Cosplay Guidelines

These are general rules that apply at most, if not all Comic Con events, where Cosplay is allowed.  

• All Arlington Comic Fest attendees and exhibitors must comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations regarding weapons, imitation weapons and props, as well as their usage. 

• All Arlington Comic Fest attendees are, under no circumstances, allowed to possess or bring to the festival grounds any actual weapons. Unlawful possession of weapons is an offense and will result in denied admission into the festival or prosecution.

• All fake weapons and props must be in plain sight at all times and are subject to mandatory inspections performed by Arlington Comic Fest staff or Arlington Police Dept. As a general rule, no metal prop weapons are allowed. Additional rules are outlined below.

• Any weapon, prop, or item not covered in this policy must be inspected by Arlington Police Dept. at the main entrance; these items will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

1. Prop Check Desk

Attendees who come to Arlington Comic Fest with a prop must stop by Arlington Police Dept prop inspection table. APD will inspect that your prop complies with the below Arlington Comic Fest rules and regulations regarding props.

If approved, security will issue a tag to be placed in a visible area of the prop. If show security does NOT see this tag on your prop while on the show grounds, you will be asked to leave the festival center and store your prop or go to the Prop Check Desk.

If not approved, attendees have the option of storing their prop in their car, or check it at the information desk. You may return at the end of your visit to pick up your prop. Props and weapons left at the Prop Check Desk past show close on Saturday will be disposed of.

For full rules and regulations regarding props, please see below.

2. Guns and projectile weapons

Real firearms including air soft, modern, hunting or historic, either functioning or de-commissioned, are not permitted at Arlington Comic Fest. Replica firearms made from metal, solid resin/plastic/rubber are not to be brought onto convention grounds. 

All other toy guns/ projectile weapons must have orange safety tips on them at all times on convention grounds.

Attendees with props or weapons capable of firing any projectile or powder charge of any kind will not be allowed to do so. This is for the safety of both yourself and the people around you. Nerf guns and other foam dart guns ARE allowed, but they must not have any foam darts loaded at any time.

Bows and slingshots are allowed, however, they must be de-strung. There must be no capacity to fire any object from the bow or slingshot. Arrows and other items used in bows or slingshots are prohibited.

Arlington Comic Fest does not allow ANY laser pointers to be used on the convention grounds. If you have a laser pointer in your prop or weapon, make sure it cannot function by either removing the batteries or simply not bringing it.

If toy guns, projectile props or any other weapons are deemed unacceptable by Arlington Comic Fest and/or Arlington Police Dept, attendees will be asked to check it with security while they are on the festival grounds. Refusal to do so will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities being contacted.

3. Swords, blades, knives and other melee weapons

Metal swords, metal knives and other active martial arts weapons are not allowed to be brought onto any of the festival grounds. Failure to comply will result in being banned from the event without refund and local authorities will be contacted.

Blunt weapons such as baseball bats and hockey sticks are prohibited.

4. Prop weight and shape restrictions

No items can have sharp points, sharp edges, excessive weight or any other features that could be deemed dangerous to others (E.g. we do not allow metal replica samurai swords, “BB guns/air guns” even if they are not loaded). If the items are not approved during security inspection, they are forbidden on festival grounds. Non-approved items must be securely stored in the security Prop Check Desk, vehicle. Failure to comply will result in being escorted off the event premises and banned from the event without a refund.

Props with an excessive weight are subject to approval by security at the convention entrances or Prop Check Desks. There is no set weight limit, however, if it is deemed to be too heavy or unsafe, it will be requested that the item is checked at the weapons check desk for the duration of the event.

Please consider how heavy your props are because you’re going to either be carrying them all day or be forced to check them in at the Prop Check Desk if they are deemed too heavy to be at the event. The prop check desk is NOT a cloakroom; it is storage for items which Arlington Comic Fest deems unsuitable to be on the convention floor.

5. Cosplay costumes 

​Shoes are required at all times while in the public areas of the convention center. Even if a cosplay character goes barefoot, the cosplayer must wear shoes.

​Costumes and daily wear shall not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure. At minimum they must cover same areas as a full-coverage bikini for women and boxer shorts for men.

​All costumes worn within the convention center must fit through a standard doorway. Any attendee wearing a bulky costume, or one with poor visibility, should have a handler available to escort him/her. In addition, please ensure any bulky costume is properly ventilated to prevent heat stroke.

No costume or prop may generate odor, smoke, or fog.

6. Attendees Cosplay Etiquette 

Any attendee that conducts themselves in an inappropriate manner with a cosplayer will be immediately removed from the festival without refund and reported to police on site. 

We have a Zero tolerance policy for activities like “stalking,” “intimidation,”  “harassment” and any “unwelcome physical contact.” 

“Cosplay Is Not Consent”

​ If you want to take a photo of a cosplayer, it’s proper form to ask first. Most will be happy to oblige and pose fiercely.

These rules may be modified as needed to help protect the safety and security of all attendees.

7. Important Legal Stuff

Arlington Comic Fest, Moya Art Events, City of Arlington or Arlington Parks and Recreation Dept. will not be held legally responsible or liable for any misconduct, damages, injuries or death resulting from the actions of any Arlington Comic Fest attendee. Any inappropriate behavior or misconduct by any attendee will be not be tolerated by Arlington Comic Fest or local authorities. Please use your best judgment and discretion by refraining from swinging weapons around, or using them in an intimidating or threatening manner.