When and where is the Memphis Tattoo Festival 2026?

The event runs April 10-12, 2026, at the Graceland Exhibition Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The venue is located near Elvis Presley's Graceland estate and is accessible from Interstate 55.

What happens at this event?

The convention features live tattooing by guest artists, tattoo competitions in categories like black and grey and traditional, and vendor booths selling supplies and apparel. Attendees can book appointments or request walk-up tattoos.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://www.tattoofilter.com/tattoo-events/memphis/memphis-tattoo-festival-2026. Single-day and weekend passes are typically offered.

What should I bring or expect?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on concrete floors. Bring cash for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. Expect loud music from booth speakers and the sound of tattoo machines.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. First-timers can watch artists work, browse portfolios, and book future appointments without pressure. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming to newcomers.

Memphis Tattoo Festival 2026

Name: Memphis Tattoo Festival 2026
Start: 2026-04-10
End: 2026-04-12
Location: Graceland Exhibition Center

The Memphis Tattoo Festival 2026 is a three-day tattoo convention running from April 10 to April 12, 2026. The event takes place at the Graceland Exhibition Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The convention fills the exhibition hall with tattoo artists working live on the convention floor. Attendees walk between booths where artists from across the United States and international guests set up stations to take appointments and walk-ups. Many artists display flash sheets on their booth walls or tablets, showing available designs for the day. The event includes tattoo competitions with categories for black and grey, color, traditional, and large-scale work. Judges typically announce winners on Sunday afternoon. A vendor area sells tattoo machines, needles, aftercare products, and apparel from clothing brands and local printers. Memphis has a tattoo history tied to its music culture and Southern location. The city has shops that have served musicians and locals since the 1990s, with styles ranging from Southern traditional to rockabilly-influenced designs featuring dice, cards, and musical notes. The convention reflects this mix, with artists specializing in Americana, bold blackwork, and realism. The local scene includes long-standing shops on Poplar Avenue and Madison Avenue that have trained multiple generations of Memphis tattooers. The Graceland Exhibition Center sits near Elvis Presley's Graceland estate on Elvis Presley Boulevard. The venue has parking available on-site and is accessible from Interstate 55 and Interstate 240. Several hotels operate within a five-minute drive, including the Guest House at Graceland and chain options on Brooks Road. Some attendees stay in downtown Memphis, which is a 15-minute drive south to the venue. Tickets are available through the official event website. Single-day and weekend passes are typically offered, with prices varying by purchase date. The floor opens around noon on Friday and runs until evening each day, typically 10 or 11 PM. Saturday and Sunday usually start earlier, around 11 AM. Attendees should bring cash for tips and smaller vendors, though most artists accept credit cards. Wear comfortable shoes as the concrete floor is hard on feet during a full day of walking. The venue has food concessions, though many attendees eat at nearby restaurants on Elvis Presley Boulevard. First-time convention attendees can watch artists work, browse portfolios, and book future appointments. The atmosphere is casual and loud, with music playing from booth speakers and the constant sound of tattoo machines. Artists typically bring one or two apprentices to help with setup and breakdown.