York Cosplay! - York County Libraries

Embrace your Creativity

Bring your favorite fandom character to life! York Cosplay is a program for teens that’s all about fostering authenticity, inclusivity, and confidence through creative self-expression.

Through expert-led workshops and events, you’ll learn about cosplay design & fabrication, fandom, and more – all with the goal of helping you put together your own cosplay look for the Teen Cosplay Fashion Show on December 13, 2025!

Teen Girl Walking Fashion Show As Little Red Riding Hood

Girl Wearing Kimono And Wig Walking Fashion Show

Girl In Wig And Hakama Posing With A Prop Sword

Register to attend the York Cosplay! Con

York County Libraries is hosting its annual York Cosplay! Con for ages 12-18*. It will take place on December 13, 2025 at Martin Library from 11am–3pm. The day’s events will include:

The Teen Cosplay Fashion Show
Selfie stations
Panel discussions
A fandom trade table
Artist Alley

*Families are welcome to come in costume for the Teen Cosplay Fashion Show from 2–3pm.

2025 Con Schedule

The 2025 Con and Fashion Show will be held on December 13, 2025, from 11am to 3pm (Fashion Show runs 2-3pm).

Event Highlights

Trade Table — bring items you don’t want any more (manga, trading cards, keychains, plushies, figurines of characters, or any other fandom-related item) and trade with other teen cosplayers
Panel Discussions on cosplay-related topics for parents
Teen Cosplay Showcase
Artist Alley
… and more!

Workshops

Show off your creativity during the Teen Cosplay Fashion show at Martin Library! No experience necessary to participate; however, participants are invited to attend any of the fall workshops to prepare for the show.

Create Your Character

September 6, 10:30am-1:00pm
Workshop & Open Studio

Registration opens August 11

Complete Your Look

October 4, 10:30am-1:00pm
Workshop & Open Studio

Registration opens September 6

Posing in Character

November 1, 10:30am-1:00pm
Workshop & Open Studio

Registration opens October 4

What happens at the York Cosplay: Teen Fashion Show?

Teens participating in the Fashion Show arrive at 10:30AM for a dress rehearsal before doors open at 11AM.
Teens will enter the room, one-by-one, like models in a runway show.
An MC will introduce them by name and tell the audience a bit about their cosplay costume while the teen walks and poses in character.
Once all teens walk the runway, they will enter the room together for the big finale.
Audience members of all ages are welcome to wear costumes too!
After the show, there will be time to pose for photos.

Guidelines to Participate in York Cosplay: Teen Fashion Show 2025

Ages 12-18
Register online (Deadline to be determined)
All participants agree to being photographed and videotaped for Internet usage
All cosplay props must be obviously fake and non-functioning. (Example: a bow cannot shoot arrows)
No glitter, confetti, pyrotechnics, live flame, or smoke generators of any kind
No electrical power connections will be provided. Power must be part of costume design.
Costume and props can be handmade, adapted clothing and found objects, rented, or bought.
York County Libraries is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure what “Cosplay” is or how to participate? Read below!

Cosplay is the creative interpretation of fictional characters and pop culture influences through costume and props. Some people choose to cosplay by reproducing characters from their favorite work of fiction, while others cosplay as original characters of their own creation.

York Cosplay Workshop Series and York Cosplay Teen Fashion Show are for all fandoms—comics, anime, manga, role-playing games, tv series, books, and movies, as well as original characters created by teens.

We can help you with this! Martin Library and Kreutz Creek Library have workspaces available with sewing machines, 3d printers, computers, cameras, and multimedia equipment for you to use. You’re welcome to come into any of the libraries above and work on your cosplay whenever they’re open.

Find these libraries & open hours here