Convention masquerades are costuming events where fans present costumes, characters, designs, jokes, and craftsmanship. The tradition reaches back to the earliest Worldcons and became one of the most visible forms of fan creativity.
Table of Contents
| Quick fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Early costuming | Forrest J Ackerman and Morojo at the 1939 Worldcon |
| First official Worldcon masquerade | Chicon I, 1940 |
| Common elements | Stage presentation, judging, craftsmanship, performance |
| Related culture | Cosplay, costuming, fan art |
1939 and 1940
Costuming appeared at the first Worldcon in 1939. Chicon I in 1940 included an official masquerade, helping establish the tradition.
From Party to Presentation
Masquerades evolved from costume parties into staged presentations with workmanship, performance, categories, and rules.
Why Masquerades Matter
Masquerades show fandom translating reading and viewing into making. They are fan interpretation in fabric, movement, humor, and spectacle.
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