Check Out Tattooed Moms...Literally

Maybe Whiskey Dix has lost its charm (and maybe its license...again); maybe you just feel it’s time to get out during daylight hours. Maybe mom used to shield your eyes on the street and now you’re curious about the "freak shows" she wanted you to avoid. In any case, check out the Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention. The three-day affair isn’t just for inked up bouncers and other assorted burly dudes, either. Attendance often includes families and people just in it for the spectacle. You know, people watchers like yours truly.

And spectacle it is. The convention is attended by over 200 artists and vendors annually, and acts like sword swallower Red Stuart, Enigma and various other bands are peppered throughout the day. We suggest checking out the most unusual tattoo contest on Saturday afternoon. Oh, and did we mention that the Suicide Girls vendor will be there? And the Philly Roller Girls? ...No? Well they will be. Sold!

If that doesn’t pull you from your stool, then why not go for the Philadelphia Custom Motorcycle Show, going on across the hall. Check out the high performance and custom bikes, some on display and some as part of the various bike contests.

Admission covers both shows. Check out the Tattooed Kingpin website for complete and updated schedules and pictures. Just do us a favor: if you get inked, don't blame Phillyist. We don't like it when moms get mad.

Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention/Custom Motorcycle Show
Sheraton Philadelphia City Center (17th & Race St., Franklin Plaza)
Feb. 2-4
Fri. - 2pm-midnight
Sat. - Noon-midnight
Sun. - Noon-8pm
215-448-2000 for reservations
$15 per day
$35 for the whole weekend

Image Credit: Flickr user emiana