2026 SEATTLE TATTOO EXPO RETURNS THIS WEEKENDTO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF INK

Legendary Artists, Live Ink Contests, Burlesque & BurlesKaraoke

Headline the Expo's 25th-Anniversary Weekend on August 14-16

Seattle, WA. (July 9, 2026) -The annualSeattle Tattoo Expo returns to Seattle Center’sExhibition Hall this August, bringing a unique showcase of tattoo culture and history, fan-favoritecontests, burlesque, karaoke, and more. Hosted by Seattle’s own legendary shopsHiddenHand TattooandSupergenius Tattoo, the 2026 Seattle Tattoo Expo brings the best tattoo artists from around the world right to Seattle’s backyard for one weekend only. The 2026 Seattle Tattoo Expo is August 14-16, 2026 – tickets are on sale now at SeattleTattooExpo.com.

By purchasing a ticket, you will see over 250 popular tattoo artists including the legendary Vyvyn Lazonga(Madame Lazonga's Tattoo, Seattle), Shawn Barber(Los Angeles, CA), Tony Hundahl (Favorite Tattoo, Austin, TX), and Big Gus(of the hit TV showTattoo NightmaresandCollective Ink Gallery).

Tattoo appointments at the Seattle Tattoo Expo can be made in advance or done on-site, depending on the individual artist's preference. See the current list of hundreds of tattoo artistshere atSeattleTattooExpo.com/artists.The Seattle Tattoo Expo was created with the primary goal of showcasing new talent, welcoming existing fan favorite artists, and providing enthusiasts with a gathering place to sharetheir love for this historical art form.“Whether you're walking in with a piece already planned or you've never sat in a chair before, there's an artist here for you," said April Cornell, owner of Hidden Hand Tattoo and Altar Tattoo."Our goal is to curate an approachable experience and showcase that Seattle's tattoo community is accessible to everyone."Since it first launched in 2001, the long-running expo has grown into the region's premier tattoo event, drawing thousands of attendees and hundreds of artists from around the world each year to Seattle Center. Get tickets to the 2026 Seattle Tattoo Expo at SeattleTattooExpo.com

The Seattle Tattoo Expo returns to Seattle Center's Exhibition Hall August 14–16 for its 25th-anniversary year, featuring more than 400 tattoo artists, live ink contests, burlesque, and karaoke. Hosted by Seattle's own Hidden Hand Tattoo and Supergenius Tattoo, this year's expo features legendary artists Vyvyn Lazonga, Big Gus, Shawn Barber, and Tony Hundahl, alongside hundreds more from around the world.

First launched in 2001 with roughly 30 tattoo shops, the expo has grown into the Northwest's largest tattoo event, now drawing more than 110 tattoo shops, nearly 400 artists, and thousands of attendees to each year. Attendees can also shop from a lineup of vendors, grab a bite from food trucks like Dumpling Tzar, Monster Dogs, Kottu, and Thai-U-Up, while also stopping by the bar to round out the expo into a full weekend experience.

Each day of the expo features a full slate of live tattoo contests judged in categories like Best Small Color, American Traditional, Black and Grey, Portrait, Worst Tattoo, Body Suit, Large Black and Grey, Funniest Tattoo, Large Color, and Sleeve, culminating each night in Best of Show. Full schedule, contest rules, and entry details ($15 entry fee, entries accepted at the contest tent next to the stage) are available at seattletattooexpo.com.

Throughout the weekend, Tramp Stamps Burlesque takes the stage Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring J. Von Stratton, Faggedy Randy, INGA, Ruby Mimosa, Valerie Veils, Carson St. Clair, Moscato Sky, and P. No Noire. Saturday night brings BurlesKaraoke, featuring Ruby Mimosa, P. No Noire, Carmen Caliente, and Faggedy Randy, with DJ Baby Van Beezly and Beau Briefs.

WHERE:

Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

301 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109

WHEN:

August 14–16, 2026

Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

LEARN MORE:

For tickets, the full artist list, and event details, visit SeattleTattooExpo.com.