NEWS: Wellington Cosplay Photo Fest Announces It Will Not Return in 2026

The team behind Wellington Cosplay Photo Fest has announced that the beloved event will not be returning in 2026. In an Instagram story posted today, the organisers shared: "We'd like to thank everyone involved this year for making the 2025 event so successful! The organisers have made the decision not to hold the event in 2026."

Wellington Cosplay Photo Fest is a multi-day, dedicated cosplay photography event in New Zealand, designed to bring together talented photographers and cosplayers for a weekend of networking, collaboration, and the creation of stunning artwork. Traditionally held in February each year, the event has attracted participants from across Australia and New Zealand, fostering a vibrant and creative community.

The Colin Mag team made the holy trek to Wellington in 2024 and had an unforgettable experience filled with fun, laughter, and incredible cosplay artistry. The event has long been a highlight on the cosplay photography calendar, offering a unique opportunity for collaboration in a stunning location.

While Wellington Cosplay Photo Fest is taking a well-deserved break, cosplay photography fans still have exciting events to look forward to. Auckland Photo Day is set to take place this May, and Icon Photofest will make its return in 2025, ensuring the community continues to have opportunities to come together and create breathtaking work.

Though it’s bittersweet news, the impact of Wellington Cosplay Photo Fest will be felt, and we can only hope to see it return in the future.