Asheville, North Carolina, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival wrapped up its sixth edition, showcasing local and international tattoo artists at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center. The event featured live tattooing sessions, performances, and competitions, drawing a diverse crowd. Organizers expressed satisfaction with the festival’s success this year, emphasizing resilience in overcoming past challenges from Hurricane Helene. The festival not only highlighted tattoo artistry but also fostered a sense of community through various activities and performances, making it a vital part of Asheville’s cultural landscape.
Asheville, North Carolina – The sixth annual Villain Arts Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival concluded its successful run from September 12 to September 14, celebrated for showcasing both local and international tattoo artists. The event was held at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center and featured a variety of attractions for tattoo enthusiasts and the general public alike.
The festival opened its doors on Friday at 2 p.m., welcoming attendees until 11 p.m., with Saturday hours extending from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets were reasonably priced at $20 for a single day or $40 for a three-day pass, making the event accessible to a wide audience.
Throughout the weekend, attendees were treated to a diverse lineup of activities, including live tattooing sessions, entertainment performances, and various vendors displaying tattoo-related merchandise. Participants in the festival had the unique opportunity to enter competitions to win trophies, which attracted both freshly inked and seasoned tattoo enthusiasts.
Organizers expressed satisfaction with this year’s festival after previous challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, which impacted earlier planning stages. The event’s return this year displayed resilience and a commitment to celebrating tattoo culture within the community.
In addition to the stunning displays of artistry, the festival featured live performances across various entertainment formats. Acts such as burlesque shows, contortionists, and live suspension attracted audiences, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. This year, the festival not only highlighted skilled tattoo work but also sought to create a sense of community through shared experiences.
The Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival was part of a broader weekend filled with local happenings, including the West Asheville street fair, local theater performances, and the Mountain State Fair. Such events contributed to a lively atmosphere in the city, providing multiple avenues for fun and excitement.
Other notable weekend activities included the opening of the NightShade non-alcoholic bar and lounge, an event called Dog Day Afternoon, and the Burton Street Ag Fair. Furthermore, the River Arts District held a resilience art event, marking the one-year anniversary since Hurricane Helene’s impact on the community.
Attendees at the festival noted advancements in tattooing technology, which have made the process more comfortable compared to previous years. This feedback, along with a thriving creative environment, contributed to the festival’s success and positive reception.
Event Details
| Date | Hours | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|
| September 12-14 | Friday: 2 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | $20 (single day); $40 (three-day pass) |
Coming Events
- West Asheville Street Fair
- Dog Day Afternoon
- Burton Street Ag Fair
- NightShade Bar and Lounge Opening
- River Arts District Resilience Event
Background
The Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival has evolved into a significant cultural event within the city. Initiated six years ago, it serves as a platform for tattoo artists to connect with the community, celebrate art, and engage with a diverse audience. By fostering local pride and attracting international talents, the festival has established itself as a must-visit for tattoo lovers and those interested in unique artistic expressions.
FAQs
What is the Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival?
The Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival is an annual event that showcases local and international tattoo artists, live entertainment, and various vendors related to tattoo culture.
When did the festival take place?
The festival occurred from September 12 to September 14, 2023.
What were the ticket prices for the event?
Tickets were available for $20 for a single day or $40 for a three-day pass.
What types of entertainment were featured at the festival?
The festival included a variety of entertainment, such as burlesque shows, contortionists, and live suspension acts.
What other events took place during the same weekend?
Additional events included the West Asheville street fair, Dog Day Afternoon, and the Burton Street Ag Fair, along with the opening of NightShade non-alcoholic bar and lounge.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Weekend Events Promises Fun and Engagement for All
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Villain Arts Tattoo Festival
- AVL Today: Asheville Events
- 828 News Now: 9/11 Memorial Services
- Google Search: Asheville Tattoo Festival
- Axios: Tattoo Festival in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Tattoo Culture
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
