When you’re looking for tattoo inspiration, roaming through a gathering of the best artists is sure to deliver. At a tattoo show, you get to talk with artists in person about their techniques, peruse a broad range of styles, and see their work in person. We can’t think of a better way to get fresh ideas!
Wondering, “Where can I find tattoo conventions near me?” Tattoo shows take place all over the U.S., welcoming tattoo lovers and industry professionals from around the world. You’ll get exposure to new styles and trends, along with potential artists for your work. If you’re ready to get ink done at a tattoo festival, you can even get a new tattoo on the spot!
Keep in mind that due to COVID-19, some of these events could be canceled, rescheduled, or held virtually. If you’re interested in one or more of these tattoo conventions, check the website regularly to learn about any changes. Once you register, you’ll receive updates based on local conditions and travel restrictions.
Ready to attend the industry’s biggest body art expos and tattoo festivals of the year? We’ll tell you about some of the next tattoo conventions coming up in 2021 that you won’t want to miss. From large to small gatherings, we’ve curated a list of the hottest tattoo conventions of the year. This 2021 tattoo convention calendar delivers something for everyone.
In addition to all of these tattoo shows, you can find worldwide tattoo events in countries from Denmark to Vietnam. If international travel is feasible in 2021, you might consider looking outside the United States as well!
January 2021 Events
Grand Canyon Tattoo Convention
Dates: January 8 to 10, 2021 Location: Mesa, Arizona Show Info: With daily competitions and music, this upcoming tattoo show held at the Mesa Convention Center is sure to be a big hit. The Facebook page shares some sneak previews of artists who will be doing live work at this tattoo festival. Tickets are $25/day or $50 for a three-day pass.Grand Canyon Tattoo Convention
California Golden State Tattoo Expo
Dates: January 22 to 24, 2021 Location: Pasadena, California Show Info: This hit tattoo show features a wide range of offerings, from seminars to “sideshows.” Nikko Hurtado and Carlos Torres host the event, and special guest artists include Stefano Alcantara, Jess Yen, Deano Cook, and more.Golden State Tattoo Expo
February 2021 Events
Body Art Expo: Phoenix
Dates: February 12 to 14, 2021 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Show Info: The Body Art Expo features live music, demonstrations, awards, and more. With tens of thousands of attendees, it boasts the title of the world’s biggest tattoo and body art convergence. Tickets are $20/day or $45 for three days. (This hit industry event also happens in Los Angeles in August!)Body Art Expo
Bleed Black and Gold Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo
Dates: February 12 to 14, 2021 Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Show Info: What better way to spend V-Day than celebrating your love of tattoos? Held at Station Square, this popular tattoo convention brings together more than 200 renowned artists from the tattoo industry. Tickets are $20/day, $35 for a Saturday and Sunday pass, or $50/three days.Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo
March 2021 Events
Minneapolis Tattoo Convention
Dates: March 19 to 21, 2021 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Show Info: The 12th Annual Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention brings together industry professionals and tattoo lovers alike. Meet with the top world-renowned artists at this leading tattoo convention, in addition to top local and national talent. Tickets are $20/day or $40 for a 3-day pass.Minneapolis Tattoo Convention
Carnival of Ink Queen City
Dates: March 19 to 21, 2021 Location: Springfield, Missouri Show Info: One of the midwest’s most popular tattoo conventions, the Carnival of Ink draws award-winning artists from around the United States. Live performances make the weekend even more fun.Carnival of Ink Queen City
16th Ink Masters Tattoo Show Alamo City
Dates: March 26 to 28, 2021 Location: Alamo City, Texas Show Info: This tattoo festival, which is 16 years running, features over 110 award-winning artists who work in all styles, from realism to traditional. Tickets are sold only at the door for $20/day or $35 for a three-day pass to this industry favorite.Ink Master Tattoo Show
April 2021 Events
Boston Tattoo Convention
Dates: April 9 to 11, 2021 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Show Info: In addition to the world-class tattoo artists at the annual Boston Tattoo Convention, a $25 ticket or $45 weekend pass gives you access to musical and burlesque performances throughout the tattoo expo. You can also check out the Miss Boston Ink competition!Boston Tattoo Convention
11th Annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention
Dates: April 9 to 11, 2021 Location: Chicago, Illinois Show Info: This major tattoo convention in Chicago is sure to inspire. Hosted by Villain Arts, this Windy City event will feature special guests, entertainment, and afterparties. Tickets are $22/day or $45 for a three-day pass.Chicago Tattoo Convention
Second Annual New England Tattoo Expo
Dates: April 16 to 18, 2021 Location: Uncasville, Connecticut Show Info: Held in a large casino, this tattoo expo promises to attract over 300 tattoo artists from around the industry, including celebrity artists. You’ll also find great food and photo-taking opportunities by monster trucks and specialty cars at this popular tattoo convention!New England Tattoo Expo
Ink Mayhem
Dates: April 21 to 24, 2021 Location: Laughlin, Nevada (near Las Vegas) Show Info: Las Vegas tattoo shows are guaranteed to be a blast. Featuring live music, a motorcycle rally, contests, and many top-tier artists from around the world, this tattoo convention is sure to deliver. Since it’s held just southeast of Las Vegas, you can easily swing through Sin City before or after the tattoo show! And did we mention there would be motorcycle demos and test rides?Ink Mayhem
Baltimore Tattoo Arts Convention
Dates: April 23 to 25, 2021 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Show Info: This well-attended tattoo expo features over 700 world-renowned artists, including top celebrity tattoo stars. Tickets are $20/day or $40 for a three-day pass. Held in the Baltimore Convention Center, this hit tattoo convention also includes musical performances and live human suspension.Baltimore Tattoo Convention
May 2021 Events
1st Nashville Tattoo Arts Convention
Dates: May 21 to 23, 2021 Location: Nashville, Tennessee Show Info: This new tattoo convention hosted by Villain Arts will take place in Nashville’s Music City Center, featuring a wide array of contests from best portrait to best original flash. Tickets are $20/day or $40 for a three-day pass.Nashville Tattoo Convention
3rd Cincinnati Tattoo Arts Convention
Dates: May 14 to 16, 2021 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Show Info: Hosted at the Duke Energy Center by Villain Arts, this annual tattoo convention will feature 250 of the world’s leading artists. You’ll also see stars from shows like Ink Master and Tattoos After Dark at this hot tattoo expo, and you can expect to find a range of quirky performers such as “the Human Knot” as well. Tickets are $20/day or $40 for three days.Cincinnati Tattoo Convention
June 2021 Events
Ink Mania Tattoo & Art Expo
Dates: June 11 to 13, 2021 Location: St. Petersburg, Florida Show Info: At the 7th annual Ink Mania tattoo convention held in St. Petersburg’s Coliseum, you’ll see everything from up-and-coming local artists to international tattooing talent. Tickets are $20/day or $50 for a three-day pass to this tattoo expo.Ink Main Tattoo Expo
Ruidoso Tattoo Expo
Dates: June 18 to 20, 2021 Location: Ruidoso, New Mexico Show Info: Artists for Artists is hosting this tattoo convention to bring together top talent from around the United States. It will feature free tattoo giveaways, artist competitions, and exciting special guests. Order tickets to this tattoo expo in advance for $10 or pay $15 at the door.Ruidoso Tattoo Expo
July 2021 Events
New York Empire State Tattoo Expo
Dates: July 23 to 25, 2021 Location: New York, New York Show Info: The New York Empire State Tattoo Expo is an industry mainstay. Held in Manhattan by Inked, this leading tattoo convention brings an incredible array of top-tier artists together to showcase the hottest trends in tattooing. Tickets to this tattoo expo are $35/day or $70/weekend.New York Empire State Tattoo Expo
Rubber City Tattoo Invitational
Dates: July 31 to August 1, 2021 Location: Akron, Ohio Show Info: Held at the John S. Knight Center, this tattoo expo will feature more than 100 artists and vendors. You’ll also find pinup contests, a kid’s zone, seminars, and more at this tattoo convention! Check back for updates on ticket prices soon.Rubber City Tattoo Invitational
August 2021 Events
Seattle Tattoo Expo
Dates: August 20 to 22, 2021 Location: Seattle, Washington Show Info: In 2020, this tattoo convention was held virtually, but in 2021, it’s scheduled to be held in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. It promises to showcase emerging industry talent as well as established artists, highlighting cutting-edge trends.Seattle Tattoo Expo
Body Art Expo: Los Angeles
Dates: August 20 to 22, 2021 Location: Los Angeles, California Show Info: If you can’t make the Phoenix tattoo show, the Body Art Expo happens in Los Angeles as well! From fun “side shows” to great music and lots of top-tier artists, this tattoo convention has something for everyone. It’s one of the top industry tattoo expos that talented professionals and tattoo aficionados attend. Tickets are $20/day or $45 for a three-day pass.Body Art Expo
September 2021 Events
Austin Tattoo Invitational 2021
Dates: September 3 to 5, 2021 Location: Austin, Texas Show Info: Since last year’s event was postponed, this 2021 tattoo convention will be the second annual Austin Tattoo Invitational. Hosted in the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas, this tattoo expo features an exciting array of artists from around the United States, as well as piercers.Austin Tattoo Invitational
Cherry Hill Tattoo Expo
Dates: September 17 to 19, 2021 Location: Cherry Hill, New Jersey Show Info: Drawing artists from around the U.S., this tattoo convention will also feature entertainment such as music and contests. Tickets to the tattoo expo are $38.Cherry Hill Tattoo Expo
October 2021 Events
Colorado Tattoo Convention and Expo
Dates: October 1 to 3, 2021 Location: Denver, Colorado Show Info: Because last year’s tattoo convention was postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19, many artists and attendees are eagerly awaiting this event. The Colorado Tattoo Convention and Expo features an exciting range of talent from across the industry at $25 for one-day admission or $45 for the weekend. Plus, there are tattoo competitions and a car show!Colorado Tattoo Convention
9th Annual Tommy’s Tattoo Convention
Dates: October 22 to 24, 2021 Location: Hartford, Connecticut Show Info: At Tommy’s Tattoo Convention, over 300 talented artists from around the United States and beyond, including Tom Ringwalt, gather at the Connecticut Convention Center to showcase their work. Attendees at this hit tattoo show will also enjoy performances such as burlesque dancing.Tommy's Tattoo Convention
4th Annual Arizona Invitational Tattoo Expo
Dates: October 1 to 3, 2021 Location: Glendale, Arizona Show Info: Since this annual tattoo convention could not be held in 2020, the 4th Annual Arizona Invitational Tattoo Expo will be held in 2021 instead. Previous events at the tattoo expo have featured contests and a car show, so this gathering is sure to be a fun-filled time. Tickets are $15/day or $25 for a weekend pass.Arizona Tattoo Invitational
November 2021 Events
Atlantic City Tattoo Expo
Dates: November 5 to 7, 2021 Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey Show Info: Held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, this tattoo expo will bring more than 150 leading artists together from around the United States and across the world. Tickets to this hot tattoo convention are $20/day, $35/two days, or $50 for a weekend pass. Get ready for a weekend of great art and music!Atlantic City Tattoo Expo
New Orleans Tattoo Arts Convention
Dates: November 19 to 21, 2021 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Show Info: The third annual New Orleans Tattoo Arts Convention will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. At $20/day or $40 for a three-day pass, tickets to the tattoo expo give you access to a huge range of international artists, including top artists from across the United States.New Orleans Tattoo Convention
December 2021 Events
International Puerto Rico Tattoo Convention
Dates: TBD, December 2021 Location: TBD, Puerto Rico Show Info: One of the world’s top tattoo conventions, this gathering features renowned international artists. Check back soon for more event specifics!International Puerto Rico Tattoo Convention
