The 2026 Summer West Virginia Tattoo Expo is set to take over the Morgantown Marriott Waterfront from August 21-23. This is drawing artists, collectors, and curious visitors for a weekend of ink, competition, and local creative energy.
Organizers are billing the event as a showcase of some of the best tattoo artists in the nation. On-site tattooing will be available throughout the three days. Walk-ins are encouraged, whether attendees come ready to get work done or simply to take in the atmosphere. Alongside live tattooing, the expo will feature Tattoo of the Day specials, category competitions, local vendors, art displays, piercings, and related services. Read more: West Virginia Tattoo Expo returns to Morgantown this August.
What to expect on site
Hours run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. Sunday, August 23, operates on a shorter schedule from noon to 7 p.m. You can either purchase a $50 weekend pass or a $20 day pass, with a $5 discount available for those presenting an active student or military ID.
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Several West Virginia and regional studios are involved. This includes Pike Street Tattoo Studios, Piercings N More, Wolfman Tattoos, The Stick Co., Fuzbrand Tattoo, and No Tomorrow Tattoo. First-aid support is provided by H2Ocean. The gathering aims to blend high-level craftsmanship with an accessible, festival-style setting on the waterfront.
A different kind of weekend in Morgantown
For a region better known for college football Saturdays and outdoor recreation, the expo offers a different kind of local gathering—one centered on visual art and personal expression. Competitions will highlight technical skill and creativity across categories, while the presence of both national and hometown artists creates opportunities for collaboration and discovery.
The Morgantown Marriott Waterfront’s central location makes the event relatively easy to reach for visitors. That goes for those from across the state and neighboring areas. Organizers have emphasized an open, welcoming environment that accommodates both seasoned collectors and those exploring tattoo culture for the first time.
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Full details, including the complete artist roster and any updates, are listed at wvtattooexpo.com. As the summer calendar fills with outdoor concerts, festivals, and sports weekends, the Tattoo Expo adds another option for those looking to spend a few days in Morgantown focused on craft and community rather than the usual stadium fare.
WV Sports Nation is among the sponsors supporting the event.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Huge thanks to WV Sports Nation for helping spread the word about the West Virginia Tattoo Expo returning to Morgantown, WV!
We’re excited to bring another weekend of amazing tattoo artists, vendors, and tattoo culture back to the Morgantown Event Center. This event continues to grow every year because of the incredible support from the West Virginia tattoo community and everyone who shows up to be part of it.
Can’t wait to see everyone August 21-23 for another unforgettable West Virginia Tattoo Expo! 🤘🖤