Melbourne Fur Con - Tropical Tails: 20th-22nd February 2026, Novotel Preston

This year’s MFC theme is a tropical getaway gone a little sideways! 🌴🔄

Our crew set off on a relaxing cruise, but after an unexpected shipwreck, they’ve decided to make the most of it — turning their island surroundings into a DIY holiday resort full of beach games, relaxation, and good vibes.

MFC is an all-ages event, so costumes should be fun, respectful, and appropriate for a public, family-friendly space.
We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome at MFC 2026 and don’t want to cross any lines with our theme. To Keep everything fun and appropriate here are some guidelines if you want to dress up too.

🌴 What’s Encouraged

Think generic tropical holiday, cruise wear, and island leisure. The kind of outfits you’d expect to see at a resort or on a cruise ship.

Great ideas include:

– Resort wear, tourists, cruise staff, or castaways

– Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, shorts, sun hats, sunglasses

– Towels, floaties, inflatable beach toys

– Colourful drinks, tropical fruit props, brightly coloured flowers or leaves

– Beach games, deck chairs, hammocks

– “Making the best of it” shipwreck vibes

If it feels like something you’d wear on holiday (and is appropriate for everyday public outing wear), you’re probably good to go!

🚫 What to Avoid

To keep MFC welcoming and inclusive for everyone, please avoid costumes or props that reference real-world cultures, religions, or ceremonies.

This includes:

– “Tribal” imagery such as masks, ceremonial totems, or faux “tribal tattoos”

– Traditional or ceremonial clothing, dances, or performances (e.g. leis, hula, grass skirts)

– Religious or culturally specific ritual items or offerings

– Anything revealing or sexualised — this is an all-ages event

When in doubt, ask yourself:

Is this inspired by a real culture or ceremony rather than a generic holiday vibe?
If yes, it’s best to leave it out.

✅ Still Unsure?

No stress! If you’re unsure whether your costume fits the theme, feel free to check in with the team before the event — we’re always happy to help.

We can’t wait to see everyone’s creative, beachy looks! 🌞