When and where is Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo #9?

The event runs March 13-15, 2026 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, located at 1000 Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. The venue sits near Point State Park and the Cultural District. Parking is available in the hotel garage and at nearby downtown lots.

What happens at the expo?

The convention floor has artists tattooing live at their booths, with competitions held Saturday and Sunday for various styles. Vendors sell tattoo equipment, clothing, and aftercare supplies. You can book appointments in advance or walk up to booths to check availability for same-day work.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at http://www.pittsburghtattooexpo.com/. The site lists options for single-day or weekend passes. Prices vary by purchase date, with early bird rates usually available before the event.

What should I bring to the convention?

Bring a government-issued ID if you plan to get tattooed, as shops require age verification. Cash is useful for deposits and merchandise, though many vendors accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the convention floor and bring reference images if you want specific designs.

Is this event suitable for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The expo is open to the public and the atmosphere is welcoming to newcomers. You can watch artists work, browse portfolios, and talk to multiple artists before committing to a tattoo. Many artists offer small flash pieces perfect for first tattoos.

Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo #9 (2026)

Name: Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo #9 (2026)
Start: 2026-03-13
End: 2026-03-15
Location: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

Pittsburgh Tattoo Expo #9 runs March 13-15, 2026 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. This is the ninth edition of the convention, which has become a regular stop for artists and collectors in the Northeast. The Wyndham Grand sits in downtown Pittsburgh near Point State Park. The hotel offers on-site parking and is within walking distance of the Cultural District. For out-of-town visitors, the venue connects easily to I-376 and Pittsburgh International Airport is a 25-minute drive west. The convention floor fills with tattoo booths where artists work on appointments and walk-ups. Competitions run throughout the weekend with categories like Best Traditional, Best Black and Grey, and Best of Day. Vendor tables sell machines, needles, aftercare products, and apparel. The expo draws artists from Pittsburgh neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and Bloomfield alongside traveling artists from Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. This is a working convention. Artists bring their equipment and set up portable stations. Attendees walk the aisles to book future appointments or get tattooed on the spot. The atmosphere is casual and loud, with music playing and machines buzzing. Tickets are available through the official website. Options usually include single-day passes and full weekend passes. The venue has a parking garage, though rates vary. Several hotels are within two blocks for those who want to stay close. Bring a valid ID if you plan to get tattooed, plus cash for deposits and merchandise. The expo is open to the public and welcomes first-time visitors. Pittsburgh has a tattoo history tied to its steel mill past, with shops serving mill workers for decades. Today the scene mixes that traditional American style with fine art influences from local colleges. The expo reflects this blend, featuring both old-school bold work and contemporary designs.