When and where is the St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival?

The event runs May 22 through May 24, 2026 at America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The venue is located near the Gateway Arch with parking available on site.

What happens at the St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival?

The convention features live tattooing by hundreds of artists. Vendor booths sell tattoo supplies and merchandise, and daily competitions run in categories such as Best Sleeve and Best Color. Attendees can get tattooed on site, watch artists work, or browse portfolios to book future appointments.

How do I get tickets for the St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival?

Tickets are available through the official Villain Arts website at villainarts.com. Options typically include single-day passes and weekend passes, with VIP packages available for early entry.

What should I bring to the St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival?

Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to get tattooed, as all tattoo services require proof of age 18 or older. Cash is recommended for tips and vendors, though most accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the convention floor.

Is this event good for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival is open to the public and welcomes first-timers. The layout is easy to navigate, and artists are available to discuss designs and pricing without pressure to commit to a tattoo.

St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival

Name: St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival
Start: 2026-05-22
End: 2026-05-24
Location: America’s Center Convention Complex

The St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival is a three-day tattoo convention taking place May 22 through May 24, 2026 at America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The event fills the convention center with tattoo artists from across the Midwest and beyond, offering attendees the chance to get tattooed on site, browse artist portfolios, and purchase tattoo supplies and merchandise. Villain Arts organizes this annual event, which draws hundreds of tattooers to the Gateway City. The convention floor features rows of vendor booths where artists set up stations for walk-up appointments and pre-booked sessions. Attendees can watch live tattooing throughout the weekend as artists work on large-scale pieces and smaller custom designs. The event includes daily tattoo competitions with categories such as Best Sleeve, Best Back Piece, Best Color, and Best Black and Grey. Artists submit fresh work completed at the convention or within recent months, and judges score entries based on technical execution and artistic merit. A stage area hosts these contests and award presentations. America's Center sits near the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis, with parking available at the adjacent garage and nearby lots. Hotels within walking distance include the Marriott St. Louis Grand and the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch. Attendees should bring photo ID, cash for tips and vendors, and reference images if planning to get tattooed. The convention runs Friday through Sunday, typically from 11 AM to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. St. Louis has a long tattoo history dating back to the early 20th century when riverboat workers and military personnel sought out local tattooers. Today the city maintains a strong community of American traditional and neo-traditional artists, with several established shops in the Soulard and Cherokee Street neighborhoods. The convention reflects this heritage while bringing in guest artists from Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis, and other regional markets. Tickets are available through the Villain Arts website. Single-day and weekend passes are typically offered, with VIP options that include early entry. Children under 12 usually enter free with a paying adult, though tattoo services are restricted to ages 18 and up with valid identification.