Cosplay Convention in Knoxville, TN
Knox Pop Con 2026 brought the YAMA-CON Cosplay Contest with five awards, photo meetups, a repair station, and a convention built for cosplayers — whether you competed or just showed up in character.
YAMA-CON Cosplay Contest at KPC 2026
East Tennessee's most established cosplay competition came to Knox Pop Con.
Knox Pop Con 2026 partnered with YAMA-CON to host an official cosplay contest on the main stage. YAMA-CON has been running cosplay competitions in East Tennessee since 2012, and their judging team brought over a decade of experience evaluating costumes at conventions across the Southeast.
Judges evaluated every contestant on three criteria: accuracy to reference material (how faithfully the costume represents the character), wig/make-up/styling (hair, wigs, makeup that complete the transformation), and presentation/stage presence (how you embody the character on stage). Judges inspected costumes up close during pre-judging before the stage walk.
The competition featured five awards: Best in Show, Best Runner-up, Judge's Choice, Crowd Favorite, and Best Prop/Armor/Accessories. Top winners received Weekend YAMA-CON Badges, YAMA-CON Coins, and free KPC badges. All winners received custom rosettes by Hodges Badge Company. Made cosplays, bought cosplays, and closet cosplays were all welcome — you did not need to be a craftsman to enter.
Whether it was your first contest or you had a wall of trophies at home, the YAMA-CON Cosplay Contest at KPC 2026 was a chance to compete in front of a crowd that genuinely appreciated the work that goes into every stitch, every foam bevel, and every LED circuit. View the contest recap.
Contest Awards
Five ways to win. All skill levels, all costume types welcome.
Pre-judging ran from when doors opened at 3 PM and stopped 30 minutes before the stage show (~5:30 PM). Entries could cap day-of, so early arrivals had the edge.
Relive the day — KPC 2026 recap
Cosplay Beyond the Contest
Not competing? Knox Pop Con is still built for cosplayers.
The cosplay contest is a highlight, but it is far from the only reason to show up in costume. Knox Pop Con is a cosplay-friendly convention from the moment doors open until the last song plays. You do not need to register, compete, or justify your costume to anyone. If you spent three hundred hours on a build or threw something together the night before, you are equally welcome.
Photo meetups happen throughout the evening. Expect organized group shoots for popular series — bring your best pose and you will leave with photos worth posting. There is also a dedicated photo wall and backdrop area with lighting set up specifically for costume photography. No need to fight for good angles in a hallway.
KPC provides a cosplay repair station stocked with hot glue, safety pins, fabric tape, needle and thread, and other emergency supplies. Costumes break — that is inevitable. The repair station is there so a snapped strap does not ruin your evening. There is also a designated changing area if you want to arrive in street clothes and suit up on site. Many cosplayers prefer this, especially if their costume involves large props or delicate elements that are difficult to transport while wearing.
Cosplayers are welcome at every activity — browse the vendor hall, watch the live concert, join the Random Play Dance, check out the JDM car show, or just hang out and meet people. The convention is designed so that costumes enhance the experience, not complicate it.
What to Know Before You Cosplay at KPC
A few practical things to keep in mind so your day goes smoothly.
Prop Weapons Policy
Prop weapons are allowed but must be peace-bonded at the entrance. That means security will inspect your prop and attach a zip tie or tag indicating it has been checked. No real weapons of any kind — no live steel, no sharpened edges, no functional projectiles. Foam swords, Nerf-style blasters (with orange tips), wooden staffs, and 3D-printed props are all welcome after inspection. If your prop fires anything — even foam darts — it must be rendered non-functional before entry.
Costume Guidelines
Knox Pop Con is a family-friendly, all-ages event. Costumes must cover the body appropriately — think PG-13 as a guideline. Sheer or see-through materials need a solid layer underneath. Excessively revealing costumes may be asked to add a cover layer. Body paint alone does not count as clothing. When in doubt, add a layer. The convention staff reserves the right to ask attendees to modify costumes that do not meet the policy. Cosplay is not consent — read our full Anti-Harassment Policy.
Bag Check & Large Props
All bags are subject to a brief check at the door. If you are carrying large props — wings wider than arm span, oversized weapons, or wheeled costume pieces — please use the dedicated prop check-in lane so staff can inspect them without holding up the general line. There is space inside the venue to store large props when you are not carrying them.
Stay Hydrated
Costumes get hot, especially layered builds with armor, wigs, and full-body coverage. Bridgewater Place is air-conditioned, but you will still want to drink water regularly. Bring a water bottle or plan to visit the concession area. If you start feeling overheated, the changing area is a good place to take a break and cool down. Convention staff are trained to help if anyone shows signs of heat exhaustion.
For the full event policies, visit the What to Expect page.
Every 2026 ticket tier included cosplay contest access
Other Cosplay Events at KPC 2026
The contest is just one part of a full evening designed for cosplayers.
More About Knox Pop Con 2026
Cosplay FAQ
Knox Pop Con 2026 Brought Out the Best Cosplay
Five awards. YAMA-CON prizes. Photo meetups. A repair station. And a convention full of people who appreciated the craft. May 2 at Bridgewater Place in Knoxville, TN.