Welcome to our Masquerade Lounge. Our lounge isn't just a webpage, but also a real physical space at the con for ALL things costuming and cosplay! Looking for a fun and interesting panel about costuming, makeup, props, etc.?? It can all be found in the Masquerade Lounge.

Here are some of our programming ideas for Masquerade Lounge 2025. Would you like to help us put on one of these panels? Or maybe you have an idea for a panel you’d like to see for costuming, makeup, wigs, prop making, etc.? Send us a message and let us know!

Masquerade Lounge Panel Ideas

  • Sewing Tips and Tricks for Newbies
  • Thrift Store Costuming (How to Get Started with Cosplay)
  • How to Work With Leather
  • How to Do FX Makeup: Trauma Makeup (Bruises, Cuts & Gashes, Oh My!)
  • Working With EVA/Craft Foam
  • The Care and Feeding of Wigs and Hair
  • FX Prosthetics
  • Working with PVC
  • LED and EL Wire for Costuming
  • 3D Printing for Beginners
  • Working with Worbla
  • The Historical Basis for the LOTR and Hobbit Costumes
  • How to Enter a Masquerade & How NOT to Look Like a Deer in Headlights Onstage
  • How to Organize and Put On a Costume Contest & Being an Emcee
  • Masquerade Costume Round-Up (an after-contest discussion of contest entries)

Cosplay is a fun and exciting component of the MarsCon experience, but not required! We want everyone to feel at home at con, whether you're in or out of costume.

If you do choose to wear a costume, this page can help you get the most out of your cosplay experience. 

Whether you’re wearing a hall costume just for fun, or entering it in our Masquerade competition, we want you and those around you to feel safe and have an enjoyable time!  We humbly offer some helpful advice and pro tips when planning your costume:

  • Think about your costume’s silhouette/footprint (if it’s large, oversized, has wings, or large props, etc) and how you’ll navigate through crowded hallways or party rooms. 
  • Does your costume have pockets or someplace to carry your money, ID, phone, etc.? If not, can you include some kind of accessory or bag that maybe goes with your costume, to put things in? 
  • Footwear can help elevate your look (especially if they’re heels!), but are they comfy enough to walk in for hours or even all day? Our pro cosplayers often bring a second pair of comfy shoes to change into if their feet start getting sore. 
  • Buttons fall off, wings get bent, and props break…it happens! It’s always a good idea to pack a custom repair kit (needle and thread color that matches your costume, a hot glue gun, duct tape, zip ties, etc.).

Check out these awesome cosplays!

Costuming/Cosplay Questions? Ask a Master!

Our pros are here to help answer any questions, or offer tips & tricks related to costuming/cosplay. Sewing, makeup, wigs, props…hit us up by completing the Question Form, and we’ll do our best to help you out!

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