By Danielle Davies
Whether you’re covered in ink or you’re new to the world of tattoos, the Atlantic City Tattoo Expo is a must-visit experience. One of the longest-running, continuous tattoo expos in the United States, the Atlantic City Tattoo Expo is a three-day extravaganza that celebrates all things ink, ink culture, the weird, wonderful and downright taboo. Started in 2001, the festival is held this year at Hard Rock’s Etess Arena from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, with single-day and multi-day passes available. Here are five things to expect.
- Art and Artists
With over 120 tattoo artists on site, the Atlantic City Tattoo Expo is as much an art gallery as it is a smorgasbord of tattoo culture. Artists from all over the country, from The Catrina Ink in Brooklyn and Grave Tattoo in North Brunswick to Black Label Tattoo Co. in Frederick and American Tattoo Society in Fayetteville, will be on hand with everything from traditional, Polynesian, new school, portraits and simple scripts, ready to do what they do best.
- Tattoo Contests
What’s a tattoo expo without some best-of-tattoo competitions? At the Atlantic City Tattoo Expo, there are contests that kick off each day, from Tattoo of the Day (color) and Tattoo of the Day (black and gray) to Best Male / Female Arm Sleeve, Best Geometric / Ornamental Design, Best Portrait, Best Male /Female Hand, and more. Before it all ends, the Best of Show contest features entries from tattoos done specifically at the show for one day or over the course of the entire weekend.
- Location, Location, Location
The AC Tattoo Expo has been held at Etess Arena at Hard Rock since 2021, and the location has only added to the success of the event. While there’s plenty to do inside the expo — food, fun, tattoos and entertainment — the rest of the venue is well worth exploring. From gaming on the casino floor to elevated dining experiences at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill, Kuro and Il Mulino New York, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is as iconic as it comes.
- The Marshall Tucker Band Show
If all of your tattoos celebrate Southern rock, cap off your Saturday night with an 8 p.m. live performance from The Marshall Tucker Band at Sound Waves inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. With decades of chart-topping hits under their belt, The Marshall Tucker Band presents an electrifying night complete with their distinctive blend of rock, country and blues. Tickets are $49 through $89.
- Euphoria Variety Show
Not to be outdone by Saturday night, Sunday at Hard Rock’s Sound Waves features their Euphoria Variety Show at 4 p.m. With a dynamic cast of talented performers, this show journeys through music, dance and comedy with high-energy dance numbers and soulful musical performances. With its unique blend of entertainment, the show is perfect for anyone looking to finish off their AC Tattoo Expo Weekend. Tickets are $29.
