We built this city on props and clothes!

Our favorite creators and costume enthusiasts return to the Durham Convention Center. Visit our incredible cosplay guests as you enter the convention and throw your hat in the ring in our Showcase or Craftsman contest for a chance at a multitude of fabulous prizes!

Join us at the Main Stage in the Armory (by ticketing!) for our annual NC Comicon Cosplay Contests; with a contest each day we’re sure to have something for everyone. See times and details below!

Cosplay Showcase Contest

Our Cosplay Showcase is for cosplayers of every kind. Please pre-register at the cosplay registration table. Line up for participants will begin at the Armory stage at 4pm. Youth (12 and under) will be given the option to line up separately, going first so we can judge them in their own category. Those cheering them on can join us at 5pm. Whether you made your own costume from scratch, thrifted it together, bought it from a pro, or had your mom steal it from Party City, you can show off your look, strut your stuff, and be proud in your second skin at the Cosplay Showcase! All those who wish to participate may!

Judging is Saturday only on stage. Participants must pre-register at the cosplay registration table on Saturday. Final cut off for sign up is at 3:30PM and line up begins at the Armory at 4PM by the stage. Contest begins at 5PM! All Prizes and awards for the will be announced at the end of Cosplay Showcase, so please make sure you stick around for your winnings!

Cosplay Craftsman Contest

Our Craftsmanship contest is for the cosplayer with a knack for creations of all kinds! In this contest, contestants must have built, fabricated, sewn or otherwise hand crafted at least 60% of their costume. We welcome every type of cosplay- from entirely original concepts to stitch for stitch recreations. While we love to see all kinds of cosplays, commissioned cosplays may only be entered in this contest by the commissioner. Contestants who fill out this form must also plan to be at the convention Sunday, the 10th so they can be present for pre-judging, stage walk, and winner’s announcement.

Prejudging starts at 10AM Sunday in the judging room and will continue until 2:30PM. ​Prejudging will be on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. Please fill out the form below with the intention of attending prejudging during this time frame and lining up at the Armory Stage at 3PM. Spectators can join us at 4PM for the show!

Cosplay Craftsmanship Contest Rules

• Commissioned cosplays may not be entered unless the commissioner is entering them.
• Entered costumes must be no less than 60% made by the contestant to qualify.
• Pre-judging will be held on Sunday from 10AM – 2:30PM
• Costumes must be worn during prejudging.
• All contestants must be attending Sunday, November 10th.
• Contestants must be present during the awards ceremony to receive prizes.
• All-ages are welcome to participate.
• Props must adhere to NC Comicon Weapons Policy
• HAVE FUN!
• Be kind! Harassment is never allowed.

Click here to register for the cosplay craftsman contest.

Craftsman Titles

• 1st Place
• 2nd Place
• 3rd place
• Judge’s Choice