Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival 2017 at BMO Centre this weekend

These needles are a little more exciting than getting your annual flu shot.

The Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival is coming to the BMO Centre this weekend for three days of amazing art, stylin’ skin, burlesque performances, and more.

Anyone looking to add some permanent ink to their skin need only show up and shop around until they find an artist they like.

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This year’s festival will feature artists from around the world, including a team of six tattoo artists from Tahiti who specialize in blending realism with Polynesian design.

There will be an international tattoo competition, and more than 400 artists arriving in Calgary to show off their work.

First place in each category will receive $1,000, and points towards their country’s team.

The festival runs from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, and tickets can be purchased as either $50 weekend passes or $25 day passes.

Friday night is adults only night, from 4 pm to midnight.

Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival 2017

When: Friday, October 13 to Saturday, October 15

Time: 4 pm to midnight on Friday, noon to 10 pm on Saturday, and noon to 6 pm on Sunday

Where: BMO Centre Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SW

Tickets: Available online, $25 for one day, $50 for weekend pass