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Breaking into the pageant world is undoubtedly exciting, but finding information on how to do so can be tricky without a helping hand. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you're a pageant beginner or a veteran queen, keep reading to learn how to find the pageant of your dreams in just 3 simple steps! Not only have we covered what you should be looking for in your pageant, but we’ve made the search easier for U.S. contestants by putting together an organized list of reputable pageants by state. Without further ado, let’s start your journey to the crown!

1. How to find the right pageant for you

Figuring out which pageant to compete in is the same as going shopping: having an idea of what you're looking for is always a great place to start. What better way to do that than by creating your very own pageant wishlist! The pageant world can seem overwhelming if you don’t know the right questions to ask, but thankfully, we’ve helped narrow it down to the most important things you should know before competing!

a) Why do you want to compete?

We’ll let you in on a secret: there is no such thing as a “typical pageant girl”! Every system is truly unique, so knowing your "why" will help you discover the one that is perfect for you and your goals! Also, remember that pageantry extends far past the crowning moment. If you’re crowned, you want to make sure you’ll be excited for the entirety of your reign! First, ask yourself: What are your best qualities? What are your dreams? How would you like to spend your year?

A great way to see if your “why” aligns with an organization, is to look at their current titleholders. For example, if your dream is to be a model and possibly earn recognition on the international level, the Miss Universe Organization is a wonderful system to consider. If you love to perform or are a current student, the Miss America Organization would be a great fit for you with its heavily weighted talent competition and ample scholarship opportunities.

Making a wishlist will save you time and resources, which you can better spend on your dream pageant rather than on a never-ending search!

2. Costs, Credibility, and Criteria!

After you’ve made your wishlist, it’s time to consider the logistics: the cost, credibility, and qualifications of your pageant. While these can seem like obstacles on your way to the crown, read on to see how you can use this knowledge to your advantage, especially when it comes to the prize package.

Cost:

Although it is no secret that pageantry is not cheap, remember that there are plenty of options, so don’t be discouraged! Before competing, consider all the possible costs that might come along with a pageant apart from the required fees.

The first is wardrobe. Competitions are usually a few days to a week, sometimes even longer! Multiple areas of competition - interview, gown, activewear, talent, etc. - means that you will need different outfits for all of the occasions. Depending on how much help the pageant system you’re competing in is willing to offer, you might have to fund your wardrobe as a competitor, even after being crowned. Other costs that come along with pageant must-haves, such as headshots, coaching, spray tans, nail appointments, and hair and makeup teams, are important to consider. You will likely also have to travel to an extent, which means hotel fees, luggage fees (if you are flying), and other expenses. Finally, don’t forget to take a look at the winner’s requirements. If there is a national pageant that the winner is required to attend, that will come with its own ballpark of expenses, even with sponsors. Make sure to read all of the paperwork before committing to compete.

You might have to get creative! Consider competing in a smaller pageant, save money by learning how to do your hair and makeup, or find sponsors in your community to help fund your journey!

Credibility:

Unfortunately, not all pageants are looking to make a positive impact. The good news is that those pageants are far and few between, and relatively easy to spot! First, check out the pageant's website and social media to make sure there are no red flags. Do the platforms appear professional? Are they active on their platforms? Would you feel comfortable being a representative of their brand? If you have communicated with staff in any way, have the conversations been respectful and helpful? These are all important questions to ask while you are in the consideration process. It’s also helpful to seek advice from past competitors and coaches who will know from personal experience if the pageant is worth the time and money that you will put into competing.

***Expert tip: The Prize Package reveals all!

Queens should consider the prize package when selecting what systems to compete for because it often reflects the cost and credibility of the pageant. A more expensive pageant should have a prize package that adds value to the titleholder’s life and justifies the higher entry fee compared to a pageant with a smaller prize package. For example, larger and more well-known organizations like Miss Universe/USA, Miss America, Miss International, Miss World, NAM, and Miss HS/Collegiate/Preteen America, have larger prize packages. The prize package only adds to a system’s reputation and credibility, despite the possibly high costs to compete.

Criteria:

Pageantry is about uplifting women, which is why there is no required height, weight or specific measurements that qualify you to compete. While there is no right  ‘look’ for any pageant, certain systems have specific criteria for their contestants. Some pageants have an age limit, such as the Miss America organization, which accepts women aged 18-28 to compete in their Miss Category. Teen, pre-teen, and junior categories also have certain age ranges. In contrast, the Miss Universe organization has no age limit for its Miss category and also allows married women and mothers to compete.

3. Connect with the Pageant Community

Connecting with the pageant community not only helps you determine the credibility of the pageants you’re looking to compete in, but also provides you with guidance once your contestant forms are signed, sealed, and delivered!

a) Browse Pageant Planet's Pageant Directory

Pageant Planet #1 goal is to connect the pageant world globally, so of course, we have a free pageant directory for everything and everyone you might need on your pageant journey at the tips of your fingers! Not only can you use our directory to hire coaches, hair and makeup artists, and even shop for your competition wardrobe, but it's also a great way to learn about new pageants specially curated to your interests, location, and profile! For example, a quick look through the directory will show a hopeful Miss Universe contestant that any woman, - regardless of age, marital or parental status, sexuality, body type, or race- is eligible to compete.

b) Talk to a pageant coach

Apart from having all the pageant knowledge and necessities you’ll need, Pageant Planet can help connect you with coaches who are experts in the industry. Using the Pageant Coach directory, schedule a consultation with a coach and discuss which pageant he or she thinks would be a good fit for you. Remember to use the same criteria you used to check the credibility of your pageant to check the credibility of your coach. And coaches, if you’re reading this, it’s completely free to list yourself in the directory!

Try Pageant Planet's Crown Club to get connected to our own pageant coaches no matter your location!

Now that you know exactly what to look for in your dream pageant, find your state down below to get started on your search! Once you’ve found a pageant that interests you, search it up on Pageant Planet to see if you qualify in the following categories: age, gender, and marital/parental status.

Alaska Pageants near me

Discover the beauty of the Alaska Pageants scene, where contestants display poise and confidence against the stunning backdrop of the Last Frontier.

Arizona Pageants near me

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Arkansas Pageants near me

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California Pageants near me

From glamorous beach cities to bustling metropolises, California Pageants offer a wide array of options, reflecting the state's diversity and creativity.

Colorado Pageants near me

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Connecticut Pageants near me

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Delaware Pageants near me

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Florida Pageants near me

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Georgia Pageants near me

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Hawaii Pageants near me

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Idaho Pageants near me

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Illinois Pageants near me

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Indiana Pageants near me

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Iowa Pageants near me

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Kansas Pageants near me

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Kentucky Pageants near me

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Louisiana Pageants near me

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Maine Pageants near me

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Maryland Pageants near me

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Massachusetts Pageants near me

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Michigan Pageants near me

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Minnesota Pageants near me

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Mississippi Pageants near me

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Missouri Pageants near me

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Montana Pageants near me

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Nebraska Pageants near me

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Nevada Pageants near me

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New Hampshire Pageants near me

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New Jersey Pageants near me

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New Mexico Pageants near me

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New York Pageants near me

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North Carolina Pageants near me

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North Dakota Pageants near me

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Ohio Pageants near me

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Oklahoma Pageants near me

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Oregon Pageants near me

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Pennsylvania Pageants near me

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Rhode Island Pageants near me

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South Carolina Pageants near me

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South Dakota Pageants near me

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Tennessee Pageants near me

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Texas Pageants near me

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Utah Pageants near me

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Vermont Pageants near me

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Virginia Pageants near me

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Washington Pageants near me

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West Virginia Pageants near me

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Wisconsin Pageants near me

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Wyoming Pageants near me

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