A Unique Interactive Theatrical Cosplay Party & Event
The Masquerade is a one of a kind experience – maintaining the roots of a theatrical style, interactive, themed dance event, our goal is to transport the patrons of METROCON to a whole other world and provide a night of entertainment, romance, and adventure that is truly immersive and once in a lifetime. The Masquerade takes place on the Friday Evening of METROCON. The show will consist of scenes on stage, in the crowd, and with audience members involved, and the breaks will involve dancing, interactivity, suspense, and drama. An evening at The Masquerade will feature a host of ways to meet new friends and truly make your cosplay come alive. The characters from the show will be out on the floor for the duration of the event as well to create unique memories with our fans. Dress code and interactivity details are below.
The Masquerade is a separately ticketed event in addition to a valid METROCON pass. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at-the-door, or included with VIP Upgrades.
Bring your cosplay to life and make memories that will last forever!
INFO FOR THE 2025 MASQUERADE IS COMING SOON!
“Welcome to Hell, rockstars! It’s time to sing like your soul depends on it – because it does! Do you have what it takes to be the next siren of songs, the killer of chords, the hero of harmonies!?!
For everyone else’s sake, let’s hope ONE of these amazing contestants does – nobody gets out of her until I find my new voice! So long as “those two” don’t second-chance romance themselves into getting the band back together, I should be fine… Probably…”
That’s right – THE MASQUERADE IS GOING MUSICAL! This year’s theme, “Battle of the Bands”, immerses you in a world of music and mayhem with your favorite characters as you dance, party, and sing along with your favorite characters! We’re putting on a full-blown musical production this year, and we can’t wait for folks to join in. Expect romance, excitement, and comedy as your favorite characters provide the score and you rock the night away in cosplay at the best party in the multiverse!
Oh, and did we mention – this Battle of the Bands takes place in HELL ITSELF – how metal! Dress to impress, from red carpet to rockabilly we want you to see cosplay and themed-attire that would wow the paparazzi from any dimension. There’s no telling what celebrities you’ll meet at this fiery concert and, with any luck, you might even leave with your soul!
The Masquerade takes place on Friday evening of the convention in Main Events, the West Hall of the Convention Center. Check our programming schedule for specific showtimes and days!
What is the dress code for The Masquerade?
The goal here is not to be part of an audience, but to be part of the experience. That being said, patrons are required to wear a cosplay (yes, ANY cosplay), or to be dressed for the theme of the event. Last year's theme for the event was "Battle of the Bands" - we wanted to see rock star style, whether that's designer brands and red carpet looks, or fully punked-out versions of your favorite characters. When in doubt, go with "prom", and you won't be out of place - take a look at the character list above and maybe get some inspiration! We are more focused on the immersive nature and interactivity than explicitly on the "formal ball/prom" requirement. We will definitely still have dance breaks, and we do still highly recommend "dressing to impress" because you never know who you might meet at The Masquerade. Any specific Dress Code questions can be sent to us via email.
You keep saying "interactive experience" - what does that mean?
First and foremost, anyone attending in cosplay will be addressed by our actors (and we encourage by other patrons as well) by the character they are dressed as. If you come to the event dressed as Deku, we want you to really put the “play” in cosplay, and be that character with us all night long – take notes on other characters’ powers, ask questions, talk about eating hair awkwardly, etc.! Our performers will be in the crowd making you and your character a part of the story, whether you’re cosplaying or wearing themed attire – you’ll be asked questions, and potentially get wrapped up in the story itself as a major influencer!
Do I have to wear a masquerade mask to attend?
No, you don’t – but you're welcome to! We are, however, going to be enforcing the cosplay or themed attire requirement as listed above – you’re part of a living world and environment once you enter that room, and we want you to keep up the illusion! Think more “disguise”, and less “mask” when you hear the term “Masquerade”.
I have a song I would like to hear played at The Masquerade!
That is excellent. We would love to hear your suggestion, and you can send it to us via email to alex@metroconventions.com or through social media. We can’t promise it will be played, as there is a limited amount of song slots, but the sooner you send your suggestion, the better.
Can I bring my child to The Masquerade?
The Masquerade is Rated PG-13. Keep that in mind – but otherwise, we’re a super family-friendly environment at METROCON, and we always welcome kids to events based on parental discretion that the content is appropriate for their specific kids.
I would like to audition to perform in The Masquerade!
That’s great! Audition information is under the "Get Involved" tab on our menu at the top of the page. Internal Show Auditions take place usually around January, with rehearsals taking place from April or May until the convention in Tampa, FL so keep that in mind. All attendees at The Masquerade are part of a living, breathing interactive environment, so even if you don't get to audition as part of our official cast, there will be plenty to see and do!
