When and where is Kapatik World Tattoo Expo 2026?

The event runs January 24-25, 2026, at the IEC Convention Center Cebu (IC3) in Cebu City, Philippines. The venue is located in the Mandaue City area, approximately 30 minutes from Cebu City proper depending on traffic.

What happens at the Kapatik World Tattoo Expo?

The convention features live tattooing by Filipino and international artists, tattoo competitions in various categories, and vendor booths selling equipment and supplies. Attendees can watch artists work, browse flash designs, and purchase tattoo-related merchandise.

How do I get tickets for Kapatik World Tattoo Expo?

Tickets are available through the official website at kapatiktattoo.com. The site lists current pricing for single-day and weekend passes, along with any VIP options. You can also check for updates on guest artists and schedules.

What should I bring to the tattoo convention?

Bring a valid ID for entry and cash or digital payment methods like GCash for purchases. If you plan to get tattooed, wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the tattoo area and eat a meal beforehand. The venue is air-conditioned but can get warm, so bring water.

Is this event suitable for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The convention welcomes newcomers who want to browse artist portfolios, ask questions, and book their first tattoo. Many artists bring flash sheets with pre-designed options, which is helpful for first-timers who want guidance on design choices.

Kapatik World Tattoo Expo

Name: Kapatik World Tattoo Expo
Start: 2026-01-24
End: 2026-01-25
Location: IEC Convention Center Cebu (IC3)

The Kapatik World Tattoo Expo is a two-day tattoo convention running January 24-25, 2026, at the IEC Convention Center Cebu (IC3) in Cebu City, Philippines. The event fills the convention center with tattoo stations, vendor booths, and live art demonstrations across the weekend. Cebu City has deep roots in Filipino tattoo culture. The Visayas region has a history of traditional hand-tap tattooing using thorns and bamboo, and the local scene now mixes these indigenous techniques with contemporary styles. The convention draws artists from across Southeast Asia and beyond, reflecting the city's position as a central point for Philippine tattoo art. The IEC Convention Center Cebu sits in the Mandaue City area, part of Metro Cebu. The venue has exhibition halls with space for multiple tattoo booths running simultaneously, plus areas for merchandise vendors selling equipment, ink, and aftercare products. The building is air-conditioned and has restroom facilities on each floor. Attendees can watch live tattooing throughout both days. Artists take walk-ups and pre-booked appointments, with many bringing flash sheets for spontaneous decisions. The event typically includes tattoo contests judged by established artists, with categories like black and grey, color work, and traditional Filipino designs. Vendor booths line the perimeter, offering tattoo machines, needles, apparel, and body jewelry. This is a recurring event that has established itself in the Philippine tattoo calendar over multiple editions. Previous years have brought in artists from Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Europe, alongside leading Filipino tattooists from Manila, Davao, and Cebu local shops. Tickets are available through the official website at kapatiktattoo.com. Pricing typically varies for single-day versus weekend passes. The venue has parking available on-site, though spaces fill quickly during peak hours. Several hotels are within a 10-minute drive of IC3, including options near the Cebu Business Park and along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue. Bring a valid ID for entry. Cash is useful for smaller vendors, though many accept digital payments common in the Philippines like GCash or Maya. If you plan to get tattooed, eat beforehand and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area you want worked on. The convention floor can get warm with all the equipment running, so dress in layers you can remove. Check the official website for the current guest artist list and specific competition schedules, as these change year to year.