When and where is Parma Tattoo Nerd Fest #9?

The event runs June 5-7, 2026, at Hotel Parma & Congressi on Via Emilia Ovest in Parma, Italy. Friday, June 5 is a free preview evening, while Saturday and Sunday are the main convention days requiring tickets.

What happens at this event?

Over 100 Italian tattoo artists work live on clients while vendors sell supplies and merchandise. The event focuses on nerd culture, so expect anime, gaming, and comic book themes alongside traditional tattooing. Live music plays throughout the weekend.

How do I get tickets?

Check the event's Facebook page or Instagram for ticket links and advance sales. Friday evening entry is free. Saturday and Sunday tickets are available online in advance or at the door on the day.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid ID, cash for deposits, and comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors. The venue has food options but limited seating. Contact artists in advance if you want to book a specific tattoo, as walk-up availability is limited.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The Friday evening free entry lets newcomers explore without commitment. The atmosphere is casual, and artists are available to discuss designs and pricing without pressure to book immediately.

Parma Tattoo Nerd Fest #9 (2026)

Name: Parma Tattoo Nerd Fest #9 (2026)
Start: 2026-06-06
End: 2026-06-07
Location: Hotel Parma & Congressi

Parma Tattoo Nerd Fest #9 takes place June 5-7, 2026, at Hotel Parma & Congressi in Parma, Italy. The main convention runs Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, with a free preview evening on Friday, June 5. This is the ninth edition of the event, which mixes Italian tattoo culture with comic books, anime, gaming, and science fiction themes. The Friday evening opening runs from approximately 6 PM to 11 PM with free entry for all visitors. This session lets attendees meet participating artists, view portfolios, and schedule tattoo appointments for the weekend. The main days typically operate from 11 AM to 8 PM. Hotel Parma & Congressi sits on Via Emilia Ovest in Parma's business district, about 10 minutes by car from the historic city center. The venue provides parking on site for a daily fee. Parma sits in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, famous for prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The city has built a reputation for quality custom tattooing over the past 15 years, with several studios operating near the university district. The convention floor hosts over 100 tattoo artists from across Italy, including representatives from Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, and smaller regional cities. Attendees can watch live tattooing sessions, browse vendor booths selling tattoo supplies and aftercare products, and listen to live music. The "nerd" focus means the art leans heavily into anime characters, video game imagery, comic book heroes, and science fiction motifs alongside traditional Italian tattoo styles. This is a working convention, meaning artists are actively tattooing clients throughout the weekend. If you want to get tattooed, you should contact artists in advance through Instagram or email to check availability. Walk-ups are possible but risky given limited time slots. Parma's main train station offers connections to Milan (1 hour), Bologna (50 minutes), and Florence (2 hours). Nearby accommodation includes the convention hotel itself, plus options like Hotel Button and Grand Hotel de la Ville in the city center. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available at the door or through advance sales announced on the event's social media channels. Friday requires no ticket. Bring cash for tattoo deposits and smaller vendors, though many artists accept bank transfers or cards. Wear comfortable shoes because you will stand on concrete floors for hours. The venue has food vendors inside, but the hotel restaurant and nearby Via Emilia offer additional dining options. This ninth edition continues a tradition that started in 2017. The event has grown from a small hotel gathering to one of northern Italy's notable tattoo weekends, specifically attracting collectors interested in pop culture imagery and Japanese-inspired work.