October 3rd & 4th, 2025

University Plaza Convention Center

333 South John Q Hammons Parkway, Springfield, MO 65806

Booth Application

Apply now for a tattoo or vendor booth

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Hosted by STRIGOI

Welcome to the Dark Side of Creativity

Tattoos. Oddities. Art that makes you look twice.

This fall, Springfield will become a haven for the weird, wild, and wonderfully dark as the Freak Arts Expo takes over the University Plaza Convention Center for two days of immersive, eye-popping creativity.

Whether you’re a tattoo collector, a fan of the freaky and surreal, or just someone who loves bold, unapologetic art,this event is for YOU.

Purchase Tickets

Purchase a one or two day pass online, tickets are also available at the door.

Buy Tickets Online

What to Expect

Live Tattooing

Vendors

Oddities Showcase

Tattoo Contests

Costume Contests

Suspensions

Entertainment

Award Categories

Tattoo Awards

$10.00 per entry

Judging requires client presence.

Best Traditional Tattoo

Best Realism Tattoo

Most Creative Tattoo

Best Black & Gray Tattoo

Best Color Tattoo

Best Cover-Up Tattoo

Best Portrait Tattoo

Best Abstract Tattoo

Best Collaborative Tattoo

Lifetime Achievement Award for Tattoo Artistry

Best HorrorBest Arm or Leg Sleeve

Best in Show*

*Best in Show competitions require initiation and completion at the convention

Day 1 Costume Contests

$10.00 per entry

Best Classic Horror Costume Celebrating iconic monsters like vampires, werewolves, and ghosts

Most Creative Zombie Unique and terrifying takes on the undead

Scariest Villain Costume Dressing up as the most menacing characters from movies or literature

Creepiest Paranormal Costume Ghosts, spirits, and anything supernatural

Best Horror Movie Character Costumes inspired by characters from classic or modern horror films

Day 2 Costume Contests

$10.00 per entry

Most Original Scare A creative twist that’s truly unique and chilling

Best Group A terrifying ensemble that keeps the fear factor high

Eerie Doll Costume Chilling interpretations of dolls, including vintage and creepy styles

Freaky Animal Costumes Costumes featuring scary animals like bats, spiders, or snakes

Haunting Historical Figures Dressing up as ghostly versions of historical figures or legends.

Vendor Contests

NO entry fee

Best Oddity Display

Most Creative Freak Art Piece

Best Taxidermy Art

Strangest Performance Art

Best Curated Cabinet of Curiosities

Audience Favorite Oddity

Most Unique Handmade Item

Best Interactive Experience

Top Macabre Sculpture

Lifetime Achievement Award in Freak Arts

Mark your Calendars

Come along for this amazing ride as we celebrate creativity, passion, and the one-of-a-kind beauty of artistic expression. Your support means the world, please like, share, and follow to help grow our community! Most importantly, connect with us and be part of the show. Have questions or want to get involved? Just send us a message anytime. Together, let’s keep art alive and thriving!

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