Ink in the Alley will return to downtown Hattiesburg on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for its third annual celebration of tattoo culture, local art, artists and community. Hosted by the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and Historic Saenger Theater, this free, day-long event transforms the Pocket Alley and Saenger stage into a vibrant gathering place where guests can choose to get a new tattoo on the historic Saenger stage, contribute to a community work of art, shop local makers or simply experience the creativity of Hattiesburg.
“We are excited to bring back Ink in the Alley for the third year,” said Wes Pilgrim, Saenger Event and Sales Coordinator. “Each year, we look for ways to build on what people enjoy about the event while making the experience even better. This year, we’re extending the event hours and reconfiguring the vendor layout to create a better flow for both our vendors and guests.”
This year’s Ink in the Alley will feature 10 tattoo artists offering walk-up flash tattoos on the historic Saenger Theater stage, giving attendees the opportunity to get tattooed in a truly unique setting while experiencing the artistry and creativity behind the craft.
Participating tattoo artists and shops include:
Anthony Washington — Ink Company
Bill “Earl” Gilliland — Original Ideas
Brandi Bruce — SwampWater Studio
Courtney Collette — Inkk Culture Tattoo
Ferrill Rodriguez — Good Cat Tattoo
Jake Fielder — SwampWater Studio
Jess Kuespert — Hattiesburg Tattoo
Mannie Anderson — Ink Company
Robbie Wilson — Lady Luck Tattoo
Samantha Varner — Lady Luck Tattoo
The event will also feature 23 outdoor arts and crafts vendors throughout the Pocket Alley, showcasing locally created artwork, handmade goods and other creative works. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day, along with a bar serving specialty drinks.
New this year, guests can leave their own creative mark on “The Ink Collective,” an interactive community art project. The collaborative canvas will feature a series of colorful shapes, or “blobs,” that participants can transform by drawing within them and adding their own artistic interpretation. Participation will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the individual contributions ultimately coming together to create one collective work of art.
Younger artists can get in on the fun with the Fruit by the Foot Race, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The competition will be divided into three age groups: 4–8, 9–12 and 13–17. Participants will unroll a Fruit by the Foot by placing one end in their mouth and race to see who can finish it first without using their hands. The first participant in each age group to finish, wins.
Additional activities will include the popular $1 Temporary Tattoo Mystery Door, where guests can take a chance on receiving a mystery tattoo – without the commitment of permanent ink.
A tattoo contest will also take place at 5:00 p.m., offering participants an opportunity to show off their ink while celebrating the creativity, artistry and personal stories behind tattoo culture.
Awards will be presented in five categories:
· Best American Traditional Tattoo
· Best Tribal Tattoo
· Best Anime Tattoo
· Best Arm/Leg Sleeve
· Most Unusual Tattoo
Ink in the Alley will also welcome some special surprise guests from the Hattiesburg Zoo, with animal encounters and educational experiences adding another unexpected element to the day.
“Tattooing is an art form, and Ink in the Alley gives us an opportunity to celebrate the incredible creativity behind it while also showcasing many other talented artists and makers,” Pilgrim said. “There’s an energy surrounding this event that makes it fun whether you come for a new tattoo, to shop local art, enjoy the entertainment or simply see what’s happening in the alley.”
Ink in the Alley is free and open to the public. Tattoo services, food, beverages and vendor merchandise will be available for purchase.
Ink in the Alley
Saturday, September 19, 2026
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Hattiesburg Pocket Alley & Historic Saenger Theater
Downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi
