ST. PETERSBURG, FL (November 10, 2023) — Anime, gaming, unparalleled creative expression, and the best holiday shopping in the universe will be in St. Petersburg at Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay 2023 on December 2-3 at the Coliseum. The fan-convention with a winter holiday twist features 4 big-name voice actors, 4 pro cosplayers, 5 contests, an idol group, and an internationally known body painter as well as a dazzling array of activities, contests, and experiences.
Anime lovers will unite around more than 20 beloved characters from hit shows like My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Chainsaw Man, Fairy Tail, Assassination Classroom, Fire Force, and A Certain Magical Index. The characters are portrayed in anime shows by the convention’s guest voice actors Austin Tindle, Katelyn Barr, Derick Snow, and Aaron Roberts.
“We’re bringing top anime and gaming voice actors to St. Pete,” said Dewey Caruthers, convention organizer who also is responsible for three other annual St. Petersburg fan conventions: St. Pete Comic Con, Anime St. Pete, and Sunshine City Scare.
In addition, gaming enthusiasts are in for a treat with free gameplay featuring popular titles like Borderlands 3, My Hero One’s Justice 2, Super Mario Bros Wonder, Mario Kart, Paladins, and Apex Legends. The excitement peaks with a thrilling Super Smash Bros tournament where participants vie for prizes like gift cards to Unlimited Video Games and free tickets to St. Pete Comic Con 2024 and Sunshine City Scare 2024.
And the atmosphere will be filled with the magic of cosplay as attendees showoff their costumes while assuming the personalities of their favorite characters. Adding to the cosplay experience will be two stellar contests: ‘Craftsmanship’ puts the spotlight on homemade costumes, and ‘Runway,’ places points on the portrayal of characters with charisma. Guest cosplayers The Star Cos, Seams Come True, Holtsclaw Cosplay, and Cinderella Cosplay – with a collective following of more than 1 million on TikTok and 150,000 on Instagram — are judges for the contests.
“Expect to be surrounded by talented cosplayers, including many who will add a holiday twist to their costumes” Caruthers said. “Our contests will draw the top cosplay talent in the region,” he said, noting ‘cosplay’ is in the title of the event.
Breaking new ground, Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay 2023 introduces a dedicated Makeup/SFX Competition, which is certain to attract top talent. Internationally known guest body painter Nicole Hays will be a judge as well as offer free makeup/SFX/body painting demonstrations. All of this marks the first time a Florida convention has elevated makeup/SFX to a full genre with high-tier guests and a standalone competition.
“Having an internationally known body painter like Nicole, who will judge the competition and do free demonstrations, shows we’re serious about elevating makeup/SFX as a genre,” Caruthers said. She also is available for walkup commissions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In addition, attendees can engage in enlightening panel discussions on various topics as well as get hands-on training with cosplay workshops taught by pros. Moreover, the event offers the best shopping in the universe for nerds and geeks. Most importantly, Santa will be there for free photos. “There’s lots to do with little chance of being bored,” Caruthers said.
Embrace the holiday spirit with Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay 2023 – where creativity, community, and celebration converge in a festive extravaganza. Tickets are affordable at $25 for single day, and $40 for weekend pass (prices increase $5 at door) For ticket information and event details, visit www.holidaycosplaytampabay.com.
About Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay:
Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay is an annual fan convention celebrating the fusion of anime, gaming, and creative expression. The event brings together enthusiasts and industry professionals for a holiday festive weekend of cosplay, contests, gaming, and community-building. Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay is presented by the organizers of St. Pete Comic Con, Anime St. Pete, and Sunshine City Scare.