When and where is The Tattoo Collectors Expo?

The event takes place July 31 through August 2, 2026, at the Tucson Convention Center located at 260 S Church Avenue in downtown Tucson, Arizona. The venue sits near the Mercado District with parking available on site.

What happens at The Tattoo Collectors Expo?

Artists set up stations to tattoo attendees live during the event. Vendors sell tattoo supplies, aftercare products, and artwork. Competitions run throughout the weekend with categories for different tattoo styles and sizes, judged by attending artists.

How do I get tickets for The Tattoo Collectors Expo?

Ticket information is available through the event's official channels and social media pages. Check for announcements regarding single-day and weekend pass pricing as the event dates approach.

What should I bring to The Tattoo Collectors Expo?

Bring a valid ID, cash for purchases, water, and comfortable shoes. The venue is air-conditioned but Tucson in July is hot, so dress for heat outside. If you want a tattoo, bring reference images and payment for deposits.

Is this event good for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The focus on custom work means artists take time to consult with clients. You can watch artists work, browse portfolios, and book appointments without pressure to get tattooed immediately.

The Tattoo Collectors Expo (2026)

Name: The Tattoo Collectors Expo (2026)
Start: 2026-07-31
End: 2026-08-02
Location: Tucson Convention Center

The Tattoo Collectors Expo is a three-day tattoo convention held July 31 through August 2, 2026, at the Tucson Convention Center in downtown Tucson, Arizona. This event brings together tattoo collectors and artists with a focus on custom, high-quality work. Tucson sits in the Sonoran Desert and has a tattoo culture that blends Southwest imagery, Mexican folk art influences, and military town aesthetics. The convention reflects this mix, with artists working in styles ranging from black and grey realism to traditional Americana and desert-themed designs. The 2026 edition fills the convention center with live tattooing stations, vendor booths selling equipment and aftercare products, and artist portfolios on display. Attendees can walk the floor to watch artists work, book appointments for future sessions, or get tattooed on the spot if artists have openings. The event includes tattoo competitions across categories like best large piece, best black and grey, and best of day. The Tucson Convention Center offers parking on site, though spaces fill quickly during peak hours. The DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center sits adjacent to the venue, with additional hotels available in the downtown core. The venue is air-conditioned, which matters in late July when Tucson temperatures regularly hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Tickets typically come in single-day and full-weekend options. The event runs Friday through Sunday, with hours usually extending into the evening to accommodate after-work crowds. Artists bring their own equipment, but attendees should bring water, comfortable shoes for concrete floors, and cash for vendors who may not take cards. The convention draws heavily from Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles tattoo scenes, creating a regional meeting point for the Southwest. Military personnel from nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base often attend, contributing to the steady demand for traditional and patriotic tattoo styles in the area.