Tattoo enthusiasts from around the area are gearing up to showcase the artistry and culture of body ink May 16-18 at the fifth annual Ark-La-Tex Tattoo and Art Expo at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview.

Event organizer Sam Roach said before the 2024 expo that the three-day event features live tattooing from 150 artists from across the nation and daily tattoo give-a-ways, tattoo competitions, food vendors, art exhibits, a human suspension display and more.

During the event a panel of independent judges will survey the work of the tattooists and award daily prizes and trophies in more than 20 categories.

On the show性视界传媒檚 final day, 性视界传媒淏est of Show性视界传媒 will be awarded to the artist with the best work completed during the entire event.

Beyond the ink, Roach previously said the festival aims to foster a sense of unity, celebrating the rich tapestry of tattoo culture and its significance across different communities.

性视界传媒淭attoos are mainstream now,性视界传媒 he said. 性视界传媒淚t性视界传媒檚 moms and dads that are coming in to get tattooed by some of the best artists in the industry and there性视界传媒檚 even airbrushing for the kids. This is a fun, family event that we are proud to host every year.性视界传媒

The Ark-La-Tex Tattoo & Art Expo runs noon to 11 p.m. May 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 17 and noon to 9 p.m. May 18.

Admission is $20 per day for adults with a weekend pass available for $40 and free for children 12 and younger. Tickets only will be sold at the event.

May 16 schedule

Noon: Doors open

Tattoo giveaway: 6:30 p.m.

Live music: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Daily competition judging: 9 p.m.

Midnight: Doors close

May 17 schedule

RG Car Show: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Doors open: 11 a.m.

Tattoo giveaway: 4 p.m.

Live music: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Daily competition judging: 8 p.m.

Doors close: Midnight

May 18 schedule

Doors open: Noon

Tattoo giveaway: 4 p.m.

Live music: 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Harley Motorcycle raffle: 6 p.m.

Daily competition judging: 6:30 p.m.

Doors close: Midnight

For more information, visit .