SPECIAL EVENT | Roc City Tattoo Expo 

This weekend, LoveHate Tattoo will present the 8th Annual International Roc City Tattoo Expo at the downtown Holiday Inn (formerly the Crown Plaza) at 70 State Street. The show features more than 200 artists in the "skin trade" from all over the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan, showcasing a variety of techniques and styles. Visitors have the chance to meet and be tattooed by some of the world's best artists, without the hassle of international travel. And if you love the styles of tattoo art, but aren't ready to commit to something permanent, many of that artists will also be selling their artwork (for your walls).

The expo takes place Friday, April 22, 1 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, April 23, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, April 24, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 per day or $25 for a weekend pass. If you plan to get some new ink at the show, be sure to bring along a valid state or federal issued photo ID. To guarantee an appointment with a specific artist during the convention, it's recommended emailing them ahead of time in order to secure a particular day and time. You must be 18 years of age to be tattooed. For more information, email [email protected] or check out roccitytattooexpo.com.