When and where is the Houston Tattoo Arts Festival?

The 2026 Houston Tattoo Arts Festival takes place from July 24 to July 26 at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas. The venue is located in the Medical Center area, part of the larger NRG Park complex. Doors typically open around noon each day and close in the evening.

What happens at this event?

Over 500 tattoo artists set up booths to do live tattooing throughout the weekend. You can book appointments in advance or walk up for flash tattoos. The event includes tattoo competitions with categories like Best Black and Grey and Best of Show. Vendor booths sell tattoo supplies, clothing, and art. Live music plays on stages inside the venue.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at houstontattoofestival.com. Options include single-day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as well as weekend passes. VIP packages may include early entry and merchandise. Children under 12 usually enter free with a paying adult.

What should I bring or expect?

Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk on concrete floors all day. Bring cash for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept credit cards. Bring a valid ID if you plan to get tattooed. The venue has food vendors, but lines can be long during peak hours.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The festival welcomes people who have never been to a tattoo convention. You can watch artists work without getting tattooed, browse the vendor area, or get your first tattoo from an experienced artist. The atmosphere is casual, and artists are used to working with nervous first-timers.

Houston Tattoo Arts Festival #8 (2026)

Name: Houston Tattoo Arts Festival #8 (2026)
Start: 2026-07-24
End: 2026-07-26
Location: NRG Center

The Houston Tattoo Arts Festival is an annual tattoo convention held at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas. The 2026 event runs from July 24 to July 26. This is the 8th edition of the festival. The NRG Center sits in the Medical Center district, part of the larger NRG Park complex near downtown Houston. The venue offers 700,000 square feet of exhibition space, making it one of the largest convention centers in the Southwest. Over 500 tattoo artists set up booths across the floor during the three-day weekend. Attendees can book appointments for custom work or walk up for flash tattoos. The event includes tattoo competitions in categories like Best Black and Grey, Best Color, and Best of Show. Artists compete for cash prizes and trophies. Vendor booths sell tattoo supplies, aftercare products, clothing, and jewelry. Several stages host live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Some editions include seminars for working artists, though schedules vary by year. Houston has a long tattoo history tied to its port culture, military presence, and Mexican-American communities. The city is home to many shops specializing in Chicano black and grey work, traditional American, and Japanese-inspired pieces. The festival reflects this mix, with artists from across Texas, Louisiana, and the Southwest region. Tickets are available for single days or the full weekend. VIP packages sometimes include early entry and merchandise. Parking is available at NRG Park lots, though public transit via the METRORail is an option from downtown. Nearby hotels include the Marriott Medical Center and Hilton University of Houston. First-time attendees should bring cash for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes. The convention floor is concrete. Bring ID if you plan to get tattooed.