06 • 08 March 2026
★ 300 TATTOO ARTISTS ★
LOCATION
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
400 Renaissance Center,
Detroit, Michigan, 48243
United States
SHOW INFO
Welcome to the 30th Anniversary of The Motor City Tattoo Expo in 2026
From our humble beginnings in 1996, the Motor City Tattoo Expo has grown into a major annual gathering for the tattoo community. This year we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary. Each year the show continues to grow bigger and better and this year is no exception.
By 2026, we have gathered an amazing list of talented artists from all around the world. Visit the vendors throughout the expo and find something unique to take home.
The Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center will host the event again this year. For more than two decades, this convention has attracted tattoo enthusiasts from around the world, and as it continues to grow in popularity and attendance, the expo will again fill the large ballroom for the 2026 event. For one weekend each year, the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center serves as home to one of the largest Tattoo Conventions in the country with more than 300 artists attending, everyone makes a point to attend our Detroit event.
This convention is the perfect opportunity for the curious to learn first-hand about tattoo art.
The expo will host live entertainment, tattoo seminars, tattoo contests, lots of vendors selling merchandise, and a cash bar.
VIDEOS GALLERY
PAST EDITIONS
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- 2025
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- 2024
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- 2023
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- 2022
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- 2019
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- 2018
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- 2017
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- 2016
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- 2015
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- 2014
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- 2013
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- 2011
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- 2009
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- 1996
Motor City Tattoo Expo 2017
(03-05 March)
Motor City Tattoo Expo 2008
(February 28 – March 02)
Motor City Tattoo Expo 2001
(07-10 March)
See more Tattoo Conventions in the United States
See more Tattoo Conventions in the World
Looking to get a family tribute sleeve put together & started! Hoping to find a good fit with an artist this weekend 😍
I would love to get a small to medium memory tattoo for both of my parents that I lost 6 months apart from each other in the last 6 months.
I volunteer as tribute! Lots of available skin. I sit like a champ and almost never bleed. I keep color like an actual canvas.
Willing and wanting to be a canvas!
I can be used as someones canvas!!!!!!! lolbvs
Hey everyone I have some openings this weekend, email me parisiartworks@gmail.com with your ideas so we can do something rad! Looking to do photorealism mainly color pieces, I'll also have some portraits that I'd like to do for great deals/ cheap prices I picked out! Also gonna have some awesome artwork for sale, come check out our Mayday Tattoo booth! Look forward to tattooing something coo!
Looking to have someone do a watercolor wolf on Saturday if an artist has a time slot available.
Would love to get the Queen from Aliens on my thigh. Style photorealism.
Is it ok for photographers that wanna go for pictures ?
I'm there
I hope BST Ink will be there to represent!!, such talented guys from Westland!
excited I miss it every year…….not thus one :)
I'm definitely gonna hit this up!
How can I get a tattoo at the show?? Any artists working the show and have any openings please contact me.
Is it free to go
ill be an artist guinea pig. old school or new school
i would like something in black and white
right because i want one
What time does it close?
How late does it run today
anyone tell us if theres an admission fee and how much? need to know like riiiight…..NOW
can't wait for tomm!!!!!!!!!
Book a ride on SKOOT from DTW to the Ren Center http://www.rideskoot.com
how do i get tickets the eternal site is only showing whiteness?
4 more days! Whos ready?
First expo! So excited. Looking to get tatted if possible? Any info will help on how to contact. Ryanbourcier@yahoo.com
Can you get tats there?
Can't wait to check it out :D I need some reptile tatz!!!
Looking SOOOOforward to going and seeing Mark Somo from Tattoo Gallery!
Will any artists be giving free tattoos to show off work?
go to the eternal tattoos official website. has the whole list of artists
does anyone here know how to get a photo shoot done with one of the tattoo magazines cause im very interested in having one done while im there for the weekend ??? please let me know
20 more days! Really excited for this event!
Where is the artist list?
I haven't even talked to the boss about working down there. Most likely I won't be. I do work full time at Eternal in Livonia, even when there isn't a convention.
Kevin Lytle.are you already booked full?
Can't wait. Needing new ink so bad. Eternal is the best!
I'm an amateur photographer (vested but don't publish or sell). This is my first Detroit tattoo convention. Any restrictions or release forms that need to be signed before attending, since tattoos are a form of art?
would be up for the realistic pinup/skull. daveg79@gmail.com
This will be my 4th year! Can't wait! Chris Whitney is the truth.com
when do the contest start??
I was just invited to share a booth with my mentor. Looking to do a black and grey portrait, or realistic pin up/skull type. http://www.thefamilyink.com or @littlejohntattoos on i.g.
we should go together!! I'm gonna go on Saturday!
I'd love to check it out!! :)
I can not wait!
Please contact the guys of Eternal Tattoos: http://www.eternaltattoos.com/.
I’m looking for a couple things. 1. Anyone who specializes in Mayan / Aztec B&G designs. 2. A B&G Catrina (Day of the Dead Face). I would love to set something up.
Plan on attending…..
Looking for an artist that can or specializes in the anatomy……Want to get an anatomical heart on the inside of my bicep. Can anyone suggest an artist, possibly even book for MC tattoo expo?
how do i get a booth as an artist
how do I know what tattoo artist are goibg to be there
last year the was a list
Im planned my trip to detroit from dallas around this convention
Seriously? You didn't come to me first? lol
I know nothing about tatoos but want to suprise my son with 1 he has been wanting for years. Angel wings with his grandmothers years of birth and death to honor them. Anyone know who I should contact or how much it may cost me? Thank you for any help
Looking to get a tat re-inked and possibly added to. Could this be done at the show?
What time doors open on sat?
Thank you for the info it was very helpfull
great artist and big ass party!
You think the dude would take his older brother with him. I like tatoos, and I sure as hell like a party!!! Hell, I might even get another tatoo.
What time does it go on till on Sunday?
I heard 11-7 on Sunday.
I would love to get a small to medium memory tattoo for both of my parents that I lost 6 months apart from each other in the last 6 months.
I'll be there! (if any ladies want to book a pinup shoot with me for Powder Puff Pinups )…Hope this isn't too spammy, Please delete it if it is….. ;)
How much do the tattoo's cost once we get inside? And do we hav to make a appointment?
What time is the expo open each day?
Love tattoo expos!!! I'm jealous
Does the event have a FB page?
I'm calling you…over & over.. you need to answer girl:-)!
I'd like to know if cameras are allowed? I have a group of photographers that are interested in coming for the day just to take photos.
Does anyone know the cost of the tickets at the door
Here we go:
Admission:
1 day pass: $20
2 day pass: $30
Weekend Pass: $40
Kids 14 and younger no charge
How do u get tickets for the tattoo expo? Ive never been to one id love to go
Hello Amber, you can buy tickets at the door. The Motor City Tattoo Expo does not have an online advanced tickets sale. Cheers.
Thanks =)
I want to go!
Shit is boutta be too raw. Coming from Cleveland!!!
Does anyone know where I can order tickets ahead of time? I couldn't find out anywhere and I already booked an appointment with an artist attending. Or is buying tickets beforehand not necessary? Thanks.
Hello Mike, you can buy tickets at the door. The Motor City Tattoo Expo does not have an online advanced tickets sale. Cheers.
What's up Detroit u know me its ur boy Chico aka David Jasso u know my shop will be tattoo addicts in the house hope to see all my peeps there!!!
You already know we be off the chain ! Who all is gona be there to support your boy !
Chico u just did a big tribal tattoo on my friends husband and it was sweet as hell. Def looking for ur spot!
coming from ohio to enjoy the convention this is my 1st.
Would love to make this, any one know some one in south west Michigan that does pin up girls?
I'm in Mid West Michigan, check out my portfolio and maybe we can work together. I offer some price flexibility for my traveling clients.
hey sweet! that's me spitting on the track in the video! also edited that shit…ill be workin this show hope to see you all out there!
attending…..
I am attending; and Presently applying a Visa for the US;Please, if you can provide me further invitation to my email address: thom_1404@yahoo.com; is very much appreciated, Thank you and God bless.
I am keeping fingers crossed that I can swing going!
Anyone know how late it closes
Anyone know how late it closes
These are the opening/closing times:
Saturday 11:00AM – 11:00PM
Sunday 11:00AM – 7:00PM
R u and rob going to the tat show
Bob Cadreau Yea it was a good show. Lots of people watching!
How much is it to get in?
Here we go:
1 day pass: $20
2 day pass: $30
Weekend Pass: $40
Kids 14 and younger no charge
Feb. 24, 25, & 26th 17th anual motorcity tatoo expo. at the Detroit Marriot (Renaissance Center) I believe its $20 bucks to get in.
Wish I could go. I Have 7!
Momma always said watch out for girls with tatoos 'cause"they're wild". lol
Juan Elizondo maybe Momma was right eh?