12 Great Excuses to Wear a Costume Even When It’s Not Halloween

When you were a kid, did you love tying a towel around your neck and pretending you were a caped superhero? Or trying on mommy’s high heels and lipstick to play grown-up?

These days, Halloween is probably the only day each year that you recapture the fun and excitement of pretending to be someone (or something) else. What a shame! Exercise your imagination all year round with these 12 awesome excuses to wear a costume when it’s not Halloween.

1. Talk Like a Pirate Day

Photo by DeusXFlorida

Like the movie Snakes on a Plane, Talk Like a Pirate Day is pretty self-explanatory. On September 19 each year, feel free to call your friends “scurvy bilge rats” and demand a pint of grog from the serving wench at your favorite bar. But why stop there? Throw on a pirate costume and take Talk Like a Pirate Day to the next level!

2. Renaissance Festival

Photo by Franklin Thompson

There’s so much to do and see at a Renaissance festival: knights jousting, gypsies dancing, jesters juggling, falconers … falconing. It’s fun for the whole family, and it’s a great excuse to wear a Renaissance costume. If historical accuracy isn’t your thing, fairies and wizards are also welcome. Check this page to see when the next Renaissance faire is coming to your area.

3. St. Patrick’s Day

Photo by Jackie

Everyone and their brother will be wearing the same old “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” t-shirt. But you can blow people’s minds at the pub by showing up in a full-on leprechaun costume or a sexy Irish lass outfit. Chances are very good you’ll have a few free drinks sent your way. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to New York City for the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.

4. Conventions

Photo by Nathan Rupert

Whether you’re into superheroes, sci-fi, video games or anime, conventions are a great place to dress up and make believe. Cosplay, short for “costume play,” originated in Japan but has gained a huge following in the United States. The San Diego Comic-Con in July is considered the biggest event of the year for cosplayers, so get your tickets, grab your Chewbacca costume and geek out!

5. Easter

Photo by by Neil Girling

You somehow manage to stuff your rambunctious toddler into some uncomfortable fancy clothes. You drive across town to the mall, then wait a half-hour in a long line of restless, whiny children. When you finally get to the front of the line, you pay 15 bucks to get one lousy picture with the Easter Bunny. Or you can buy your own Easter bunny costume, stay home and get as many pictures as you want!

6. Civil War Reenactments

Photo by Dave Beckett

Union soldier or Confederate rebel? No matter what side of the Mason-Dixon line you’re on, you can have fun and learn more about U.S. history at a Civil War reenactment. Ladies, we haven’t forgotten you! Channel your inner Scarlett O’Hara with a Southern belle costume, or be a demure country schoolmarm in this costume. Check this list for upcoming Civil War reenactments in your area.

7. Lady Gaga Concert

Photo by by Mark

Lady Gaga may be the only person in the world who wears elaborate costumes on a daily basis. Her loyal fans, affectionately known as “Little Monsters,” imitate their idol at her concerts with impressive outfits of their own. The Monster Ball will be back in the United States this summer, so grab a ticket before they’re all sold out. Then get the Gaga look with a wig, a sexy costume and the craziest pair of high heels you can find.

8. Independence Day

Photo by by Andrew Dallos

Do you bleed red, white and blue? Show your patriotism this summer in a 4th of July costume! Portray a classic American icon like Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross or even the Statue of Liberty. And ladies, you can start some fireworks of your own in this sexy Miss Firecracker costume. Check this list to find Independence Day events in your area.

9. Mardi Gras

Photo by Felicity Green

As they say in the Big Easy, “Let the good times roll!” The annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is notorious for its decadence and debauchery, from the day the first King Cakes hit the shelves in January to the Fat Tuesday parade finale in late February to early March. While many parade-goers wear very little, you can live it up in a Mardi Gras costume and mask. Start planning for next year’s big event here.

10. Christmas

Photo by Steve Hanna

There are so many great reasons to wear a Christmas costume. You can join your church’s Nativity play, dress up as Santa to surprise the kids, or just top off your holiday party outfit with a whimsical mistletoe hat. Even your pet can get it on the fun with his own elf costume! Oh, and ladies … this sexy Santa’s helper costume is sure to warm him up on those cold winter nights.

11. Gay Pride Parade

Photo by by Aloha Orangeneko

In your wildest dreams, you may never think up a costume as extravagant as those seen at a Gay Pride Parade. From ball gowns to body paint to … whatever this is supposed to be … Gay Pride participants aren’t afraid to go all out with costumes, makeup and elaborate accessories. Gay Pride celebrations are typically held in June in cities all over the country, from San Francisco to Chicago to New York. Don’t be shy! Join the fun with a huge pair of costume wings and some glittery face paint.

12. Steampunk Events

Photo by Howie Muzika

Steampunk is a fairly new craze that combines 19th century Victorian garb with fantastical mechanical inventions, and is largely inspired by sci-fi/fantasy writers like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. There are steampunk conventions all over the world, including the Steampunk World’s Fair, held in New Jersey May 14-16, and Steamcon, held in Seattle this November. You’ll also find steampunk aficionados at smaller local events, like the annual Handcar Regatta in Santa Rosa, California.

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