When and where is the Long Branch Tattoo Fest?

The Long Branch Tattoo Fest takes place July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the Long Branch Convention Center on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey. The venue is located several blocks from the beach and accessible via NJ Transit from New York City or Philadelphia.

What happens at this event?

The convention features live tattooing in open floor booths, with artists working on scheduled appointments and available walk-ups. There are vendor booths for tattoo supplies, clothing, and jewelry. A competition stage hosts judging for categories like Best Traditional and Best Portrait. Food trucks and concession stands operate during show hours.

How do I get tickets?

Ticket information for the 2026 event has not been released yet. Check local tattoo shop bulletin boards and the New Jersey tattoo community social media pages for announcements when sales open. Tickets are typically sold for single days or full weekend access.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid ID, cash for tips and small purchases, and comfortable shoes for walking the concrete floor. The convention center is air-conditioned but can get warm with body heat. Bring reference images if you plan to get tattooed, and arrive early if you want to book a walk-up appointment with a popular artist.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The Long Branch Tattoo Fest is smaller than major city conventions like Philadelphia or New York, making it easier to navigate. The atmosphere is casual, and artists are generally willing to talk about their work. First-timers can observe the process, ask questions, and get a feel for convention tattooing without the overwhelming crowds.

Long Branch Tattoo Fest (2026)

Name: Long Branch Tattoo Fest (2026)
Start: 2026-07-31
End: 2026-08-02
Location: Long Branch Convention Center

The Long Branch Tattoo Fest is a three-day tattoo convention that takes place July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the Long Branch Convention Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. The event fills the convention center with tattoo artists from across the East Coast and beyond, working on clients in open floor booths while spectators walk the aisles. Long Branch sits on the Jersey Shore, about an hour south of New York City by train. The city has a working-class beach town history, and the tattoo scene here draws from both the NYC influence and the Shore's own tradition of boardwalk shops that have operated since the 1990s. The convention reflects this mix, with artists specializing in American traditional, Japanese, black and grey realism, and neo-traditional work. The convention floor is divided between live tattoo stations and vendor booths. Artists book appointments in advance but also take walk-ups depending on availability. The vendor area includes tattoo supply companies, clothing brands, and jewelry makers. There is a competition stage where artists submit fresh work for judging in categories like Best Small Black and Grey or Best Traditional Sleeve. The Long Branch Convention Center is located on Ocean Avenue, several blocks from the beach. Parking is available in the municipal lots near the venue and at the Pier Village shopping complex. Several hotels operate within walking distance, including the Ocean Place Resort and the Wave Resort. Attendees often stay in Asbury Park, ten minutes north, which has a concentration of restaurants and bars. Tickets are sold for single days or the full weekend. The event runs Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. Food trucks usually park outside the loading dock, and the convention center has concession stands inside. Attendees should bring cash for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. Afterparties happen at local bars along Brighton Avenue, particularly Saturday night when the floor closes. This is a mid-sized convention that attracts local collectors and serious tattoo enthusiasts. The atmosphere is casual, with artists talking shop between appointments and showing portfolios to potential clients.