Costume Show & Cosplay Contest

This year, EIU Comic Fest will feature a Costume Show OPEN TO ALL who attend in costume. Additionally, there will be a Cosplay Contest for those who wish to compete! You must register to be in the contest. Registration coming soon.

General Costume Guidelines

All costumed attendees of the EIU Comic Fest must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Code of Conduct
    • All participants and attendees at the EIU Comic Fest are expected to follow the Booth Library Code of Conduct while on premises.
    • No harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior
    • Touching costumed attendees/cosplayers is NOT PERMITTED without express permission of the cosplayer
    • The EIU Comic Fest is a free event open to the general public and in a public space, therefore, taking photos during the event for personal purposes is permitted, however please be respectful and ask costumed attendees/cosplayers for permission prior to taking their picture
  • Costume Requirements
    • All costumes must adhere to PG-13 dress code
    • Prop weapons MUST BE PEACE-BONDED at the EIU Comic Fest Information Table
    • Peace bonds must remain in place for the duration of the Comic Fest
    • Costumes must fit through standard hallways and doorways and not obstruct others
  • Prohibited Items
    • No real weapons, live steel, or firearms are permitted (even if non-functional)
    • No pyrotechnics, open flames, or substances that can damage the stage or venue are allowed

Cosplay Costume Contest

Location & Date

📍EIU Comic Fest at Booth Library on the Eastern Illinois University campus, in Cosplay Central, West Reading Room
📅 Saturday, September 26

🎤 Host

Becky Castillo, CIL-CON

📝 Registration

Registration is FREE but required. Registration form coming soon!

Walk up registration will be accepted at Artists' Alley West until 2:45 PM; competitive pre-judging while appointments last.

⚔️ Contest Guidelines

  • Eligibility
    • Open to individuals and groups of all ages
    • Contestants under 14 must have a parent/guardian present or signed consent
  • Cosplay Contest Requirements
    • Costumes for the Competitive Pre-judging can be a variety or combination of crafted and purchased elements
    • Characters can be from published media (anime, video games, comics, movies, etc.)
    • Costumes must fit through standard hallways and doorways and not impede the wearer or others
    • Entrants must be able to move safely, handlers may be used if necessary

🧾 Contest Format

  • Categories
    • Novice – 1st time or beginner cosplayers
    • Journeyman/Intermediate – moderate experience
    • Masters – advance experience
    • Youth/Junior – under age 14 (must have consent)
  • Time Limits
    • Approximately 5 minutes for hitting three “pivot points” (see schedule below) for contest display

    • 🧑‍⚖️ Judging Criteria

    • Pre-Judging
      • All categories require a scheduled 5-minute pre-judging appointment (see event schedule below)
      • Register at the library desk in Artists' Alley WEST or online. Registration link coming soon.
      • Competitive contestants MAY opt to bring a “build book” showing the costume as a Work In Progress, with photos, reference images, and construction techniques
  • Competitive Pre-Judging focuses on craftsmanship
    • Construction Quality: Sewing, armor work, wig styling, materials used
    • Accuracy: Faithfulness to character design
    • Detailing: Embellishments, painting, weathering, accessories
    • Presentation: Fit, finish, the overall look of the costume

🧑‍⚖️ Meet the Judges!


Becky Castillo
Becky Castillo
From ghostly to geeky, Becky Castillo brings the best of both worlds to the convention scene. As a seasoned paranormal investigator, Becky has explored the strange, the spooky, and the unexplained — and she's not afraid of a few ghosts. When she’s not chasing spirits, she’s diving into Azeroth as an avid World of Warcraft gamer. Becky is also the mastermind behind CIL-Con, a unique convention celebrating all things paranormal, horror, anime, and gaming. Whether you’re into hauntings or high scores, Becky’s passion and energy make her a true multiverse explorer — and a fan-favorite at any con.


Lea Houpt
Lea Houpt
dweeb.cos (aka Dweeb or Lea) is a passionate Illinois-based cosplayer with four years of experience bringing characters to life from One Piece, Soul Eater, and more. Her work has been featured in Lights Camera Cosplay magazine, and she recently guested at Peoria Con. Whether styling wigs, crafting cosplays, or connecting with fans, Dweeb pours her heart into the community.


Megan Wells
Megan Wells
Megan Wells is Director of Procurement at EIU and a cosplay aficionado.


🕒 Event Schedule

  • 10:00 AM - 2:45 PM – Prejudging: Competitive Juried entries MUST meet with the Cosplay Judges for approximately 5 minutes, check in and register with Becky Castillo at the library desk in Artists' Alley WEST
  • 2:45 PM – Costume Show Participants and Cosplay Contestants will line-up, starting in the Pre-Judging Suite in the Faculty Reading Room
  • 3:00 PM – Costume Show and Cosplay Contest! Participants and Contestants will be introduced by Becky one at a time and hit three pivot points: 1. Stand Before Judging Table, 2. Photograph Pose, 3. 360 Turn within Crowd Pose
  • After hitting three pivot points, return to the line-up area
  • 3:30 PM – All participants and contestants will do one final parade across the stage area. Cosplay Contestants will return to the judging table at the stage area.
  • 3:40 PM – Judges will announce Cosplay Contest winners
  • 3:50 PM – Winners will be asked to pose for official photos

🎁 Awards & Prizes

  • Juried Categories
    • Best Craftsmanship
    • Best Prop
    • Best Youth/Junior
  • Non-Juried Categories
    • Judge's Choice
    • Crowd Favorite/People's Choice
    • Best in Show
  • Prizes
    • Trophies
    • Certificates

👀 Recommendations & Disclaimers

  • Bring a repair kit for costume emergencies
  • Have a helper or handler if your costume is bulky or difficult to navigate
  • Practice being “in character” for your costume
  • Stay hydrated and be respectful of other contestants and cosplayers
  • Media release: Participants will be photographed during the contest by EIU Comic Fest staff
  • Event Organizers are not responsible for lost or damaged items
  • Participants assume responsibility for their own safety and conduct
  • Rule violations (e.g., inappropriate content, late arrival, unsafe behavior) can result in disqualification

EIU Comic Fest would like to thank our wonderful MC Becky Castillo and our Judges for their time and dedication to this event!