When and where is the South African Tattoo Convention?

The 2026 event runs March 13-15 at DHL Stadium in Green Point, Cape Town. The stadium is located near the city center and accessible via public transport.

What happens at the South African Tattoo Convention?

The convention includes live tattooing by local and international artists, vendor booths selling equipment and supplies, tattoo competitions across style categories, and educational seminars. Afterparties take place at nearby venues on Friday and Saturday evenings.

How do I get tickets for the South African Tattoo Convention?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://southafricantattooconvention.com/. Options typically include single-day passes and full weekend passes.

What should I bring to the South African Tattoo Convention?

Bring cash for food and merchandise vendors, though cards are accepted at many booths. The venue has covered areas but March weather in Cape Town is warm, so dress lightly. If you plan to get tattooed, bring ID and payment for your chosen artist.

Is this event suitable for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The layout at DHL Stadium is open and easy to navigate. Staff are available to direct visitors, and the mix of live tattooing, shopping, and competitions provides multiple ways to engage with tattoo culture without prior convention experience.

South African Tattoo Convention #8 (2026)

Name: South African Tattoo Convention #8 (2026)
Start: 2026-03-13
End: 2026-03-15
Location: DHL Stadium

The South African Tattoo Convention #8 runs from March 13 to March 15, 2026, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, Western Cape. This three-day event is the eighth edition of the convention, which has become a fixed point in the Southern African tattoo calendar. DHL Stadium sits in the Green Point area of Cape Town, close to the city center and the Waterfront. The venue has hosted the convention since it outgrew smaller spaces in previous years. Cape Town itself has a tattoo scene that mixes traditional African motifs, Cape Malay influences, and European techniques brought by immigrant artists over the past two decades. The convention floor includes live tattooing stations where artists work on pre-booked clients and walk-ups. Vendor booths sell equipment, aftercare products, and apparel. The event runs competitions across categories like black and grey, color, and traditional styles. Seminars take place in side rooms for licensed professionals looking to learn new techniques. Tickets are available through the official website. Day passes and weekend passes are typically offered. Parking is available at the stadium complex, though public transport or ride services are recommended given Cape Town's traffic patterns. Hotels in Green Point, Sea Point, and the CBD are within walking distance or short taxi rides. Attendees should bring cash for merchandise and food vendors, though card payments are increasingly accepted. The stadium has covered areas but Cape Town weather in March is warm, so light clothing is advisable. Afterparties happen at venues around the city on Friday and Saturday nights. The convention draws artists from Johannesburg, Durban, and international guests. South Africa's tattoo regulations require practitioners to follow health department guidelines, and the convention enforces these standards strictly.