When and where is State Street Tattoo Fest #7?

The event runs May 15 through May 17, 2026 at The Foundation in Bristol, Tennessee. The venue is located near the Tennessee-Virginia border in the Tri-Cities region.

What happens at this event?

Attendees can watch live tattooing, book appointments with guest artists, browse vendor booths for supplies and merchandise, and enter or view tattoo competitions. The convention floor is open to the public with paid admission.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://www.statesttattoofest.com/. The site offers single-day and weekend passes. Check closer to the date for specific pricing and availability.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid government-issued ID, as the event is 18+. Cash is useful for deposits and small purchases, though some vendors accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will stand or walk on concrete floors for several hours.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The layout is straightforward and the atmosphere is casual. First-timers can observe tattooing up close, ask artists questions, and get small pieces or consultations without pressure.

State Street Tattoo Fest #7

Name: State Street Tattoo Fest #7
Start: 2026-05-15
End: 2026-05-17
Location: The Foundation

State Street Tattoo Fest #7 is a three-day tattoo convention taking place May 15 through May 17, 2026 at The Foundation in Bristol, Tennessee. This is the seventh edition of the event, which has established itself as a regular stop for tattoo artists and collectors in the Appalachian region. The Foundation is an event space located near downtown Bristol, close to the state line that divides Tennessee and Virginia. The venue has high ceilings and open floor space that accommodates rows of artist booths, vendor tables, and competition stages. During the convention, the floor fills with the sound of tattoo machines running continuously as dozens of artists work on clients who have booked appointments or walked in for available slots. Attendees can expect to see live tattooing across various styles, from traditional American and Japanese work to black and grey realism and neo-traditional pieces. Vendor booths line the perimeter and center aisles, selling tattoo supplies, aftercare products, clothing, and jewelry. The event includes judged competitions where artists submit fresh tattoos completed during the weekend or healed pieces brought from their portfolios. Categories typically include small black and grey, color pieces, and large-scale work. Bristol is part of the Tri-Cities area, which includes Kingsport and Johnson City in Tennessee and Bristol in Virginia. While the city is best known for the Bristol Motor Speedway and its designation as the Birthplace of Country Music, the tattoo community here has grown steadily. Local shops have anchored the scene for years, and the convention provides a space for regional artists to connect with clients from East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. Practical details matter for this event. The Foundation offers parking, but the lot fills by early afternoon on Saturday, the busiest day. Several hotels sit within a ten-minute drive along Volunteer Parkway and State Street, ranging from budget chains to mid-range options. The event is 18 and older, and security checks IDs at the door. Artists require valid identification before they start tattooing, so attendees should bring a driver's license or passport. Cash remains the preferred payment method for many vendors and for tattoo deposits, though most artists accept cards for the full session payment. The concrete floors and standing-room environment mean comfortable shoes are necessary. Food options are available inside or within walking distance of the venue. Tickets are sold online through the official website and sometimes at the door if the event has not sold out. Single-day and full-weekend passes are available.