Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay 2023 is where the worlds of anime, gaming, makeup/special effects, and cosplay collide in a spectacular showcase of talent and creativity. Our convention is all about celebrating the passion and artistry of fans who bring their favorite characters to life.

With five thrilling contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Cosplay Contest lets participants don their meticulously crafted costumes and embody the characters they love, while the Makeup/SFX Contest showcases the transformative power of cosmetics and special effects. For those who want to perform, our Lip Sync competition provides a stage to channel their inner pop stars, and the TikTok Film Festival encourages short video creators to flaunt their storytelling skills. Contestants compete for $1,300 in cash prizes as well as trophies and medals.

At Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay, it’s not just about the contests; it’s about fostering a vibrant community where fans can share their enthusiasm and talents. Join us for a weekend of fun, creativity, and camaraderie like no other.

Cosplay Contests

Cosplay is an art form with diverse facets, which is why we host two distinct cosplay contests to cater to a wide range of talents and preferences. 

On Saturday, the spotlight shines on the painstakingly crafted, home-made costumes in our Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest. This contest is the perfect platform for cosplayers to flaunt their skills by bringing characters to life through intricate craftsmanship.

Hosted/judged by The Star Cos, and other judges include Seams.Come.TrueHoltsclaw Cosplay, and Cassandra CosplaysPre-register here by November 15. (email confirmations on November 19). Contestants compete for $500 in cash prizes as well as trophies and medals.

On Sunday, the stage transforms into a runway for our Runway Cosplay Contest, where the emphasis shifts towards the portrayal of characters. Participants are encouraged to showcase their performance skills, stage presence, and the depth of their connection to the characters they embody.

Hosted/judged by The Star Cos with other judges Cindrella Cosplay, and Holtsclaw Cosplay. Register on Sunday. Contestants compete for trophies and medals.

Makeup/SFX Competition

Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay is breaking new ground in the convention world with our exciting and unique Makeup/SFX Contest. In an industry where transformation and artistic expression are at the forefront, we recognized the need to provide a dedicated platform for the incredible talents of makeup artists and special effects enthusiasts.

This contest is a haven for those who have honed their skills in creating intricate character looks, mastering prosthetics, and achieving stunning special effects. It’s the place where makeup artists can truly let their creativity run wild, bringing characters to life through the power of cosmetics and SFX techniques.

At Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay, we’re proud to pioneer this standalone competition, offering a space for makeup artists and SFX enthusiasts to showcase their incredible talents and contribute to the ever-evolving world of cosplay and fandom.

Hosted/judged by The Star Cos with other judges Nicole Hays and Cassandra Cosplays. Pre-register here by November 15. (email confirmations on November 19). Contestants compete for $400 in cash prizes as well as trophies and medals.

lip sync Competition

Get ready to unleash your inner performer at Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay’s electrifying Lip Sync Competition. This contest is a thrilling celebration of music, creativity, and charisma where participants step into the spotlight to deliver show-stopping lip sync performances. Whether you’re channeling the energy of your favorite pop icon, embracing a legendary rockstar, or bringing a beloved character to life, the Lip Sync Competition is your stage to shine.

Participants are encouraged to bring their A-game and infuse their performances with passion, personality, and precision. It’s not just about syncing the lyrics; it’s about captivating the audience with your stage presence, choreography, and the ability to connect with the crowd.

Hosts and judges to be announced. Pre-register here by November 15. (email confirmations on November 19). Contestants compete for $200 in cash prizes as well as trophies and medals.

tiktok film festival

Prepare to be transported to the captivating realms of anime and gaming at Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay’s TikTok Film Festival. This one-of-a-kind event invites contestants to unleash their creativity and storytelling prowess through short-form videos that breathe life into their favorite anime and gaming universes. 

From epic reenactments to hilarious parodies and stunning character transformations, this festival is a visual extravaganza that celebrates the boundless possibilities of the TikTok platform.

Hosted/judged by The Star Cos, and Cindrella Cosplay, with other judges to be announced. Pre-register here by November 15. (email confirmations on November 19). Contestants compete for $200 in cash prizes as well as trophies and medals.

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