When and where is the Athens International Tattoo Convention?

The 2026 event runs May 15-17 at the Olympic Tae Kwon Do and Handball Centre in Paleo Faliro, a coastal district in southern Athens. The venue is part of the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex built for the 2004 Olympics.

What happens at the convention?

The floor has over 200 booths where artists tattoo live, take appointments, and display portfolios. Daily competitions award prizes for technical skill in specific categories. Vendors sell needles, inks, machines, and apparel. Seminars run in side rooms for professional development.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available at https://athenstattooconvention.gr/. Weekend passes and single-day tickets typically go on sale three months before the event. Weekend passes often sell out in advance, though day-of tickets are usually available at the door unless capacity is reached.

What should I bring to the convention?

Bring a valid ID, cash for deposits and merchandise, and reference images if you plan to get tattooed. Wear comfortable shoes for concrete floors. The venue has ATMs and food courts, though prices are higher than outside establishments.

Is this event good for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The layout is straightforward with clear signage, and the 18th edition has refined crowd flow and entry procedures. First-timers can watch artists work, browse portfolios without pressure, and attend seminars to learn about tattoo styles and aftercare.

Athens International Tattoo Convention #18

Name: Athens International Tattoo Convention #18
Start: 2026-05-15
End: 2026-05-17
Location: Olympic Tae Kwon Do and Handball Centre

The Athens International Tattoo Convention #18 is a three-day tattoo convention running May 15 to May 17, 2026 at the Olympic Tae Kwon Do and Handball Centre in Paleo Faliro, a coastal district of Athens. This is the 18th edition of the event, which has run annually since 2008 and draws artists from across Greece, the Balkans, and Western Europe to the Olympic venue. The Olympic Tae Kwon Do and Handball Centre sits within the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex, built for the 2004 Athens Olympics. The space offers high ceilings and natural light through large windows, which works well for the vendor booths set up across the floor. Artists work live at their stations throughout the weekend, taking appointments and walk-ups depending on their availability and schedules. The convention floor is organized into sections for different styles, with areas for black and grey work, color pieces, and traditional tattooing. Competitions run daily on a central stage in categories including Best Large Black and Grey, Best Color, Best Traditional, and Best of Day. Artists present fresh work on stage for judging, with prizes awarded each evening. Seminars take place in side rooms covering technical skills, business management for tattooers, and health safety protocols required under Greek tattoo regulations. Greek law requires tattoo artists to hold specific health certificates, and the convention enforces these standards among participating booths. Athens has developed a distinct tattoo culture over the past two decades. Local studios in neighborhoods like Exarcheia and Psiri specialize in designs ranging from classical sculpture reproductions to Byzantine iconography and contemporary geometric work. The convention reflects this mix, with Greek artists often displaying mythology-based designs alongside ornamental pieces and portraiture. International guests typically include artists from Italy, Germany, and the UK, creating a cross-section of European tattoo styles. Tickets are available online through the official website and at the door, though weekend passes typically sell out in advance. The venue is accessible via the Athens Tram (stop: Peace and Friendship Stadium) and multiple bus lines including the A1 and B1. Parking is available at the adjacent shopping center but fills quickly by midday on Saturday. Hotels in Paleo Faliro and nearby Alimos offer walking distance to the venue, while central Athens hotels in Monastiraki or Syntagma require a 20-minute tram ride south. Attendees should bring cash for deposits and merchandise, as not all vendors accept cards. The venue has basic food courts and coffee stands, though many visitors walk to the nearby Flisvos Marina restaurants during lunch breaks. Afterparties typically happen at bars in Glyfada and the Psiri district, with specific locations announced via the event's social media during the convention weekend. The atmosphere is professional and focused, with artists available to discuss designs and book future appointments at their home studios.