November 6 - 8, 2026 • Nashville Fairgrounds

Middle Tennessee Tattoo Expo hosts tattoo contests where winners receive custom awards.

The tattoo contests are open to all tattoo-lovers & attending artists who want to showcase their work! Entries are judged by a panel of three artists, and winners receive custom MTTE awards. Whether you're entering a fresh tattoo or a healed masterpiece, we want to see your best! Check out the schedule and guidelines below.

Tattoo Contests

Sunday

2PM
Color: Small, Medium, Large

5PM
Color: Sleeve, Torso

7PM
Collab
Tattoo of the Day
Best In Show

Saturday

2PM
Black & Grey: Small, Medium, Large

6PM
Black & Grey: Sleeve, Torso

9PM
Tattoo of the Day

FRIDAY

5PM
Best Flash Sheet
Best Body Suit Art
Best Booth
Best Banner
Geometric
Tribal - Blackwork
Spooky
Anime
Pop Culture

7PM
Realism
American Traditional
Japanese Traditional
Neo-Traditional
Best Overall Collector

9PM
Tattoo of the Day

Guidelines

  • Anyone can enter a fresh or healed tattoo in all categories except for the ones noted below which are reserved for attending artists only.

  • Sign-ups must occur 30 minutes before the start of each contest. Come find us at the merch table near the Main Stage - you’ll see a sign!

  • Entry fee is $10 per tattoo (cash only).

  • Except where indicated, each category is any style, size, and color.

  • Sizing is based on a standard 8.5 x 11” piece of paper.

    • Small: Smaller than half a sheet of paper.

    • Medium: Larger than half but smaller than a full sheet of paper.

    • Large: Larger than a full sheet but less than full coverage of a limb or torso.

    • Sleeve: Full arm or leg.

    • Torso: Full back or front.

  • Best Flash Sheet, Best Body Suit Art, Best Booth, Best Banner, Tattoo of the Day, and Best in Show are for attending artists only and do not cost to enter.

  • One flash sheet per attending artist is permitted for the Best Flash Sheet category.

  • Tattoo of the Day: Must be started and finished on the same day.

  • Best In Show: Must be started and completed during the expo.

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