When and where is the Houston Oddities & Curiosities Expo?

The event is March 14-15, 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, located at 1001 Avenida de las Americas in downtown Houston, Texas. The convention center is near Discovery Green and accessible from major highways.

What happens at this event?

Tattoo artists work live on the convention floor while vendors sell oddities including taxidermy, preserved specimens, antique medical equipment, bones, and dark art. Attendees can book tattoos, browse art prints and jewelry, and watch sideshow performances. The mix of tattoo culture and macabre collectibles creates a specific atmosphere focused on alternative art forms.

How do I get tickets?

Visit https://odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com/ to purchase day passes or weekend passes in advance. Tickets are also available at the door on event days unless the event sells out. Pricing varies for single-day versus full-weekend admission.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring cash for vendors who prefer it, a valid ID for tattoo consultations, comfortable shoes for walking on concrete floors, and a bag for purchases. The venue is climate controlled but can feel cool, so bring a light jacket. Expect crowds, loud music, and visual content that includes medical specimens and preserved animals.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The expo welcomes newcomers with a relaxed atmosphere where you can browse without pressure. First-timers can watch tattoos being done, talk to artists about future appointments, and explore the oddities market at their own pace. The event is open to the public and does not require prior tattoo experience or knowledge of the oddities trade.

Houston Oddities & Curiosities Expo

Name: Houston Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Start: 2026-03-14
End: 2026-03-15
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center

The Houston Oddities & Curiosities Expo is a two-day event on March 14-15, 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. This touring expo combines live tattooing with vendors selling medical oddities, taxidermy, occult items, and macabre art. The event fills the convention center hall with hundreds of booths where tattoo artists work on clients while nearby tables display preserved specimens, antique medical equipment, bones, and dark artwork. Houston has a tattoo scene that mixes traditional Americana with Mexican influences, particularly in neighborhoods like Montrose and the East End. Local shops have hosted guest artists for decades, and the city supports a range of styles from bold traditional work to fine-line black and grey. This expo fits into that culture by bringing traveling tattooers and local artists together in one space. Attendees can book tattoo appointments in advance or take walk-up spots if available. Artists bring flash sheets and custom designs. Beyond tattooing, vendors sell handmade jewelry, art prints, and unusual collectibles. Some booths offer tarot readings or sideshow performances. The atmosphere is casual and open to the public. The George R. Brown Convention Center sits at 1001 Avenida de las Americas near Discovery Green. Parking is available in the convention center garage and adjacent lots for a daily fee. Several hotels are within walking distance, including the Hilton Americas-Houston and the Marriott Marquis. The venue is climate controlled but the concrete floors are hard, so comfortable shoes help. Tickets are available as single-day passes or weekend passes. Children are typically allowed with adult supervision, though the content is geared toward adults. Cash and cards are accepted at most booths, though some vendors prefer cash. Bring a bag for purchases and ID if you plan to get tattooed. The expo runs Saturday and Sunday with doors opening around 10 AM and closing around 6 PM, though exact times vary by day.