Cosplay is a huge part of Sunshine City Scare 2026, with this year’s event featuring 10 different horror cosplay experiences throughout the weekend. From contests and panels to costume inspiration, guest cosplayers, creator contests, and late-night pool party cosplay, SCS26 is designed to celebrate horror fandom and cosplay culture from every angle.
Below you can learn about all 10 cosplay experiences!
The Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest celebrates the incredible creativity and talent behind homemade cosplay. Whether you build armor, sew costumes, create props, or transform yourself with makeup and SFX, this is your chance to showcase your craftsmanship on stage in front of fellow horror and cosplay fans.
Contestants receive a BOGO event ticket code (bring along a friend to cheer you on), and a dessert ticket. Winners get custom awards, dessert & snack bags
Come watch on Saturday at 4pm in the Contest Hall.
And apply to be a contestant here, and get event tickets here.
The Runway Cosplay Contest is all about performance, presentation, and bringing your character to life on stage. Store-bought and commissioned costumes are welcome, making this the perfect contest for cosplayers who love embodying the personality, attitude, and energy of their favorite horror and fandom characters.
$200 in cash prizes plus a dessert & snack bag. And there is no pre-event registration- you register day-of at the event, at least two hours prior to the contest. Learn more here.
Come watch on Sunday at 4pm in the Contest Hall. And get event tickets here.
The After Dark Slash & Splash Pool Party Cosplay Contest is less about serious competition and more about horror cosplay fun after dark. Bring your swimsuit cosplay, horror-inspired poolside looks, and late-night convention energy—because once the music starts and the lights go down, you never know what might happen. Winners receive awards.
Come join the fun on Saturday at 7:30pm at the hotel pool. To be in the contest, register before 8pm. Learn more about the pool party here. And get event tickets here (your event ticket gives you access to pool party).
In-Character Cosplay Panels bring fandoms to life with fully themed panel experiences featuring cosplayers staying in character throughout the presentation. This year includes a special Five Nights at Freddy’s panel celebrating one of the biggest horror gaming franchises of all time, with presenters appearing in cosplay to create an immersive experience for fellow fans.
Check the schedule for day/time. And get event tickets here.
The Celebrate Cosplay Raffle rewards attendees simply for showing up in cosplay and being part of the SCS26 cosplay community. One raffle will take place each day right before the cosplay contests, with big prizes that can include VIP tickets to future events, free hotel stays for upcoming conventions, and other cosplay-friendly rewards throughout the weekend.
You receive the raffle ticket upon entry. Learn more about Celebrate Cosplay Raffle. And get event tickets here.
Legendary prop maker and cosplay educator Evil Ted returns to SCS26 with a special Halloween How-To Prop Panel designed to help inspire your next spooky build. Known throughout the cosplay community for his creative foam crafting techniques and approachable teaching style, Evil Ted will share tips, ideas, and Halloween prop-building inspiration perfect for horror fans and cosplayers alike.
Check the schedule for day/time. Learn more about his panel. And get event tickets here.
The Halloween Costume Inspiration Panels are designed for fans already thinking about what they might want to become this Halloween season. Led by SCS26’s 12 guest cosplayers, these interactive panels give attendees the chance to share ideas, get feedback, discover new directions for their costumes, and hear creative suggestions from experienced cosplayers who love helping bring Halloween concepts to life.
Check the schedule for days/times. If you want one-on-one feedback, just visit any guest cosplayer during their booth hours. And get event tickets here.
Led by Director of Cosplay The Star Cos, SCS26’s 12 guest cosplayers will help bring horror fandom to life throughout the weekend with panels, contests, costume inspiration, photos, and more.
Learn more about each below by checking out their Instagram:
The Fandom in Focus Cosplay Photography Contest celebrates photographers who capture the creativity, atmosphere, detail, and cinematic energy of horror cosplay culture. From dramatic character portraits to convention moments and spooky visual storytelling, this contest gives cosplay photographers a chance to showcase their work while competing for audience recognition and prizes.
The Fandom in Focus Cosplay Videography Contest celebrates creators who capture the movement, energy, atmosphere, and cinematic side of horror cosplay culture through video. From convention recaps and character showcases to horror-inspired edits and social media reels, this contest spotlights videographers and content creators producing both horizontal and vertical video content that brings fandom to life on screen.
