Washington Square's look-alike contests became one of NYC's funniest recurring spectacles, and this edition hands the format to One Piece, the best-selling manga on earth. Expect straw hats, scar makeup and full Grand Line cosplay competing for crowd applause at Garibaldi Plaza, with hundreds of onlookers turning the park into an impromptu convention. If you love anime — or just love watching New York be extremely itself — this is a free hour of pure chaos.
What to expect
A crowd rings the plaza while contestants line up, strike poses and get judged by cheers; phones are out everywhere and the best costumes get mobbed for photos afterward. It runs about 90 minutes, so arrive near the start to catch the full lineup.
Good to know
- Garibaldi Plaza is on the park's east side, near the Washington Square East entrance
- Closest trains: A/B/C/D/E/F/M at West 4th St or N/R/W at 8th St-NYU
- Free and open to anyone — costumes encouraged but not required to watch
- Crowds pack in fast once the contest starts; come early for a sightline
- Look-alike contests are informal fan gatherings, so timing can shift on the day
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Do I need to dress up to attend?
No — most people come to watch. If you want to compete, show up in costume and join the lineup when organizers call for contestants.
Is the contest free?
Yes. It's a free fan-organized gathering in a public park, with no tickets or registration.
Also in Manhattan
