Rubber City Tattoo Invitational to return to downtown Akron beginning July 26

Tattoo enthusiasts across the country will soon flock to Northeast Ohio to receive a chance to be tattooed by some of the country's top artists.

The third annual Rubber City Tattoo Invitational returns to downtown Akron the last weekend in July at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill Street.

The event, which features over 200 tattoo artists as well as contests and music will be held from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 26 and July 27, as well as 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 28. Doors open at 11 a.m. each day.

Attendees can enter a variety of best tattoo contests each day, including best video-game themed, best sports-themed, best anime, best lettering, best blackwork and more. These contests cost $10 to enter.

Entertainment includes a pin-up contest on Saturday and music from a variety of artists, including DJ Mattboy Slim, Van Sailin' and Scott Sapata.

The cost for this event is $20 per day or $40 for a weekend pass. Tickets are only available at the door, and they do not cover the cost of a tattoo.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com or on Twitter @athompsonABJ