
The Alba Chopper & Tattoo Show is a three-day convention that combines tattoo artistry with custom motorcycle culture. The 2026 edition runs from May 8 to May 10 in Piazza Medford, a central square in Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy. Alba sits in the Langhe region of Piedmont, an area famous for Barolo wine, white truffles, and as the birthplace of Nutella. While smaller than Milan or Rome, Alba has hosted this event annually for several years, drawing collectors and artists from across Italy and Europe. The convention takes over the historic center, creating an open-air environment where attendees can watch live tattooing and inspect custom chopper motorcycles side by side. Piazza Medford is named after Alba's sister city, Medford, Oregon, and sits surrounded by medieval towers and traditional cafes. The event fills this square and adjacent streets with tattoo stations, vendor booths, and motorcycle displays. Artists work on both booked appointments and walk-up requests, using the outdoor light and atmosphere. Custom bike builders display choppers and cafe racers, often competing for prizes in various categories. The schedule includes tattoo contests with categories like black and grey, color, and small pieces. Motorcycle judging typically happens on Saturday afternoon. Evenings feature music and socializing at local bars and venues within walking distance. Food vendors serve local specialties including tajarin pasta, carne cruda, and wines from surrounding vineyards. Parking is available in the lots outside Alba's city walls, as the historic center is pedestrian-only. The train station offers connections to Turin and Asti, with the venue located ten minutes on foot from the station. Hotels in Alba fill quickly during May due to tourist season and truffle festival preparations, so early booking is necessary. The event usually charges a daily entrance fee, with weekend passes available. Attendees should bring cash for tattoo deposits and smaller vendors, though most artists accept cards for final payments. Sun protection is essential as the square has minimal shade. The cobblestone streets require comfortable footwear. This is an outdoor rain-or-shine event, so checking the weather forecast is advisable.
The Alba Chopper & Tattoo Show is a three-day tattoo convention and motorcycle exhibition held from May 8 to May 10, 2026, at Piazza Medford in Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy. The event combines live tattooing by guest artists with displays of custom choppers in an open-air setting. Attendees can browse vendor booths, watch tattoo competitions, and view bike builds while exploring Alba's historic center. The city sits in the Piedmont region's Langhe hills, famous for Barolo wine and white truffles. The convention draws artists and collectors from across Italy and Europe to this small city, offering tattoo culture and motorcycle customization against a setting of medieval towers and wine country.
The event takes place from May 8 to May 10, 2026, at Piazza Medford in Alba, Province of Cuneo, Italy. Alba is in the Piedmont region, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Turin. The venue sits in the historic city center, surrounded by medieval towers and cafes.
The convention features live tattooing, custom chopper motorcycle displays, and vendor booths selling equipment and apparel. Artists work on appointments and walk-ups while bike builders show their latest creations. There are typically competitions for both tattoos and motorcycles, with judging on Saturday afternoon.
Ticket information for the 2026 edition has not been released yet. Check the event's social media pages or local Alba tourism websites for updates on pricing and advance sales. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are usually available at the entrance, though prices may vary.
Bring a valid ID, cash for deposits and small purchases, and sun protection. The event is outdoors in Piazza Medford, which has limited shade. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on cobblestones, and you should check the weather forecast as the event runs rain or shine.
Yes. The open-air format makes it easy to observe tattooing without pressure, and the combination of motorcycles and tattoos creates a relaxed atmosphere. The historic setting of Alba offers restaurants and hotels within walking distance, making it accessible for newcomers.