When and where is the 4th Maine Tattoo Arts Festival?

The event runs February 27 to March 1, 2026, at Thompson's Point, 100 Thompson's Point Road, Portland, Maine. Thompson's Point is located on a peninsula in Casco Bay, accessible from downtown Portland via Fore Street.

What happens at the Maine Tattoo Arts Festival?

The convention features tattoo artists working live on the floor, vendor booths selling equipment and merchandise, and tattoo competitions in categories like best black and grey, best color piece, and best of show. Artists from Maine and surrounding states display portfolios and take bookings.

How do I get tickets for the event?

Tickets are available through the official Villain Arts website at villainarts.com. The site sells day passes and weekend passes, with prices typically ranging from $20 to $40 depending on the day and package.

What should I bring to the tattoo convention?

Bring a valid ID, cash for tips and small purchases, and reference images if you plan to get tattooed. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors. The venue is heated, but February in Maine is cold, so bring a coat for the walk from parking.

Is this event suitable for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The Portland show is smaller than major city conventions, making it manageable for newcomers. Staff are available to explain how to book appointments, and the atmosphere is relaxed compared to larger expos.

4th Maine Tattoo Arts Festival (2026)

Name: 4th Maine Tattoo Arts Festival (2026)
Start: 2026-02-27
End: 2026-03-01
Location: Thompson’s Point

The 4th Maine Tattoo Arts Festival is a three-day tattoo convention running February 27 to March 1, 2026, at Thompson's Point in Portland, Maine. This is the fourth edition of the event, produced by Villain Arts, which brings tattoo artists from across New England and beyond to the Portland waterfront for a weekend of live tattooing and trade. Thompson's Point sits on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay, converted from industrial use into an event space with indoor and outdoor areas. The venue has hosted music festivals and art shows, making it a fitting location for a tattoo convention in a city known for its working waterfront and arts community. The building offers protection from February weather while maintaining views of the water. The convention floor includes booths where artists take appointments for tattoos, though many also accept walk-ups depending on their schedules. Visitors can watch live tattooing throughout the day as artists work on clients in the open floor plan. The event includes tattoo contests across categories like best black and grey, best color, and best of show, typically held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons with cash prizes. Vendor booths sell tattoo supplies, aftercare products, clothing, and jewelry. The show features guest artists from Portland's local shops as well as traveling artists from other states. Portland has a dense concentration of tattoo shops relative to its size, with a mix of traditional Americana, Japanese-influenced work, and illustrative styles reflecting the city's art school influence from the Maine College of Art. The Old Port and Arts District neighborhoods contain numerous established shops. Tickets are available through the Villain Arts website. Day passes and weekend passes are typically offered, with options for single-day entry or full weekend access. Parking is available at Thompson's Point, though spaces fill quickly on Saturday. The venue is accessible by car from Interstate 295, and several hotels are located in downtown Portland, about a 10-minute drive away. Attendees should bring cash for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. The building has heat for February weather, but Maine winters are cold, so warm clothing is necessary when moving between parking and the venue. Food vendors are usually available on site, and the venue allows re-entry with a wristband.