Evansville Raptor Con Cosplay Contest Gets New Categories

Cosplay is one of the best parts of any comic convention, and Evansville Raptor Con is making some big changes to its contest this year.

The two-day pop culture convention returns to the Old National Events Plaza on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, bringing celebrity guests, comics, collectibles, anime, wrestling, artwork, gaming, and plenty of costumes to downtown Evansville.

For 2026, organizers say they have completely revamped the cosplay competition with new judges, updated rules, and categories designed to give everyone, from first-time cosplayers to seasoned costume builders, a place to compete.

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New Cosplay Categories for 2026

This year's contest will feature cash and prizes across several categories:

Overall Best in Show
Pro/Intermediate
Beginner
Store Bought
Best Kid Cosplay for ages 10 and under

That Store Bought Category is a particularly fun addition because it opens the door for people who love cosplay but may not sew, sculpt, or fabricate their own costumes.

You don't have to be a professional costume maker to join in.

What You Need to Know Before Entering

Anyone competing must be a registered Raptor Con attendee with a valid event badge or pass.

Contestants under 18 will need a parent or legal guardian present to sign a waiver.

Organizers also require participants to attend a mandatory pre-meet in the Cosplay Staging Room on Saturday before the competition. That's where contestants will check in, go over stage entrances and exits, and review walk-on etiquette.

Participants should arrive in costume and ready to compete.

Keep It PG-13

Raptor Con's cosplay rules are designed to keep the competition family-friendly.

Costumes must cover "swimsuit areas," and contestants are expected to follow a PG-13 standard for language and gestures on stage.

Props and performances also come with some restrictions. No projectiles, glitter, confetti, liquids, pyrotechnics, smoke effects, explosives, or live animals are permitted.

Who Is Judging?

The year's announced judges include Chuck and Brandi Cockrum, along with a still-secret guest judge.

Organizers say the goal of the refreshed contest is to make the experience more fun and more welcoming for everyone involved.

Whether you've been building costumes for years or you're planning to wear your very first cosplay, Raptor Con wants participants to feel like there is a category for them.

Raptor Con Details

Evansville Raptor Con takes place at Old National Events Plaza, 715 Locust Street, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Kids 10 and under get in free with adult admission, with up to two free child tickets per adult ticket.

Tickets are available online, while door sales are cash only.

Active and retired military members, firefighters, EMTs, and sworn police officers receive free admission with a valid ID.

For cosplay fans, though, this year's biggest draw may be the chance to step onto the stage and show off a character you love.