
The Golden State Tattoo Expo is a three-day event from September 18 to September 20, 2026. It is held at the Pasadena Visitor Center in Pasadena, California. The event is hosted by Ink Master judge Nikko Hurtado and artist Carlos Torres. Attendees can watch live tattooing and get tattooed by artists working on site. There are tattoo competitions with categories like best of day and best large scale. Seminars cover technical and business topics for artists. Vendor booths sell clothing from presenting sponsor Sullen Clothing, tattoo aftercare, and original art. There are also live burlesque performances. Pasadena is near Los Angeles, which has a large and diverse tattoo community known for custom designs and celebrity clientele. Tickets are sold at the door and online. Children 12 years old and under get in for free. Parking is available at city lots near the convention center. The event has a history of featuring well-known artists from Southern California and beyond.
The Golden State Tattoo Expo 2026 is a three-day tattoo convention happening from September 18 to 20, 2026. It is located at the Pasadena Visitor Center in Pasadena, California, United States. The event features live tattooing with artists like hosts Nikko Hurtado and Carlos Torres, tattoo competitions, educational seminars, and vendor booths selling apparel and art. This expo connects attendees with the extensive Southern California tattoo scene, which is a major hub for custom, large-scale, and celebrity-favored tattoo work.
The expo is from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, 2026. It is held at the Pasadena Visitor Center, located at 300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101.
The event has live tattooing on the floor, daily tattoo competitions, educational seminars for artists, and vendor booths selling clothing and art. Live burlesque performances are also scheduled.
Tickets are available for purchase at the door during the event. You can also buy them in advance through the official event website at https://goldenstatetattooexpo.com/.
Yes, the expo is suitable for first-timers. It offers a chance to see many artists' work in one place, watch the process of getting tattooed, and learn about different styles in a convention setting.