When and where is Alamo City Tattoo Expo #21?

The event runs March 20-22, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio-Live Oak Conference Center in Live Oak, Texas. Live Oak is located northeast of downtown San Antonio, approximately 15 miles from the city center.

What happens at this convention?

The expo includes live tattooing by guest artists, vendor booths selling supplies and merchandise, and tattoo competitions judged in categories like black and grey, color, and traditional work. Artists work at stations throughout the conference center while attendees walk the floor.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://www.inkmasterstattooshow.com/. The site offers day passes and full weekend passes. Check the site closer to the event date for specific pricing and any early bird options.

What should I bring if I want to get tattooed?

Bring government-issued identification, cash for deposits and tips, and wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area you want tattooed. Eat a full meal before your appointment and avoid alcohol. The venue has hotel amenities but limited nearby dining options beyond chain restaurants.

Is this event good for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The hotel conference center layout is smaller than major city convention centers, making it easier to navigate. The 21st edition has an established reputation for organization. First-timers can observe live tattooing, browse portfolios, and talk to artists without the overwhelming crowds of larger expos.

Alamo City Tattoo Expo #21 (2026)

Name: Alamo City Tattoo Expo #21 (2026)
Start: 2026-03-20
End: 2026-03-22
Location: Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio-Live Oak Conference Center

The Alamo City Tattoo Expo is a three-day tattoo convention held March 20 through March 22, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio-Live Oak Conference Center in Live Oak, Texas. This is the 21st edition of the event, which has run annually in the San Antonio area since the mid-2000s. The convention takes place in the conference facilities of the Hilton Garden Inn, located just off Interstate 35 on the northeast side of San Antonio. Live Oak sits approximately 15 miles from downtown San Antonio, making it accessible for locals and visitors staying in the city proper. The venue offers on-site parking and is near several chain hotels and restaurants along the I-35 corridor. Attendees can expect floor space divided between vendor booths selling tattoo supplies, clothing, and jewelry, and stations where artists work on clients. The event includes tattoo competitions across multiple categories including black and grey, color, and traditional work. Guest artists from Texas and surrounding states book appointments in advance, though some accept walk-ups depending on availability. San Antonio has a long tattoo history tied to its military presence and Chicano art traditions. The city has produced notable traditional and neo-traditional artists, and the convention reflects this mix of military-style tattoos, Mexican-American iconography, and contemporary styles. The Hilton Garden Inn setup means the convention has a compact, indoor layout with climate control and hotel amenities attached. Attendees can book rooms at the host hotel or nearby accommodations along I-35 and Loop 1604. Day passes and weekend passes are available through the official website. The event runs standard convention hours, typically opening midday Friday and continuing through Sunday evening. Bring cash for vendors and tips, though many artists accept cards for deposits. If you plan to get tattooed, eat beforehand and bring identification. The hotel location means food options are limited to on-site catering and nearby chain restaurants, so plan accordingly for full days on the floor.