When and where is the Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo?

The 2026 Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo runs from July 24 to July 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown in Manchester, New Hampshire. The venue is located in downtown Manchester with parking available on-site. The convention typically opens Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday evening.

What happens at this convention?

Artists tattoo live on the convention floor throughout the weekend. The event includes competitions in categories like best traditional and best neo-traditional. Vendors sell tattoo supplies, machines, and related merchandise. The focus is on American traditional and neo-traditional work, though artists in other styles also attend.

How do I get tickets for the Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://livefreeordietattooexpo.com/. Options usually include single-day passes and full weekend passes. Prices vary by day and package. Children under a certain age typically enter free with a paying adult, but check the website for current policies.

What should I bring to the tattoo convention?

Bring a valid ID, as you must be 18 or older to enter. Cash is useful for food vendors and small purchases, though most artists accept cards for tattoo deposits. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors. If you plan to get tattooed, eat beforehand and bring water. The hotel has restaurants nearby, but lines can be long during peak hours.

Is this event good for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo is smaller than major city conventions like Philadelphia or New York, making it manageable for newcomers. The focus on traditional tattooing means the atmosphere is straightforward and work-oriented. Artists are generally approachable and willing to discuss designs. The venue size means you can see everything without walking miles of convention halls.

Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo (2026)

Name: Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo (2026)
Start: 2026-07-24
End: 2026-07-26
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown

The Live Free Or Die Tattoo Expo is an annual tattoo convention held in Manchester, New Hampshire. The 2026 event marks the 18th edition and runs from July 24 to July 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. This convention draws tattoo artists and collectors from across New England and the East Coast. The event focuses on traditional and neo-traditional tattoo styles, though artists working in other styles also attend. The name references New Hampshire's state motto, "Live Free or Die," which appears on the state's license plates and reflects the independent spirit of the local tattoo community. The DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown provides a central location with ample space for vendor booths, artist stations, and seminar rooms. Attendees can watch live tattooing throughout the weekend as artists book appointments and walk-ups. The convention floor includes booths selling tattoo equipment, apparel, and supplies. Competitions typically run across multiple categories including best traditional, best neo-traditional, and best of show. Manchester has a compact but active tattoo scene. The city sits between Boston and the White Mountains, making it accessible for travelers from Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. Several established shops operate in the Manchester area, including those with artists who have been in the industry since the 1990s. The 2026 event runs Friday through Sunday. Friday hours typically start in the afternoon, with full days Saturday and Sunday. Single-day and weekend passes are available through the official website. The DoubleTree offers on-site parking, and several other hotels are within walking distance in downtown Manchester. Attendees should bring cash for booth purchases and food vendors, though many artists accept cards for deposits. This is a working convention. Artists come to tattoo, and collectors come to get tattooed. The atmosphere is casual and focused on the work rather than celebrity appearances. First-time attendees should expect noise from tattoo machines, crowds around popular booths, and the general bustle of a busy hotel convention center.