This is the page for general information about LAcon V’s Masquerade costume presentation. If you are interested in participating as an entrant with your costume, please visit this page for rules and other important information.
What is a Masquerade?
Ever since there have been science fiction conventions, fans have loved to dress up, either as their favorite characters, or in elegant costumes of their own design. At the first World Science Fiction Convention in 1939, Myrtle R. Douglas and Forrest J Ackerman wore “futuricostumes” that Myrtle had designed and made, and the next year the 1940 Worldcon included a masquerade ball. It was a natural progression for conventions to institute prizes for the best costumes, and that in turn led to the tradition of the Masquerade.
These days the Masquerade is one of the prime attractions at a Worldcon, rivaled only by the Hugo Award Ceremony. It is essentially a catwalk show in which costumers of all levels and abilities show off their skills and win prizes. Worldcon members are welcome to participate, either by creating costumes of their own, or by joining the audience to watch the show. The pictures on this page, all taken from past Worldcons and Costume Cons, will give you some idea of what to expect.
By the way, don’t worry that you have to be up to this sort of standard. When showing photos we obviously like to feature the very best, but there are several levels of competition, so even if you are only a beginner (or a child) you stand a chance of winning a prize.
Still have questions? No problem – we’ve put together a page of frequently asked questions about the Masquerade which should help.
About the Show
The LAcon V Masquerade will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 on the stage at the Anaheim Convention Center. We currently expect the Masquerade to start at 8:00 pm, in line with most recent Worldcons.
How to Participate as an Entrant
If you are thinking about participating, please start by reading our Masquerade Rules page. The Rules include an introduction from our Masquerade Directors, along with information on divisional placement, entry rules and useful hints and suggestions.
To participate in the Masquerade you will then need to register with the Masquerade Directors. You can do this online. While advance registration is not required to enter the competition, we strongly urge anyone considering entering to do so, so that our staff and crew can plan to show off your entry to best advantage. Once you have registered, you can return and update your entry details whenever you want. (Online entry will be available until Wednesday 11:59PM PDT, August 26. After this point you will be able to enter at the Masquerade Registration desk at the convention, if we still have space available in the show). When you arrive at the convention, you must check in at the Masquerade desk to confirm your entry details and make an appointment for rehearsal.
On Saturday we will have the technical rehearsals, so you will get a chance to test out your presentation on the stage and talk to our tech team. Bear in mind that there will be a lot of entries so you won’t get a lot of time; be sure to practice the basics of what you want to do before you arrive for your rehearsal.
We hope to make the stage available on Friday for “blocking” (no tech support, just basic illumination) so groups may get a feel for the layout of the stage and be better prepared for the technical rehearsal on Saturday.
Getting in Touch
If you need to reach our Masquerade Directors for anything relating to the Masquerade, you can contact them at masquerade@lacon.org.
Hall Costumes
Does going up on stage in front of adoring fans worry you? OK, we can see that it might be a bit intimidating. But we still want you to bring your costume(s) to LAcon V. Wear it (them?) during the day as you wander round the convention. Some of our staff will be prowling the halls incognito ready to give prizes to the best-dressed fans that they see. We call these “hall costume prizes”, and we want you to win one.
Photography
Worldcon Masquerades always attract hordes of people with cameras. If you class yourself as a serious photographer, we will be providing a special area with a proper backdrop and lights where you can get good shots of the contestants after they leave the stage. You may need to sign up in advance for this because space is limited. Look out for announcements much nearer to the convention.
For everyone else, happy snapping, but please remember to not use flash during the show, and if photographing costumes in the hallway, please always ask for permission first.
Volunteer!
And don’t forget – one of the best ways to participate in the production of the Masquerade is to volunteer! We can’t do it without you – and we’ll need help for all aspects of the Masquerade. Want to see everything up close and personal? We can use your help in the Green Room. Want to be in the middle of the action? Become part of the stage crew for the evening, wearing black, being by the stage and ensuring the safety of our Entrants. Want to document the costumes in photos? We’ll have a fan photo area. Want to do more? Write to us at masquerade@lacon.org, and we’ll chat.
More about Costuming
If you would like to learn more about costuming, and perhaps pick up a few tips before starting on your own costume, you may find the following web sites useful:
- International Costumers’ Guild
- Costume-Con
- CosPlay.com
- Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild
- Silicon Web Costumers Guild
Attending the Masquerade FAQ
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Worldcon Masquerade.
Q: When and where will the Masquerade be held?
A: The LAcon V Masquerade will be held in the Anaheim Convention Center Arena on the evening of Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Q: Will we need tickets to go to the Masquerade?
A: No, any LACon convention members may attend the masquerade.
Q: Can I reserve a seat?
A: No, there are no reserved seats for the general membership (except for people with mobility issues or disabilities – see below). So, you should arrive early if you wish to sit near the front. In general the doors to the auditorium will open 30-60 minutes before the start of the event. There may be a line.
Q: Will there be good seating at the major events so that I can sit with my friends even though I am in a wheelchair or using an electric scooter?
A: LACon will strive to make spaces available to accommodate wheelchairs and electric scooters such that you might be able sit with your friends. The details will be worked out prior to the convention. When you arrive at the Masquerade, please see the ushers at the entrance to make sure that you get to your seats.
Q: What about seating for visually- or hearing-impaired audience members?
A: Yes, seating will also be set aside for visually- or hearing-impaired audience members. It may be requested in advance in the same manner as seating for wheelchair or scooter users.
Q: Do I have to wear a costume to go to the Masquerade? Is it a formal affair?
A: No. While it is traditionally called a Masquerade, the Worldcon Masquerade is an on-stage costume contest rather than a fancy-dress ball. While many audience members do attend in costume, it is not required, nor is formal-wear. It is recommended to wear something that is comfortable to sit in for a couple of hours, and to please avoid large hats, head-dresses or wigs out of courtesy to your fellow audience members.
Q: I’d like to photograph/videotape the Masquerade. Can you accommodate me?
A: Visible light (NO flash!!) photography and videography may be done from the audience IF you do not impair the view of your fellow audience members. We also plan to set up a special fan photography area where photographers may take more up-close and detailed photos of all the entries. Sign-up information for fan photography will be available on the website, and on-site at the Masquerade information desk once we have more details.
Q: I want to enter the Masquerade. How do I do it?
A: Please see the instructions, rules and regulations, on a separate page here on this website.
