How to Enter Primary's Annual DIY Costume Contest 2026
How to Enter Primary's 2026 DIY Costume Contest
DIY creators, it's your moment: Primary's annual Halloween Costume Contest is back, and this year first place takes home $1,000 to shop at Primary.
Every October, our community turns cardboard boxes, felt scraps and a whole lot of solid-color basics into some of the most creative costumes we've ever seen. Whether you're dressing up a baby, a crew of kids, or the whole family (pets included), we want to see what you make.
Ready to break out the craft box? Here's everything you need to know about entering, voting and winning.
Key Dates
Mark your calendar so you don't miss a step:
|
What |
When |
|---|---|
|
Submissions close |
Sunday, November 1 at 11:59 PM ET |
|
Voting opens |
Monday, November 2 |
|
Voting closes |
Monday, November 9 at 11:59 PM E |
That means you have through Halloween weekend to snap your photo and upload it, then a full week to rally votes.
The Prizes
The top three costumes, as voted by our community, win credit to shop Primary:
- First place: $1,000 giftcard
- Second place: $250 giftcard
- Third place: $250 giftcard
How to Enter
Entering takes just a few minutes:
- Snap a photo of your costume. Find good light and a simple background (more photo tips below).
- Upload your photo using the entry button on our Costume Contest Entry Form. Submissions close November 1 at 11:59 PM ET.
- Share your entry to get votes. Voting begins November 2, so send your entry to friends, family, group chats and anyone else who'll cheer you on.
Going for the big prize? The more you share, the more votes you can rack up before voting closes on November 9.
Primary Costume Contest FAQs
How do I enter?
Take a photo of your DIY costume and upload it through the entry button on our Costume Contest Entry Form. The deadline to submit is November 1 at 11:59 PM ET.
Who can enter?
Anyone who loves a good DIY! Babies, kids, grown-ups, groups, families and pets are all welcome. Entrants must be U.S. residents and over 18 years of age, so a parent or guardian should submit on behalf of little ones.
How are winners chosen?
Winners are decided by community vote. Voting opens November 2 and closes November 9 at 11:59 PM ET. The three costumes with the most votes win first, second and third place.
How do I get more votes?
Share, share, share! Post your entry on social, text it to family, and drop it in the group chat. The costumes that win are usually the ones with the biggest cheering sections.
Do I have to wear Primary?
We'd love to see costumes made with Primary, but it's not a requirement to enter.
Does every part of the costume have to be DIY?
No, but the more DIY, the better!
Best Photography Practices
A great photo helps your costume stand out when voters scroll through entries. Here's what we look for:
- Good lighting. Natural daylight near a window or outdoors works best.
- A clear focus. Make sure the costume is sharp, not blurry.
- A minimal background. A plain wall or simple setting keeps all eyes on