Everything You Need to Know to Attend the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention

Tattoo enthusiasts, art collectors, and festival lovers, mark your calendars because the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention is just around the corner! This 36th annual event is a highlight not just for Richmond, Virginia, but for the international art and tattoo community. We’re welcoming some of the most skilled tattoo artists and fine artists from around the globe. They’ll be showcasing their skills, creativity, and passion live and in-person. 

The convention is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with celebrity artists and also a great way to make memories with your family and friends thanks to kid-friendly activities, local food trucks, tattoo competitions, a Pin-Up competition, and our Live Art for Charity event. 

As you prepare to get the gang together to make the most of the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention this October, here are a few ways to get your head in the game…

Brush Up On a Little Bit of Tattoo History

The Richmond Tattoo Convention has earned its reputation as one of the premier tattoo events in the United States thanks to a storied history filled with legends, loss, prestige, and innovation. The tale begins in 1976 and evolves and grows to the tattoo convention you will attend this year featuring more than 180 talented artists. From the world’s most celebrated tattoo artists to your favorite local artist–they all travel from far and wide to participate in this event, making it a prestigious mosaic of tattoo cultures, techniques, and trends. 

Read our detailed historic timeline of American tattoo history here.  

Get Your Tickets Early

To make the most of your convention experience, we recommend securing your tickets early. You’ll save money as the ticket price increases the closer we get to the big event. When you purchase Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention tickets early, you’ll also be first in line to book exclusive experiences and hear about new celebrity and event announcements. 

There are several ticket options available, including:

• VIP Options: Starting with the VIP Ultra Pass, you can unlock benefits like two hotel nights, VIP Check-in, merch, food and beverage vouchers, and more. 
• Weekend + Day Passes: These tickets grant you access to the convention floor and other activities and performances where you can explore tattoo booths, art displays, and vendor booths. 
• Free Entry: Active duty military, senior citizens, and Virginia-licensed tattoo artists can all enjoy complimentary entry into our tattoo convention on Friday and Sunday during the weekend-long event. Children under 12 get in free all weekend.

Explore all ticket options.

Getting Tattooed at the Convention

One of the highlights of the Richmond Tattoo Convention is the opportunity to get tattooed by world-class artists, some who may only be in the area for this one unique opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to traditional American, intricate Japanese, or contemporary watercolor styles, our artist directory is your go-to resource. Browse through profiles, portfolios, and social media links to discover artists whose work resonates with your vision. Planning ahead and scheduling consultations can ensure that you and your artist are aligned on the design and expectations are set and met.

Here’s how you can make it happen:

• Appointments: Many artists prefer to schedule appointments in advance. To book a session with your desired artist, visit the Tattoo Artist list on the convention website. Each artist manages their own bookings, so it’s essential to contact them directly to discuss availability and design ideas. 
• Walk-Up Tattoos: For those who prefer spontaneity, many tattoo studios will offer walk-up tattoos. Simply visit their booth, check their flash designs or discuss your custom ideas, and secure your spot.

Our famous “glory hole” tattoo booth has been given a little upgrade this year for the 36th annual event. Long-time Richmond Tattoo Convention goers have evidence of this storied and fun event feature. It blends a bit of skill, a little luck, and a love for tattoos. Learn about these two new tattoo booth features: 

• “Get What You Get” Tattoo Booth: Are you brave enough to get a random flash tattoo? At this booth you choose one of the flash sheets available, put your arm through a hole, and let the tattoo artist on the other side decide your fate. Entry is $20, but VIP ticket holders get free access as well as first priority. 
• “Get What You Hit” Tattoo Booth: Take aim at a giant board covered in tons of different tattoo designs with the goal of hitting the design of your choice. If you don’t like the design that you hit, you can purchase additional shots for $20 each. Each shot is $20, but VIP ticket holders get free shots as well as first priority.

Additional Convention Highlights

Beyond tattooing, the Richmond Tattoo Convention offers a wide array of activities and attractions for the whole family. Signing up for our newsletter is the best way to get regular updates about them all. 

• Kids’ Activities: Our family-friendly event welcomes children under 12 for free until 8 p.m. There’s a designated kids’ activity area with entertainment and even a Kids’ Tattoo Competition where young enthusiasts can showcase their creativity and Mom, Dad, and siblings to win prizes. Enjoy the bounce house, caricature artists, face painting and more. 
• Entertainment: As night falls, adult attendees can enjoy interactive comedy shows, a new Pin Up Competition, and after party. It’s a chance to unwind and immerse yourself in the vibrant, friendly, funny, and creative subculture of tattoo artistry.
• Live art for Charity: All weekend long, you can witness art come to life before your eyes during our Live Art for Charity mural showcase. Talented artists of many different disciplines will create stunning 3’ x 3’ masterpieces in real-time. After the event, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on each piece of artwork. All the proceeds go to support this year’s selected charity which is Hope vs. Cancer.

Getting Here + Staying Here

The best way to make the most of your Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention experience is to stay in the hotel! The entire event takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Easily book your room early through the convention’s Hotel Application to secure a spot. Rooms fill up quickly, so act now.

If you are driving to and from the hotel venue each day, parking at the venue is available for a nominal fee. We recommend purchasing your parking passes in advance to streamline your arrival process. Pro tip: VIP ticket options come with parking passes included!

We want all of our festival goers to stay safe. A smart approach to attending the tattoo convention is to arrive and depart via rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. You can get dropped off at the front and driven home safely after a day of fun. 

Richmond Tattoo Convention Volunteers Get Perks

Interested in being part of making tattoo history? Volunteers are essential to making this annual historic event a success. In exchange for assistance with registration, set up, managing celebrity experiences, and more, volunteers receive perks such as gift cards to Loose Screw Tattoo, exclusive merchandise, and passes to enjoy the convention when they’re not on duty. Sign up today to be a volunteer!

Above All, Be Ready to Celebrate Art

The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention is not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, skill, and community. Whether you’re planning your next tattoo masterpiece or simply immersing yourself in our international art community, this convention offers something for everyone. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit and explore the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention website. 

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