When and where is Bordeaux Tattoo Convention #20?

The event is March 7-8, 2026, at Vélodrome du Lac in Bordeaux, France. The venue is located near the lake district in the northern part of the city.

What happens at this convention?

Artists tattoo live on the convention floor, with booths arranged in rows throughout the velodrome space. There are competitions for different tattoo styles, vendor stalls selling equipment and aftercare, and opportunities to book appointments with guest artists.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at http://www.conventiontattoobordeaux.com/. Options usually include single-day and weekend passes.

What should I bring to the convention?

Bring a valid ID, cash for tips and small purchases, and reference images if you want a walk-up tattoo. The venue is indoors, so dress for comfort rather than weather.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The 20th edition has an established layout and staff who manage the floor. First-timers can observe artists working, browse portfolios, and get small pieces or consultations without pressure.

Bordeaux Tattoo Convention #20 (2026)

Name: Bordeaux Tattoo Convention #20 (2026)
Start: 2026-03-07
End: 2026-03-08
Location: Vélodrome du Lac

Bordeaux Tattoo Convention #20 is a two-day tattoo convention taking place March 7-8, 2026, at Vélodrome du Lac in Bordeaux, France. This marks the 20th edition of the event, which has established itself as the main annual gathering for tattoo artists and collectors in the southwest of France. The convention occupies the Vélodrome du Lac, a spacious indoor venue located near Bordeaux's lake district in the northern part of the city. Artists set up booths throughout the floor space, offering both pre-booked appointments and walk-up tattoos. Attendees can watch live tattooing across various styles, including traditional French work, realism, Japanese irezumi, and contemporary blackwork. The event typically includes competitions judged by attending artists, with categories covering small tattoos, black and grey work, and color pieces. Vendor stalls line the perimeter, selling tattoo machines, needles, aftercare products, and apparel. The atmosphere is work-focused but open to observers, with artists displaying portfolios and flash sheets on their booth walls. Tickets are available through the official website, with options for single-day entry or weekend passes. The venue offers parking on-site, though spaces fill quickly on Saturday mornings. Hotels in Bordeaux's city center are accessible via tram or a short drive, with many attendees staying in the Saint-Jean or Gare district for easy access to the lake area. Bordeaux has developed a distinct tattoo culture over the past two decades, with shops concentrated in the historic center around Rue Sainte-Catherine and the Saint-Michel neighborhood. The convention reflects this local scene while drawing artists from Paris, Toulouse, and international locations. March weather in Bordeaux is typically cool and damp, but the velodrome is fully enclosed and heated. First-time attendees should bring cash for tips and small purchases, photo ID, and loose clothing if planning to get tattooed. Food options are usually available inside the venue or from trucks in the adjacent parking area.