From Katsucon; edited by Atlas curators.
Con rules
Katsucon: costume, prop and weapon rules
Last checked against the con's own rules on 2026-10-21.
A cosplay-maker's reference to Katsucon's prop, weapon, and costume rules at the Gaylord National, for attendees planning their builds.
Katsucon inspects all prop weapons at the Annapolis Registration Desk inside the convention centre. Every prop weapon must be tagged before you carry it anywhere at the Gaylord. Staff may also ask you to peace-bond a prop with a zip tie. There is no prop storage or holding service at the event, so plan to keep anything you bring with you the entire time. Prop weapons must be under six feet six inches tall and under fifty pounds, and chains must be under three feet long. Large props are restricted or banned outright in certain areas, including the Vendors Hall and Main Events spaces. Wheeled vehicles, carts, wheeled shoes, and skates are not allowed inside the venue, and drones are banned entirely. Any costume or prop that blocks a doorway or hallway may need to come off or be set aside. The policy bans all metal weapons on Gaylord National property with no exceptions: this covers swords, spears, bayonets, knives whether sheathed or not, shuriken, and metal firearm props. Metal armour such as chain, scale, or plate is the one allowed exception, as long as it has no sharp edges. No projectile weapons of any kind are permitted, including replica or non-functional firearms and airsoft guns. Non-functional Nerf guns and water guns are allowed. Staffs, bokken, shinai, wooden swords, and resin or solid-rubber model guns that are clearly toys or carry a non-removable orange tip are also permitted. Compound bows, real arrows, paddles, nunchaku, and taut prop bows are all banned. For costumes involving body paint or materials like fake blood, everything must be sealed so it does not transfer onto furniture, other attendees, or the venue. Private areas of the body must be covered by material extending at least one inch beyond the relevant areas; taping alone does not meet this requirement, and capes do not substitute for shirts. Full-face masks may be restricted at certain events such as the Merchant's Hall, dances, and the Formal Ball, and must be removed when staff ask. The policy also states clearly that a nude bodysuit on its own does not count as a costume. Katsucon's own policy page is the authority on all of these rules, and the details can change from year to year. Always check the current guidelines at katsucon.org before you finish building your costume or packing your props.
Drafted with AI and reviewed by Atlas curators.