Cosplay

At the Cleveland Asian Festival, for 2025, we welcome anyone would like to cosplaying at the event. We ask that all of you please follow along with these cosplay guidelines, so we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you.    

Cosplay & Prop Guidelines

• The Cleveland Asian Festival reserves the right to deem a costume unacceptable and request the wearer to make modifications at our digression. Violation of the following rules can result in staff asking you to change. Failure to comply can result in ejection from the premises.

• Our general attire rules are gender neutral. Garments must fully cover breast, genital and buttocks area. Thongs are not permitted with the exception of when worn over another garment that covers the genital and full buttocks region. Visible underwear must not be translucent, transparent or in any way see-through. Any clarification questions can be directed to info@clevelandasianfestival.org

• Bodysuits. Any bodysuits worn must be opaque or be worn over opaque undergarments. We suggest that the groin area be covered with a dance belt or other methods to avoid form-fit.

• Explicit or discriminatory clothing. We ask that attendees do NOT wear explicit content on their body or on signs they carry (eg: “ahegao” faces and other sexual or violent material). This follows the same rules as artist alley requirements, in accordance of keeping our campus and the con family-friendly and age appropriate. Attendees cannot wear costumes that can be construed as discriminatory (racially violent/sexist/ableist/transphobic/homophobic). This includes clothing that emulate Nazi or Neo-Nazi themes and iconography, as well as other hate groups.

• Footwear. Due to public health and safety requirements, all attendees are required to wear approved footwear while in the convention and college space. We ask that these footwear at least cover the whole sole.

Props/Weapons

• There will be a weapons check/peacebonding table at the info booth of the festival. Please be sure to stop by at the Cleveland Asian Festival Information Booth to have your weapons peacebonded. Any prop considered dangerous will be confiscated or asked to be removed from the premises.  Storing the dangerous prop in your vehicle is fine. Violating items will be subject to confiscation. If you are unsure whether your prop is acceptable in the convention space, please consult the info desk.

• Keep in mind, the festival and our security staff will assume all drawn weapons or props are functional, and will act accordingly. In the event of a mass shooting, you should immediately drop and abandon your props to prevent confusion.

• Bows: Prop bows are allowed and you may have them strung for photo purposes, but under no circumstances should you draw it (pull on the string). Arrows etc. may be a part of your costume, but may NOT contain metal or sharp edges. Real bows are not allowed on premise, strung or unstrung.

• NO Gun props of any kind. No firearms will be allowed on premise. This includes individuals who possess a weapons permit or concealed weapons permit. Anyone found in possession of such a weapon will immediately be turned over to campus and local authorities.

• Metal Weapons: All weapon props made of heavy metal with ANY blade, containing any live steel or deemed to be a blunt force object are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Light metals with no sharp edges will be accepted.

• Other materials: Weapons made of paper-mache, plastics (worbla, wonderflex, sintra etc.), or any other material must not possess sharp tips or edges. If you can pop a balloon with it with little force, you should not bring it.

• Any prop weapons that can be used as a real weapon (eg: metal/wooden bats, whips, live metal, glass, floggers, and batons) will not be allowed on campus premises.

Behavior Guidelines

• COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT. Always ask before taking a picture or touching someone’s costume or props.

• Please be respectful of other attendees and their personal space.

• Aggressive behavior, fighting, or harassing other attendees will not be tolerated.

• Use of profanity or inappropriate language is prohibited.

• Any behavior that endangers or causes harm to other attendees will not be tolerated and will be reported to security.

• Please respect the venue and its facilities, and do not cause damage to any property.

Photography Guidelines

• Always ask for permission before taking someone’s picture.

• Respect the wishes of those who decline to have their picture taken.

• We recommend the use of our Photo District for pictures/impromptu photo-ops.

• Avoid using flash photography near people with light sensitivity or epilepsy.

Violation of any of these guidelines may be grounds for dismissal and expulsion from our event.