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Volunteer, Costume Contest Contestant, Costume Contest Judge, and Student Vendor applications open! Apply until October 17, 2026.
Calling all costumers!
The Halloween Party Costume Contest is the perfect opportunity for MIAD's cosplay and costume connoisseurs to shine. Enter one of four categories to be judged by a panel of three student judges and have fun walking the stage in costume.
Each of the four categories will have one winner who will receive special prizes. At the end of the contest, the four winners will pit against each other in an audience vote to decide the Fan Favorite, who will receive the grand prize: a medium Wacom Intuos Tablet with Bluetooth.
Want to put your eye for craftsmanship to the test? In addition to contestants, we are seeking student judges. Apply for the position in the form below. Please note that judges cannot compete in the Costume Contest.
Costume Contest Rules
There are five categories total. Four categories are judged and eligible for prizes. The remaining category is not judged and ineligible for prizes.
All contestants must be current MIAD students.
Contestants may only apply to one* category.
*The exception to this rule is the Group Costume category.
Contestants must apply in advance using the application below. Applications close October 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Late applications will not be accepted.
Contestants will have the opportunity to practice their walk at the Costume Contest Rehearsal on October 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Contestants do not have to participate in the rehearsal, but it is highly encouraged.
When applying, contestants must provide photos of their costumes. Costumes should be as near to finished as possible, but do not have to be fully finished. Please note that judging will be based on your application, so ensure you present your costume as thoroughly as possible.
Contestants must be present at the beginning of the Costume Contest in order to compete.
Judges may not compete in the Costume Contest.
Costume Contest Categories
Scariest Costume
Didn't land that scare actor gig? Show off your tricks and treats in our Scariest Costume category. Costumes in this category will be judged on creativity, originality, scare-factor, presentation, and the ability to make the judges clutch their metaphorical pearls. Note: Costumes in this category may be store-bought or homemade.
This category is judged and eligible for prizes.
Funniest Costume
Sometimes, we're just here for the bit. If you just want to make people laugh, enter our Funniest Costume category. Costumes in this category will be judged on creativity, originality, and whether or not they manage to tickle our funny bones. Note: Costumes in this category may be store-bought or homemade.
This category is judged and eligible for prizes.
Store-Bought Costume
Not the craftiest person ever? No worries! Compete in our Store-Bought Costume category. Costumes in this category will be judged on how well they are executed and elevated from simple store-bought costumes into beautiful works of art.
This category is judged and eligible for prizes.
Homemade Costume
Cosplayers and con-goers, we see you. This is your time to shine! If you made your costume from scratch, compete in our Homemade Costume category. Costumes in this category will be judged on creativity, originality, attention to detail, and overall presentation.
This category is judged and eligible for prizes.
Group Costume
Planning matching costumes with your friends? Sign up for our Group Costume category. Show us how perfectly in tune (or unhinged) you and your friends can be. Bonus points if you have a choreographed routine.
This category is not judged and is not eligible for prizes. Contestants may sign up for this category in addition to a judged category.
This application is live until Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Instructions will be released via email on Monday, October 19, 2026.
This application is live until Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Results will be released via email on Monday, October 19, 2026.
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