Anime Boston: costume, prop and weapon rules

Last checked against the con's own rules on 2026-10-21.

A quick-reference guide to Anime Boston's costume, prop, and weapon rules for first-time convention attendees planning their cosplay.

Anime Boston's official policy page (animeboston.com/policy/convention_policy) is the authority on what you can and cannot bring to the convention. Rules are reviewed and updated by the organizers, and the Props Policy on the page carries a note that it was last updated in February 2016, so it is possible details have changed since then. Always check the page directly before you travel, because rules can change from year to year. Every prop weapon must be inspected and peace-bonded each day of the convention. You do this at Prop Inspection Checkpoints located at every entrance to the Hynes Convention Center, which are staffed jointly by MCCA Public Safety and Boston Police. Anime Boston Security cannot approve a prop before the convention begins, so there is no way to get pre-clearance. If a prop is not approved on the day, it will be catalogued and stored until you leave. Other props beyond weapons may also need inspection and peace-bonding at the discretion of Anime Boston staff, and staff can ask you to put away or remove items that are large or difficult to manage in a crowd. A wide range of items are outright banned regardless of whether they work or not. This includes real guns in any condition, projectile weapons such as airsoft guns, pellet guns, disc guns, paintball markers, and water pistols, as well as metal blades of any kind. Practice swords, including bokken and bamboo kendo swords, are also on the prohibited list, along with chains, spikes, whips, and leashes. Prop weapons that are allowed inside should not leave the convention centre, because under Massachusetts law and City Ordinance 16-5A, Boston Police will treat a person carrying a realistic-looking weapon outside as a genuine threat. Appropriate attire is required at all times, meaning shoes, a top, and bottoms. The policy lists revealing or offensive attire as a prohibited item and nudity or inappropriate attire as prohibited conduct. The policy does not specifically address makeup, body paint, or masks in those sections. Unsolicited physical contact is also prohibited. Additional prohibited items across the convention include wheeled conveyances, smoke or fog machines, laser pointers, drones, and signs not associated with a character who canonically carries one. For your own safety and the safety of other attendees, treat every prop as if it will be closely examined by law enforcement, because at this convention it very likely will be. If you are a younger maker working on props, involve a parent or guardian in the construction process and in the decision about what to bring. The convention's own policy page is the only reliable guide to what is permitted, and you should read it in full before packing your costume.

Full details at Anime Boston →