Las Vegas Days of the Dead Tattoo Expo

The Las Vegas Days of the Dead Tattoo Expo is a three-day tattoo convention running January 16 to January 18, 2026, at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. The event fills the convention space at the Plaza with tattoo artists from across the country and international guests working on clients in open floor booths. Attendees walk the aisles to watch live tattooing, browse vendor tables selling machines, ink, and apparel, and book appointments with artists who travel specifically for this weekend. The convention floor operates from late morning until evening, with artists working under bright lights while crowds gather to observe large-scale pieces and smaller custom work. The Plaza Hotel and Casino sits at the west end of Fremont Street, putting the event within walking distance of dozens of bars, restaurants, and other casinos. Parking is available at the Plaza garage and in nearby lots along Main Street and Carson Avenue. Several hotels cater to convention attendees, including the Plaza itself, the Golden Gate Hotel across the street, and the Circa Resort three blocks east. Las Vegas has a dense tattoo culture supported by year-round tourism and a large local population. Shops operate 24 hours in some parts of the city, and the industry here leans toward bold traditional work, black and gray realism, and large-scale Japanese pieces. This convention draws from that pool of local talent while bringing in artists from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and beyond. Ticket options typically include single-day passes and full weekend passes. The event includes tattoo contests judged by working artists, with categories like Best of Day, Best Black and Gray, and Best Traditional. Some booths sell flash art for walk-up appointments, though most collectors book ahead. Visitors should bring government-issued ID for entry, cash for tips and merchandise, and comfortable shoes for concrete floors. The venue maintains standard casino temperature, so layers help. Food options exist inside the Plaza and within a two-block radius on Fremont Street. This is a working convention where artists complete tattoos during show hours. The atmosphere is loud, busy, and focused on the work. Afterparties happen at downtown bars and clubs, though the main event centers on the tattoo floor.