When and where is Motor City Tattoo Expo #30?

The event runs March 6-8, 2026, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, 400 Renaissance Center Drive, Detroit, Michigan. The convention uses the ballroom and meeting spaces within the hotel complex.

What happens at this specific convention?

Artists tattoo clients at booths throughout the weekend while vendors sell equipment, aftercare, and merchandise. The expo includes tattoo competitions, typically held Saturday evening, with categories like Best Traditional or Best Large Piece. Seminars for professional artists may run during the day.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available at https://themotorcitytattooexpo.com/. The site sells single-day and weekend passes. VIP options sometimes include early entry or priority seating for competitions.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring government-issued ID proving you are 18 or older. Wear clothing that allows easy access to tattoo placement areas. Bring cash for tips and small purchases. Expect crowds on Saturday, lines for popular artists, and loud music on the floor.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The layout is straightforward compared to larger conventions, and the 30th edition has refined operations. First-timers can watch tattooing in progress, browse portfolios without pressure, and book small pieces or flash tattoos with newer artists who have availability.

Motor City Tattoo Expo #30

Name: Motor City Tattoo Expo #30
Start: 2026-03-06
End: 2026-03-08
Location: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center

Motor City Tattoo Expo #30 runs March 6 through March 8, 2026, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, Michigan. This marks the 30th edition of the convention, making it one of the longer-running tattoo shows in the Midwest. The event fills the Marriott ballroom and adjacent convention floors with tattoo stations, vendor booths, and art displays. Attendees walk rows of booths where artists work on clients in real time. The floor plan includes sections for local Detroit shops and traveling artists from other states. Vendors sell tattoo equipment, aftercare products, clothing, and jewelry. The convention follows a standard three-day schedule. Friday opens with early access for VIP ticket holders. Saturday brings the busiest crowds and hosts the tattoo competitions in the evening, with categories typically including Best Traditional, Best Portrait, and Best Small Piece. Sunday runs shorter hours and offers last-minute booking opportunities with artists who have availability. The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center sits on the Detroit River waterfront. The Renaissance Center is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers, and the Marriott occupies the central tower. Parking is available in the attached garage, though daily rates apply. Several hotels are within walking distance in the downtown area, including the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront and the Fort Pontchartrain. Detroit has a tattoo history tied to its manufacturing roots. The city produced traditional American tattoo artists who worked on auto workers and factory employees throughout the 20th century. This working-class influence remains visible in the bold, graphic style favored by many Detroit-area shops. Tickets are available through the official website. Options include single-day passes and full-weekend admission. Artists typically open their books for appointments before the event, though some accept walk-ups on the floor depending on their schedules. Bring a valid ID. The event is 18+ for entry. If you plan to get tattooed, wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area you want worked on. Cash is useful for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards.