WALDORF, Md. — Tattoo artists, live music, vendors and sideshow entertainment are coming to Waldorf for the Cruel Summer Tattoo Arts Festival, and The BayNet is giving away 10 tickets for opening night.
The three-day festival runs Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Jaycees Event Center, located at 3090 Crain Highway in Waldorf. The event will feature tattoo artists from across the region, along with vendors, contests, live music, magic, circus acts and other specialty performances.
What’s Happening Friday Night
Doors open to the public at 1 p.m., with the hall staying open until 11 p.m. Guests arriving early will have plenty of time to walk the festival floor, watch artists tattoo live, check out vendor booths and browse merchandise.
Friday’s entertainment kicks off at 6 p.m. with Dr. Finnegan’s Circus, right as Lithium & Candy launches into a set of ’90s and 2000s rock that carries through the evening.
Contortionist archer Camille Zamboni takes the stage at 7 p.m., followed by magician and mentalist Jordan Jonas at 8 p.m.
Burlesque performer Cervena Fox closes out the night’s stage acts at 9 p.m.
The evening wraps with the Tattoo of the Day competition — registration closes at 9:30 p.m., with a winner announced at 10 p.m. From there, the celebration continues at an after-party at The Remedy 20601.
Friday night’s Open Tattoo Competition is open to tattoos completed outside the festival, and artists do not need to be present to enter. The festival will also feature an Art Gallery Competition, giving artists another opportunity to showcase their creativity.
The performers don’t just show up for one night — Cruel Summer has entertainment for all three days of the festival, so no matter which day you attend, there’s a show waiting.
Magician and mentalist Jordan Jonas, Dr. Finnegan’s Circus, contortionist archer Camille Zamboni and burlesque performer Cervena Fox are scheduled throughout the weekend, giving guests something new to catch each day.
Enter below for a chance to win admission to opening night of the Cruel Summer Tattoo Arts Festival. Winners will be announced July 24.
Live Music Lineup
Friday, July 31– The weekend kicks off with live music from Lithium & Candy, performing favorite rock hits from the 1990s and 2000s from 6 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1 – Saturday turns up the energy with two live DJ Saint spinning an EDM-focused soundtrack throughout the day, creating a festival atmosphere alongside tattoo competitions, vendors, artists and nonstop entertainment from 6-10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 2 – The weekend closes with local country artist Joe Cox opening for Doc Marten and the Flannels, one of the East Coast’s premier 1990s rock tribute bands. Known for recreating the soundtrack of a generation, the group provides the perfect finale to a packed weekend from 12-6 p.m.
There are also tattoo competitions, cash-prize contests, unique vendors and temporary tattoos for kids throughout the weekend.
When the festival floor closes, the celebration continues.
Official after-parties at The Remedy in Waldorf give artists, vendors and attendees a chance to connect, celebrate and keep the fun going long after the convention floor closes.
Want the full Cruel Summer experience? Grab a weekend pass and enjoy three days of live music, tattoo competitions, entertainment, vendors and more.
Friday, July 31 | 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1 | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 2 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit cruelsummertattoofestival.com to explore artists, entertainment schedules, contests before festival weekend arrives.
Jaycees Event Center is located at 3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf
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