When and where is Ink In the Rink Tattoo Expo?

The event runs May 15-17, 2026 at the James R. Eister Youth & Community Center located in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. The convention uses the facility's ice rink as the main floor space.

What happens at this event?

Artists from Pennsylvania and surrounding states set up booths to tattoo clients live during the event. You will find vendors selling tattoo supplies, aftercare products, and related merchandise. The event usually includes tattoo contests divided by style and subject matter.

How do I get tickets?

Ticket information is available through the event's official channels. Check local tattoo shop announcements or social media pages for the event for current pricing and online sales. Tickets are typically sold at the door during the event as well.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid ID, cash for tips and small purchases, and comfortable clothing. The venue has concrete floors so wear supportive shoes. Food is usually available on-site or nearby. The temperature inside the rink area can be cool, so bring a light jacket.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The size is smaller than major city conventions, which makes it easier to talk with artists and see the work up close. The atmosphere is relaxed and the crowd is mostly local tattoo collectors and enthusiasts.

Ink In the Rink Tattoo Expo

Name: Ink In the Rink Tattoo Expo
Start: 2026-05-15
End: 2026-05-17
Location: James R. Eister Youth & Community Center

Ink In the Rink Tattoo Expo is a three-day tattoo convention taking place May 15-17, 2026 at the James R. Eister Youth & Community Center in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. The event fills the facility's ice rink with tattoo booths, supply vendors, and live tattoo stations. Sunbury sits along the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania, about 50 miles north of Harrisburg. The city has a working-class history and a small but dedicated tattoo community, with several shops serving the coal region and Susquehanna Valley. This convention brings artists from across the state and neighboring regions to work in a unique venue that normally hosts hockey games and community events. The James R. Eister Youth & Community Center houses the Sunbury Ice Rink, which provides an open floor plan for the expo. Attendees can walk the convention floor to watch artists work in real time, browse equipment and aftercare products from vendors, and book appointments for future work. The event typically includes tattoo contests with categories for black and grey, color, and traditional work, judged by participating artists. The convention runs Friday through Sunday. Hours are usually 12 PM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, with shorter hours on Sunday. Single-day and weekend passes are available at the door or online. Parking is available at the venue lot and surrounding streets. Hotels in Sunbury include the Hampton Inn and several budget options along Route 15. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has concession stands. Artists set up booths with portfolios available for review. You can book same-day tattoos if an artist has openings, though many recommend contacting artists beforehand. The atmosphere is casual and focused on the work rather than entertainment distractions. Bring cash for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes as the concrete rink floor requires walking. This is likely an annual or periodic event, though specific edition history is not widely documented online. The "rink" concept uses the ice arena's infrastructure to create a contained, climate-controlled space for tattooing.