Green Bay Tattoo Festival (2026)
The Green Bay Tattoo Festival is a three-day tattoo convention held July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin. The event brings tattoo artists from across the Midwest, Chicago, Minneapolis, and beyond to work on clients in a convention hall setting. The festival fills the KI Convention Center exhibition hall with tattoo booths arranged in rows. Artists set up stations with their equipment and portfolios displayed on the walls. Attendees walk the aisles to look at flash sheets and books, talk to artists about custom designs, and book appointments for tattoos during the event. Many artists also take walk-up clients if they have openings in their schedules. The event includes tattoo competitions with categories like best sleeve, best back piece, best black and grey, and best color tattoo. Judging happens on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with winners receiving trophies and cash prizes. A stage area hosts the judging and announcements. Vendor booths sell tattoo machines, needles, inks, and aftercare products like ointments and balms. Clothing vendors sell t-shirts and tattoo-related merchandise. Food vendors operate inside the venue, and the convention center has concession stands. The KI Convention Center sits on South Washington Street in downtown Green Bay near the Fox River. The venue has parking lots adjacent to the building, with additional parking available at the nearby city ramp on Cherry Street. Hotels within walking distance include the Hyatt Regency Green Bay, Hampton Inn, and Lodge at Leathem Smith. Green Bay sits between the Chicago and Minneapolis tattoo markets. Wisconsin has a strong history in American traditional tattooing, with many local shops tracing lineage to Sailor Jerry style work. The festival reflects this heritage while including artists who specialize in black and grey realism, Japanese irezumi, neo-traditional, and fine line styles. Tickets are available online through the event website and at the door. Single-day tickets cover Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Weekend passes allow entry for all three days. The event runs Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, with Saturday being the busiest day. Cash and credit cards are accepted for admission. Individual artists may require cash deposits for large tattoo projects. Attendees should bring valid identification, as most artists require ID for tattooing. Comfortable shoes are recommended because the convention floor is concrete. The air conditioning in the convention center runs cold, so bringing a sweatshirt is practical.
Event Highlights
The Green Bay Tattoo Festival is a three-day tattoo convention held July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States. The event features over 200 tattoo artists working live on the convention floor, tattoo competitions in categories like best sleeve and back piece, and vendors selling equipment and aftercare products. Attendees can book appointments with specific artists in advance or get walk-up tattoos during the event. The festival draws artists from across the Midwest and beyond, reflecting Wisconsin's strong history in American traditional tattooing while including artists working in black and grey, Japanese, and contemporary styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Green Bay Tattoo Festival?
The event runs July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin. The convention center is located on South Washington Street near the Fox River with parking available in adjacent lots and nearby city ramps.
What happens at this event?
The festival includes live tattooing by over 200 artists, tattoo competitions with categories like best sleeve and best black and grey, and vendor booths selling supplies and merchandise. Artists take both pre-booked appointments and walk-up clients throughout the weekend.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are available online at https://greenbaytattoofestival.com/ and at the door during the event. Single-day and weekend passes are offered. Children under 12 typically enter free with a paying adult.
What should I bring or expect?
Bring a valid ID, cash for tips and vendors, and reference photos if you want a specific tattoo design. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk on concrete floors. Bring a jacket as the convention center air conditioning runs cold.
Is this event good for first-time attendees?
Yes. The festival has artists at various price points and styles. You can walk the floor, look at portfolios, and talk to artists before committing. The atmosphere is casual and open to questions from first-time collectors.