World Famous Live Entertainment!
From high-adrenaline sword fights and fire breathing, to interactive theatrical events and sketch comedy, there’s always something amazing to watch at METROCON! We’re focused on creating and sharing theme-park-style experiences and shows – immersion and entertainment are in our DNA, and it’s motivated us to create a unique convention experience unlike any other. Starting with the very first Anime Human Chess Match in 2004, METROCON has been bringing high-quality cosplay entertainment to the convention scene for over twenty years, and we’re teaming up with new groups from all over the country to join the roster of our in-house productions. You won’t want to miss any of these signature shows and events – learn more about each show by clicking below!
Click below to learn more about each event!
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. One part anime prom and one part interactive LARP, the Masquerade promises to be one of the most memorable parts of your convention weekend!
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 Three-Day Passes!
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. This year's theme is "Treasure Hunt" - we're hosting a formal fantasy gala, so doublets, gowns, fancy armor and your swashingest buckles! If you're ever unsure, go with a typical formal look, and you won't be out of place in a dress/suit/etc - take a look at the character list below 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. 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!
MASQUERADE 2026 INFO
Welcome to the Grand Treasure Hunt! In a kingdom populated by humans, elves, beast people, and more – the nobility of human society has always considered themselves the “elite”. In an attempt to bridge that gap and create peace at last, the Ice King has invited adventurers and representatives from every corner of the universe to attend a grand gala and participate in an exciting treasure hunt! While the old wizard might be hoping for peace and unity (and a new princess to crush on), there are other players in this fantasy world actively working against his dream with far more nefarious intent.
Don your best fantasy formal attire, and join us for The Masquerade: Treasure Hunt this year!
The Masquerade takes place in Main Events, in the West Hall of the Convention Center on Friday evening. Check our programming schedule for specific showtimes and days!
Choreographed Fire Dancing and Fire Breathing in an Immersive Multimedia Spectacle!
The METRO Fire Show is a themed live-fire performance choreographed to music from (and inspired by) your favorite shows and games! The show includes live fire-breathing, as well as fire dancing with poi, staff, rope dart, juggling, and the occasional twelve–foot–tall fire–breathing dragon (no, really, it happened in 2016!). This world-famous cosplay fire show will keep you glued to your seat from start to finish, and show your favorite fandoms like you’ve never seen them!
The METRO Fire Show is an immersive video and audio experience as well – leveraging 200′ of projected video and a full concert lighting and sound system, there truly is no other fire show like this one!
METRO Fire Show 2026
“However ruined this world has become, however mired in torment and despair, life endures. There is beauty in that, is there not?”
The Elden Ring is shattered – Marika’s children make war for its remnants. The flame threatens to consume the Lands Between, and what we as simple pawns may do is but observe… unless a Tarnished were to rise… and claim the title of Elden Lord….
Come with us on a journey through the Lands Between in this year’s exciting fiery spectacle, METRO Fire Show: Stars of Crimson, Flames of Gold – a Burning Tribute to the World of Elden Ring. Watch as the demigods and fallen lords claw their way through war, heartbreak, disease, and godhood towards ascension in triumph, opposition, or allegiance to the Outer Gods. This show promises to be choreography-rich and powerfully inspired by Miyazaki’s original vision. From the golden beams of light cast over Leyndell’s shadow, to the dark and endless night of Siofra River, our performers will be your companion on a ride through the visual poetry that is the lore and world of Elden Ring.
The METRO Fire Show takes place Friday and Saturday night of the convention, in the Main Events Room (West Hall). Check out our full schedule for detailed times/listings.
METROCON’S Anime Action Spectacular – fights, stunts, comedy, and suspense with your favorite characters and most exciting moments!
METROCON has a long history of high-intensity live-action cosplay entertainment. Starting in 2004, METROCON produced the VERY FIRST Anime Human Chess Match – after over two decades of producing and expanding on that format, we’ve upped the game even further and evolved!
DREAM/fight LIVE! is the newest in-house show at METROCON returning for it’s third year in 2026 – we’re taking your favorite characters and pitting them against each other in an action-movie style adventure, so expect to see NEW thrills, NEW stunts, and even more of the martial arts action you know and love in METROCON’s fight shows!
DREAM/fight LIVE! 2026 Info
Demons, devils, and loud music – the perfect recipe for a hell of a night in Tokyo! Muzan brings his hunt for a half-demon to the modern day, where he sets his sights on Rumi and Itadori – can they escape his demonic clutches before he conquers his only weakness?! Enemies crawl from every dark corner, allies can never be fully trusted, and all anybody wanted was a fun night out and a good cup of ramyeon! Join us at this year’s DFL for an exciting night of “Hell on Earth”!
DREAM/fight LIVE! takes place in Main Events, in the West Hall of the Convention Center. Check our programming schedule for specific showtimes and days!
Pro-Wrestling Style Mayhem with your Favorite Monsters!
Kaiju Big Battel is returning to METROCON 2025, and bringing big monster mayhem to Tampa Bay!
Kaiju Big Battel has been called “One of the weirdest things you’ll ever pay to see!” by MTV News!
An amalgamation of nostalgia, pop culture, pro-wrestling, and the utterly strange, Kaiju Big Battel is an exciting wrestling event with the nastiest monsters this side of the Sea of Japan! Watch these high-flying beasts enter the ring and wreak havoc on their opponents at METROCON 2025!
From the folks at KBB:
Kaiju Big Battel is a modern conflict of epic proportions. Planet Earth is under threat: scattered throughout the galaxy is a monstrous mob of maniacal villains, menacing alien beasts, and giant, city-crushing monsters that are waging war against one another. Presiding over this mayhem is the Kaiju Commissioner, an enigmatic human-arbiter appointed by a clandestine cadre of world leaders to regulate Kaiju rage. If the Kaiju Commissioner doesn’t do his job perfectly the entire world could get caught in the crossfire.
Currently, the Kaiju Universe maintains an active roster of approximately 30 monsters and a despicable, square-headed mad scientist known as Dr. Cube. In addition to the Kaiju Commissioner, a few other privileged humans also get a piece of the action, including Referee Dundee, a mustachioed official who enforces fairness and civility in the ring, and Anthony Salbino, an urban renewal expert who reconstructs crumbled cityscapes between Battels, and one tuxedo-wearing, mouth-running MC
Kaiju Big Battel 2026 Info Coming Soon!
The METROCON players successfully abridge (read: butcher) another classic series from anime and video game history!
Nowhere is safe from the undead. Raccoon City, the Arklay Mountains, Kijuju…
And now… Tampa, Florida.
This time, the nightmare is live, in-person, and extremely understaffed. Even the actors don’t know what they’re in for this year…
METROCON is proud to bring you The Complete Resident Evil: Abridged in 2025! Drawing great inspiration from the famous “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”, a small cast stretched thin enough to snap will attempt to recreate the entire continuity and plot of the Resident Evil Franchise in just under one hour!
As the actors gather this year, however, they realize there’s a mysterious hand guiding their choices – a particularly well-known figure in the Resident Evil mythos is seeking out global saturation once again…
Be sure to join us and clap LOUDLY for this comedic endeavor – or the next T-Virus test subject could be you!
Complete Works: Abridged takes place in Main Events (West Hall) at METROCON – check the full schedule for specific times and days!
