You've got to love weekends like this. There's a book festival in the Arts District, a craft festival in Oak Cliff and a tattoo extravaganza where some ink virgin is sure to get a Chinese character stamped on her back, only to find out weeks later it doesn't translate to robin. Yeah, that happened to a friend of ours a few years ago, but that shouldn't stop you from getting tatted at the Immersed in Ink Tattoo and Arts Festival this weekend.
The festivals rolls into the Arlington Convention Center today and continues through Sunday. Over 150 tattoo artists will be in attendance, offering up their talents to ink aficionados who want to add to their collection and to those clean canvases who are looking to start one. Bring in your own design or let one of the talented artists at the festival design one for you.
Needles and ink aren't the only attractions, so make sure to catch the graffiti exhibit, the circus sideshow and the suspension acts if you have a strong stomach. If you don't know what suspension's all about, then take a long swig of Pepto before you watch this. Tickets are $20 per day or $35 for a weekend pass. For more information, visit immersedinink.com.
After the jump, see what else we've got planned for your weekend...
Etsy Craft Party Friday, June 10, at Oil & Cotton It seems like just yesterday we stumbled onto Etsy and found a stunning crocheted penis fanny pack (no joke), but it's been six years since the site launched crafty moms and struggling artists out of obscurity. The local group of Etsy vendors is celebrating the anniversary with their Craft Party starting at 7 p.m. tonight. Laura's got the details in her preview from yesterday, and let us know if you see any fanny packs to add to our collection. Visit etsydallas.blogspot.com.
A-Kon Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 12, at The Sheraton Dallas A-Kon, the longest-running anime convention in North America, is back for its 22nd year, and if you love dressing up like Sailor Moon or you can't wait to play Ninja Maiden 3 before everyone else, then head to the Sheraton downtown for a little Cosplay (that's costume play for you non-Konners) and more. Autograph sessions and meet and greets start today, but plan on staying for the Steampunk high tea social at 9 p.m. If you haven't registered yet, you can still pick up a 3-day pass (commemorative shirt included) for $77 today starting at 3 p.m. One-day ticket prices vary. Visit a-kon.com for the complete list of events.
Six Arms to Hold You Saturday, June 11 through Friday, July 8, at Ro2 Art at The Aloft Hotel The unique and vibrant exhibit celebrates the female form in individuals works from Joey Seeman, Cathey Miller and John Gonzales as well as the collective piece, Six Arms to Hold You. An opening reception starts tomorrow night at 6 p.m., and the collection will be on view daily through July 8. Visit ro2.com.
BooksmART Saturday, June 11, at the Dallas Museum of Art It can be hard to get the kids to participate in educational activities during the summer because, heck, the pool is open, but we doubt you'll have a hard time convincing the kids to meet their favorite authors and illustrators on Saturday at the first-ever BooksmART festival. Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Chains), Norton Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth) and David Weisner (Art & Max) are among the authors that will discuss and sign their books. There are plenty of kid-friendly workshops and tours to keep them occupied while they wait to meet their literary heroes. General admission to the museum is free, and the complete list of activities is available at dallasmuseumofart.org.
