Rubber City Tattoo Invitational returns this weekend at John S. Knight Center downtown
Downtown Akron will be seeing a lot of ink this weekend with the second annual Rubber City Tattoo Invitational at the John S. Knight Center.
The event, which will feature more than 250 tattoo artists as well as contests, entertainment and the chance to get tattoos, will run 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Contests each day will include best traditional, best sport-themed, best Ohio-themed, best anime, best superhero, best "Star Wars" and even worst tattoo.
"We are thrilled to bring together such a remarkable group of artists and enthusiasts at the 2023 Rubber City Tattoo Invitational," co-founder Tony Urbanek said in a statement.
He has been tattooing for more than 30 years and co-founded the event, which celebrates artistic excellence, innovation and cultural diversity, with Akron native Elizabeth Clay.
"We want to create an inclusive space that inspires artists, educates enthusiasts, and promotes the art form as a vibrant and respected medium,” Urbanek said.
Entertainment will include an Elvis tribute with Craig Newell Friday, the band Van Sailin' Saturday and Scott Sopata steel drums on Sunday. Other activities will be a pinup contest Saturday, a bike show Sunday, and activities for kids, including a designated kids’ area called the AK-Rowdy.
Cost is $20 a day or $40 for the weekend, with tickets sold only at the door. For more information, see rubbercitytattooinvitational.com or @rubbercitytattooinvitational on social media.
In related news, in honor of the Rubber City Tattoo Invitational, the Akron Art Museum is offering free admission to anyone who has a Keith Haring-inspired tattoo Friday through Sunday, which could be anything from a barking dog to a dancing figure. The offer ties in with the museum's "Keith Haring: Against All Odds" exhibit celebrating the iconic 1980s artist and his cartoon-style figures. The exhibit goes through Sept. 24.
Keith Haring exhibit: Work of iconic artist Keith Haring makes splash at Akron Art Museum
Arts and restaurant writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Second annual Rubber City Tattoo Invitational this weekend in Akron
