Best Tattoo Conventions in the USA
Where ink legends gather, creativity explodes, and history is made.
Tattoo conventions aren’t just events — they’re the beating heart of the industry. Whether you’re a collector, artist, vendor, or ink-curious fan, these conventions showcase the best of tattooing: live art, competitions, seminars, and raw energy.
Here’s our curated list of the most respected and exciting tattoo conventions in the United States — from historic mainstays to rising festivals that push the culture forward.
Spotlighted Conventions
Hell City Tattoo Festival (OH & AZ)
Known For: World-class artist lineup, professional seminars, live entertainment
Locations: Columbus, OH & Phoenix, AZ
Vibe: A creative, immersive experience with a reputation for excellence
Website: hellcity.com
Why It Matters: Hell City combines a professional environment with an underground edge. It’s where elite artists go to connect, compete, and be seen.
Evergreen Tattoo Expo (Eugene, OR)
Known For: Fine art focus, realism competitions, laid-back West Coast vibe
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Vibe: High-end realism meets small town hospitality
Website: evergreentattoo.com
Why It Matters: Evergreen consistently brings some of the best realism artists in the world under one roof.
Golden State Tattoo Expo (Pasadena, CA)
Known For: Massive international artist turnout, Ink Master celebrities
Location: Pasadena Convention Center, California
Vibe: Glamour meets grit
Website: goldenstatetattooexpo.com
Why It Matters: A high-profile, high-traffic convention that doubles as a who’s-who of modern tattooing.
Coming Soon: Steel City Tattoo Invitational (Monessen, PA)
Known For: (Coming Soon) Celebrating raw talent, community pride, and East Coast grit
Location: Monessen, Pennsylvania
Vibe: Industrial roots, walk-in access, and artist-driven atmosphere
Website: Coming Soon
Why It Matters: Founded by Jake Steele, this up-and-coming invitational will spotlight working-class creativity, oddities, and standout talent in the heart of the Rust Belt.
Other Must-Know Tattoo Conventions
Villain Arts Tattoo Conventions – Held in cities across the U.S., known for accessibility and live contests
Chicago Tattoo Convention – A Midwest heavyweight with major attendance
Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention – East Coast staple with international reach
New York Empire State Tattoo Expo – Industry elite, high-end execution
Inked Out Tattoo Expo (New Jersey) – Strong East Coast representation
Ink Mania Expo (Florida) – Entertainment-meets-tattoo-culture powerhouse
Seattle Tattoo Expo – West Coast diversity and innovation
Texas Tattoo Showdown Festival – Music, tattoos, and festival energy
Atlantic City Tattoo Expo – Ocean-side ink and boardwalk culture
Planning to Attend? Don’t Miss These Tips:
Book hotel & travel 3+ months in advance
Follow attending artists on Instagram and pre-book your appointment
Bring cash for merch, flash sales, and walk-ins
Enter contests — even healed tattoos can win
Explore the seminars and afterparties — it’s where industry networking happens
Want to List Your Convention?
We spotlight unique, artist-run, or community-centered events. Submit yours for consideration: