Ink It Up at the 2024 Memphis Tattoo Festival

March 15, 2024

Ink lovers and top tattoo artists from around the world will converge on Memphis for a 3-day event packed with artistry, competitions, and community.

From walk-up sessions to competitions, the Memphis Tattoo Festival will be a celebration of creativity and community. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or simply soak it all in, there will be something for everyone.

2024 Memphis Tattoo Festival

The Memphis Tattoo Festival will be held at The Renasant Convention Center in Downtown Memphis, April 5-7, 2024.

What You Need To Know

Those interested in getting a tattoo will have the opportunity to dawn new ink. If you’re hoping to get inked by a specific artist, reach out to that artist through their social media channels or website to get scheduled with them at the festival. If you’re more spontaneous, many artists will take walk-up clients on a first come, first served basis. To get tattooed at the festival, you must be 18 or older with a valid I.D.

For those attending to simply take it all in, the festival is a family-friendly opportunity to see in-demand tattoo artists do what they do best. Many will have merch for sale and a variety of vendors will also be on hand selling everything from supplies to clothing. Visitors can also watch or participate in various contests.

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Tattoo Contests

Speaking of contests, the best tattoos done each day will be voted on by a rotating panel of fellow tattoo artists.

If you’re proud of your own tattoos, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your healed body art for a chance to win in one or more specific categories (i.e. best arm or leg sleeve, portrait). A list of categories and rules can be found at the Memphis Tattoo Festival’s website.

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We’ll See You There!

This three-day event in Downtown Memphis will be a vibrant celebration of artistry, creativity, and camaraderie. With opportunities to get inked, shop, and enjoy some friendly competition, the Memphis Tattoo Festival is sure to be a good time.

Memphis Tattoo Festival, April 5-7, 2024
Renasant Convention Center
255 N. Main Street
Tickets: $55 for the weekend; $25 for a daily pass

Fri, Apr. 5, 2024: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat, Apr. 6, 2024: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun, Apr. 7, 2024: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets.

About the Author

Meet Kelsey J. Lawrence, an award-winning journalist and freelance writer with a passion for outdoor adventure and family travel. Kelsey loves sharing experiences that push her beyond her comfort zone.

With a broadcast journalism career spanning 15 years, Kelsey made her mark as a TV news producer and digital journalist, earning two prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Awards and an Emmy Award. Her expertise also extends to Corporate Communications, having served as a Communications Manager at FedEx, where she earned numerous accolades for her work.

In August 2022, Kelsey welcomed her son, Parks, and has been embracing "mom life" ever since. She is the creative force behind Adventure Baby, a blog that aims to inspire first-time parents like herself to continue traveling and enjoying the great outdoors with their precious sidekicks.

Kelsey also enjoys working with business owners who are looking to enhance their marketing and communications efforts with compelling content and strategic outreach. Feel free to reach out to her if you’re looking to level up your branding and engage your audiences through impactful storytelling.

The most underrated thing(s) about Memphis:

Our beautiful and well-kept hiking trails and walking paths! Parks and I get outside to walk a few miles every morning. We especially love the natural beauty and shade of Shelby Forest as well as the views of the Mississippi River from the Riverwalk pathway to Big River Crossing.

Your favorite Memphis event:

My favorite Memphis event is one I’m lucky enough to participate in annually. The Memphis Ski Freeze happens every year on New Year’s Day at Mud Island River Park. A few dozen of us water skiers and wakeboarders take to the Mississippi River in the frigid temperatures to raise money for The Dream Factory of Memphis. If you think that sounds cold, keep reading. I like to take it to the next level by braving the icy waters without a wetsuit. I was raised in North Dakota after all.

Favorite thing to do in Memphis with kids:

There are so many family-friendly places to visit in Memphis, it’s hard to choose just one! We love the Memphis Zoo for so many reasons. Visiting the zoo is a great way to get some exercise and be outside while seeing some of our favorite animals. The zoo offers kids a variety of interactive opportunities to safely experience the wonders of the “wild.” My favorite experience, the Giraffe Feeding Adventure, gives children of all ages (and us big kids, of course) the chance to get up close and personal with the remarkable animals while learning and having fun. Pro tip? Check out the Memphis Zoo when it’s raining! That’s when the crowds thin out and the animals come out to play.