When and where is the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival 2026?

The event runs January 9-11, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, located at 1300 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. The venue connects to the Minneapolis skyway system, which is useful during winter weather.

What happens at this specific convention?

The festival includes live tattooing at artist booths, tattoo competitions judged in categories like traditional and realism, and opportunities to book future appointments. Villain Arts organizes the floor plan to accommodate hundreds of artists working simultaneously.

How do I get tickets for the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival?

Tickets are available through the official website at villainarts.com. Options typically include single-day passes and full-weekend admission. The event is 18+ and requires valid identification for entry.

What should I bring to a January tattoo convention in Minneapolis?

Bring a government-issued ID, cash for tips and small purchases, and warm clothing including boots. While the hotel is connected to skyways, you will encounter snow and freezing temperatures when traveling to the venue in January.

Is this event suitable for someone getting their first tattoo?

Yes. The convention allows you to browse portfolios, watch artists work, and discuss designs before committing. The environment is professional, and you can compare styles and pricing from multiple artists in one location.

Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival #17

Name: Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival #17
Start: 2026-01-09
End: 2026-01-11
Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Festival is a three-day tattoo convention held January 9 through January 11, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is the 17th edition of the event, produced by Villain Arts, a promoter that has organized tattoo conventions across the United States since 1995. The festival occupies the Hyatt Regency's ballroom and exhibition spaces on the main floor. Artists set up booths in rows throughout the room, with spaces for individual workstations, portfolios, and merchandise displays. Attendees walk the floor to watch live tattooing, browse flash designs, and book appointments. The event includes tattoo competitions with categories such as black and grey, color realism, traditional, and small tattoo, with judging typically occurring Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Minneapolis has a tattoo history tied to its Scandinavian roots and working-class heritage. Neighborhoods like Northeast Minneapolis and Uptown host established shops specializing in Nordic imagery, traditional Americana, and fine-line blackwork. The convention reflects this local aesthetic while drawing artists from Chicago, Milwaukee, Denver, and the coasts. The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis sits at 1300 Nicollet Mall, connected to the city's second-floor skyway system. This indoor walkway network is essential in January, when temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow covers the streets. Attendees can park in the hotel ramp or use the Metro Blue Line light rail, with the Nicollet Mall station located two blocks south of the venue. Ticket options include single-day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, plus full-weekend admission. The floor opens Friday at 2 PM and closes Sunday at 8 PM. Cash is necessary for tips and some merchandise transactions, though most artists accept credit cards for deposits and full payment. Attendees must bring valid government-issued ID, as the event restricts entry to ages 18 and older. Nearby hotels include the Hyatt Regency itself, which offers room blocks for convention attendees, and the Millennium Hotel across the street. Nicollet Mall features restaurants ranging from food trucks to sit-down establishments, though many attendees eat at hotel bars or nearby spots like The Local Irish Pub or Hen House Eatery.