When and where is the Blues & Tattoos Festival #2?

The event takes place March 14-15, 2026, at the State Theater on California Street in downtown Gainesville, Texas. The theater is located approximately 60 miles north of Dallas along Interstate 35.

What happens at this event?

The festival combines live tattooing with blues music performances. Tattoo artists work on clients while musicians play on the theater stage. The event includes vendor booths, tattoo competitions, and opportunities to book appointments with artists.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://www.bluesandtattoosfest.com/. Options typically include single-day passes for Saturday or Sunday, as well as weekend passes.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid government-issued ID proving you are 18 or older if you plan to get tattooed. Cash is recommended for tips and some vendors, though many accept credit cards. The venue is indoors and climate-controlled.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The theater setting provides a contained environment that is easier to navigate than large convention centers. First-timers can observe tattooing, talk to artists, and enjoy music without the overwhelming scale of major metropolitan conventions.

Blues & Tattoos Festival #2 (2026)

Name: Blues & Tattoos Festival #2 (2026)
Start: 2026-03-14
End: 2026-03-15
Location: State Theater

The Blues & Tattoos Festival #2 runs March 14-15, 2026, at the State Theater on California Street in downtown Gainesville, Texas. This is the second installment of the festival, which merges live tattooing with blues music performances. Gainesville sits in Cooke County, approximately 60 miles north of Dallas along Interstate 35. Texas maintains a deep tattoo history that includes military traditions from San Antonio, Mexican-American Chicano influences from the southern regions, and outlaw biker aesthetics that developed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This event reflects that heritage while incorporating the blues music tradition of North Texas. The State Theater opened in 1938 as a movie palace and underwent renovations in the 2010s to restore its Art Deco features while adding modern sound systems. The venue has a main floor and balcony, with space for tattoo stations on the main level. During the festival, artists work on clients while blues musicians perform on stage. Attendees can watch tattoos in progress, browse vendor booths selling supplies and merchandise, and listen to live music. The event includes tattoo competitions judged by working artists, with categories typically covering black and grey, color, and traditional styles. Specific guest artists and the music lineup are announced through the official website. The festival operates Saturday and Sunday. Single-day and weekend tickets are available online. The theater is located in downtown Gainesville, with street parking and municipal lots nearby. Hotels are available along Interstate 35 within a five-minute drive. March weather in North Texas ranges from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The indoor venue provides climate control. Attendees should bring government-issued ID for age verification, as tattoo services require clients to be 18 or older. Cash is useful for tips, though many vendors accept cards.