Kansas City Tattoo Arts Festival #11 (2026)

The Kansas City Tattoo Arts Festival is a 3-day tattoo convention held annually in Missouri's largest city. The 2026 event runs from May 1 to May 3 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, located at 2345 McGee Street in downtown Kansas City. This is the 11th edition of the festival. The event fills the Sheraton's ballroom and exhibition spaces with tattoo artists from across the Midwest and beyond. Attendees can watch live tattooing, browse vendor booths selling equipment and supplies, and get piercings on-site. The convention floor includes stations for walk-up tattoos, though most artists recommend booking appointments in advance through their social media or websites. The festival accepts both industry professionals and the general public. Artists compete in daily contests covering categories like black and grey, color, and traditional American work. The event also features art displays and merchandise vendors selling tattoo-related clothing and accessories. Kansas City sits at the intersection of several Midwest tattoo traditions. The city has a history of American traditional work dating back decades, alongside newer shops specializing in blackwork and illustrative styles. The Crossroads Arts District, located near the venue, hosts several established studios that participate in the local scene. Parking is available at the Crown Center complex, which connects to the hotel via covered walkways. Several hotels operate within walking distance of the Sheraton for attendees traveling from outside the metro area. The venue is accessible via Kansas City's streetcar line, which stops two blocks from the hotel entrance. Tickets are typically available at the door or in advance through the event's social media channels. Attendees should bring valid ID, as the event is 18+ for entry and 21+ for alcohol service in the hotel bars. Cash is useful for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. The hotel offers on-site dining options, and the surrounding Crown Center district contains restaurants and shops within walking distance.