Cosplay Competition:

Nomikai Dallas 2023 will have two cosplay events: The Catwalk (Ages 16 and Up) and Kids Cosplay (Ages 4-15)

• The Catwalk: 3:15 pm - 5:15 pm on Saturday in Main Programming. (contestants need to be present at 2:45 pm)
• Kid's Cosplay: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm on Sunday in Main Programming. (contestants need to be present at 1:00 pm)

This is a walk-on, pose and walk-off competition. There will be awards for best in show and different specialty categories you will be able to enter in during the registration period. The Catwalk will be limited to a max of 45 contestants and Kids Cosplay max of 25. Pre-registration is required, you can enter online HERE up until 12 Noon, Friday, Oct. 4 or on-site at the Cosplay Repair Station until 2:00 on Saturday for the Catwalk & 12 Noon on Sunday for Kids.

Trophies for

• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
  • Catwalk 1st will also win a guest spot on Anime Zing Radio & Kids Cosplay will win a special prize provided by Anime Zing Radio
• Noob: Entrants in this division have never entered a costume contest before or have competed in no more than three events. (Catwalk)
• Master: Entrants in this division have won best in show awards at other events or have more than three years of experience competing. (Catwalk)
• Crafter: Entrants must have made at least 85% of their costume. (Catwalk)
• Cutest (Kid's Cosplay)
• Awesomest (Kid's Cosplay)
• Little Maker: Child must have done or help in at least 50% of the costume. (Kid's Cosplay)
• Fan Favorite

General Rules

• Catwalk contestants must be 16 or up
• Kid's Cosplay contestants ages 4-15, and must be accompanied by an adult.
• Children who need a parent to accompany them on stage will be allowed to do so. They can be in cosplay, but they will not be considered in the judging process.
• All contestants must have admission badges to Nomikai.
• All contestants must adhere to the costume and prop policy.
• No live animals will be allowed on stage, with the exception of service animals if required by the contestant.
• All entrants MUST be able to move on their own. Costumes that require assistance will not be allowed for entry. The only exception to this is if the contestant is physically handicapped and requires assistance for movement.
• No profanity allowed on stage. That includes messages on signs or clothes. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.
• No skits during judging or catwalk.
• No political or religious statement during the catwalk. Anyone who violates this may be disqualified from the competition.
• Do not use any sort of projectile at all! Nothing must leave your person while you are on the catwalk. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.
• No flashpots, explosive devices, or similar special effects are to be used. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention are

Costume Guidelines

• This is a PG13 event and all cosplay must cover swimsuit areas – no nudity
• Costumes and clothing should not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure by the City of Dallas. Private parts must be covered in an opaque material that will not slip or have gaps.
• Males wearing tight-fitting costumes are required to wear a dance belt.
• Shoes are required at all times.
• Costumes worn on the convention floor must not obstruct or impede the flow of traffic or entryways. If the costume cannot fit through a standard doorway, it may not be allowed in the convention space.
• Attendees with bulky costumes, costumes that obscure the vision, or costumes with large extensions such as wings or spikes, should have a designated “handler,” to assist them through the crowds.
• No costumes may be realistic depictions of American law enforcement, current American military uniforms, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or any official government agent. “Vintage,” historical, any non-current uniforms, and any military or police-style costumes may be addressed at the convention’s discretion.

Props & Weapons Policy

• All props must be carried in a safe manner that will not endanger or alarm other convention attendees. Violation of this rule may subject the attendee to charges of disorderly conduct and/or weapons charges under Texas Penal Code Chapter 42 and Chapter 46.
• Nomikai Dallas representatives reserve the right to disallow any prop or replica weapon at their discretion. Refusal to comply with said instruction will be cause for removal from the convention.
• Staffs, canes, shepherd hooks or any pole type props must be carried in a vertical position whenever moving through any convention space.
  • It is the responsibility of the attendee to ensure there is ample room to safely when posing for photos.
  • Abrupt edges or points on rigid or semi-rigid props need to be rounded either by shaping or the addition of some type of point covering.
  • Prop Arrows and Bolts must not have any type of head.
  • Bows and Crossbows must be carried unstrung or with the bowstring peace tied to prevent drawing.
• NO REAL FIREARMS (modern, antique or curio) will be permitted regardless of functionality and whether the attendee is licensed to carry a concealed handgun in the State of Texas or another state whose license is honored in the State of Texas. Nomikai Dallas is posted as a firearms free zone in accordance with Texas Penal Code 30.06 & 30.07. Violators are subject to criminal charges.
  • No functioning replica or toy capable of firing a projectile, explosive cap or blank cartridge will be allowed unless the action or mechanism is disabled.
  • It is ILLEGAL to blackout or remove a blaze orange tip from any toy or replica weapon so equipped.
  • Prop, model or replica firearms once approved, must remain holstered, slung or stowed unless posing for pictures or in cosplay events.
  • Under NO circumstances may any prop toy or replica firearm be pointed at attendees or Nomikai Dallas con staff.
  • It is understood that “realistic” prop, model, replica or toy firearms are subject to inspection at the discretion Nomikai Dallas Staff or Dallas Police whether or not it has been previously approved.
• NO LIVE STEEL will be permitted. Metallic, ceramic or otherwise rigid shuriken, throwing blades, chain whips, et al WILL NOT BE ALLOWED under ANY circumstances.
  • Wooden, Foam or practice swords and knives must remain sheathed or belted unless posing or participating in a cosplay event.
  • Steel and replica weapons purchased at the convention must remain packaged and transported directly to your vehicle.
  • Any posing must be conducted in a safe and courteous manner.
  • Any wielding or handling other than posing or cosplay participation will be considered unsafe and is cause for removal from Nomikai Dallas and/or charges of disorderly conduct where appropriate.
• Blunt Force Prop Weapons
  • A “club” is defined as, “an instrument that is specially designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person”. Examples from Texas Penal Code 46.01 include:
  • Nightstick, Black Jack, Mace, Nunchaku, Flail, Morning Star, etc.
  • Tomahawk {Battle Axes, Indian Club, etc.}
  • Prop, foam, practice and lightweight replicas will be allowed, however, they may be subject to approval by con staff.
  • Any such weapons purchased at the convention must remain packaged and transported to your vehicle without delay.
  • Any display, wielding or use of prop weapons is cause for removal from the convention and/or subject to charges of disorderly conduct under Texas Penal Code – Chapter 42.