When and where is the Bowling Green Tattoo Expo 2026?

The event runs May 1-3, 2026 at Sloan Convention Center, located at 1021 Wilkinson Trace in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The convention takes place Friday through Sunday in the main exhibition hall.

Can I get tattooed at the event or do I need to book in advance?

Artists offer both options. Many accept walk-ups on a first-come basis, while others prefer appointments booked directly through their social media or email. Contact specific artists beforehand if you want guaranteed time.

How do I buy tickets for the Bowling Green Tattoo Expo?

Tickets are sold at the door when the convention opens each day. Single-day and weekend passes are available. Arrive early on Saturday as lines form before the doors open.

What should I bring to the convention?

Bring a valid government-issued ID, cash for tips and vendors, and loose clothing that allows access to the area you want tattooed. The venue has concession stands, but you may want to bring water.

Is there parking at Sloan Convention Center?

Yes. The convention center offers free parking in lots adjacent to the building. The venue sits near I-65, making it accessible from Nashville, Louisville, and surrounding areas.

Bowling Green Tattoo Expo (2026)

Name: Bowling Green Tattoo Expo (2026)
Start: 2026-05-01
End: 2026-05-03
Location: Sloan Convention Center 1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green, KY 42103, United States

The Bowling Green Tattoo Expo returns for its second year on May 1-3, 2026 at Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This three-day convention runs Friday through Sunday and hosts around 100 tattoo artists from across the United States and abroad. The event fills the exhibition hall at Sloan Convention Center, located at 1021 Wilkinson Trace near the I-65 corridor. Artists set up booths to tattoo live during all three days, with many accepting walk-ups on a first-come basis. Others prefer appointments and can be contacted directly through social media or email before the event. The floor layout keeps tattoo stations in rows with vendor booths along the walls, creating clear walkways between the action and the merchandise. Competitions run throughout the weekend, with artists submitting fresh work for judging in categories like black and grey, color, and small tattoos. Judges typically include established artists and shop owners from the region. Awards are given out on Sunday afternoon. Vendors sell equipment, aftercare products, and apparel. Some artists bring flash sheets for same-day selection. The convention floor opens to the public from midday to evening, though exact hours vary by day. Friday usually draws a local crowd, while Saturday sees the highest attendance with collectors driving from Nashville, Louisville, and Lexington. Sunday tends to be quieter, good for longer sessions or browsing without crowds. Bowling Green sits between Louisville and Nashville, making this a regional draw for Kentucky, Tennessee, and southern Indiana. The city is home to Western Kentucky University and has seen its tattoo scene grow over the past decade, with several shops opening along Scottsville Road and downtown. The expo gives local collectors access to artists they would normally need to travel to Atlanta or Chicago to see. Parking is free at Sloan Convention Center, which sits just off the interstate with easy access from Nashville or Louisville. Hotels within five minutes include the Hyatt Place Bowling Green and the Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets are available at the door, with single-day and weekend passes offered. Bring a valid ID, cash for tips, and loose clothing if you plan to get tattooed. The venue allows cameras but artists may restrict photos of work in progress. Food trucks usually set up outside during lunch hours, and the center has concession stands inside.