentially dangerous.

Naked is naked and is not considered a costume.

Costumes with heavy makeup are allowed but must be sprayed down with makeup fixative to prevent rubbing off and staining others’ costumes and causing damage to venue property.

Masks

Masks or costumes covering most or part of the face are not allowed to be worn while entering or exiting the event entry points, or specific places where money is changing hands and identification is needed (for example, event registration, while making transactions at a vendor’s booth, food vendors, or other locations as indicated). They are able to be worn in all other convention exclusive spaces.

Props and Weapons

A prop is any item that is for display or part of a costume, carried or worn by an individual.

No attendee will be permitted to carry any kind of functional projectile weapon. This includes individuals who possess a weapons permit or concealed weapons permit. They are not allowed on the fairgrounds. Keep them at home. Anyone found in possession of such a weapon will immediately be removed from the convention. Individuals caught in the illegal possession of a functioning projectile weapon will be reported and turned over to the proper authorities.

All other items that could be used as a weapon will be checked upon entrance to the event. Harmless props, such as teddy bears, will be waved through. Any other prop deemed safe by the staff may be utilized during the event. We will be using a peace tie on props. While we understand that they deter from the costume a little we must provide a safe environment for all attendees. These ties also show law enforcement and other authorities that these are props and not live weapons. This is for your safety and the safety of others. Any prop not deemed safe will have to be returned to your vehicle outside of the premises.

Entrance into the event is an agreement that you promise to carry your prop safely. This means you will not brandish any prop weapon, engage in any mock fighting, or use your prop in any way which could be seen as unsafe. You will be required to sign an acknowledgment of the requirements of safe carry. Any violation will have the item removed and secured. You will be able to get it back upon departure. Again, safety is paramount.

Peace bonding will be conducted at the Peace bonding table next to the entrance gate. Complete this action before wandering through or around the Event Space, or you may be required to leave. If you purchased your item at the convention, peace bonding is required as soon as possible.

All bladed items must be kept in their sheaths at all times in the Event Space. Weapons should never be waved around in a manner that may be construed as the use of the weapon (this is considered brandishing).

Brandishing a weapon in the Event Space, or in nearby spaces such as other public areas or parking lots, may result in immediate removal from the convention. Keep in mind, police will assume all drawn weapons are functional and will act accordingly. If you are unsure whether your weapon is acceptable in the Event Space, please ask at the Anime Washington check-in or at the Info Booth.

Exotic weapons will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Do not bring weapons that Police or Anime Washington staff cannot tell are fake from ten feet away.

Certain props are not allowed within the Event Space. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Functional Airsoft or projectile weapons
  • Live (sharp enough to cut) steel
  • Props wide enough or long enough to inhibit the flow of traffic (our aisles are 10 feet wide. There must be room for attendees to use these aisles in both directions. Please limit costumes/props to no wider than 4 feet. Wings that expand must be less than 4 feet when closed and walking through aisles. You may expand them in open areas and on the Cosplay Stage.
  • Replica weapons that do not comply with state or federal law
  • Props that impede personal or public safety

For an Airsoft, Nerf gun, or other projectile weapons to be considered non-functional. the prop in question must be rendered inoperable. The prop in question cannot be returned to working order at the show.