The annual Seattle Tattoo Expo returns to a live programming this August 19th through the 21st at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall (on the Mercer side of Seattle Center!) For tattoo enthusiasts (you know who you are…you’re the cool kids smoking in the restroom trying to corrupt all the church kids…bless you!) it’s a fun opportunity to check out the latest in tattoo art and maybe even get a new tattoo from a world class artist.
There’s also an array of food option AND live entertainment including music and burlesque performances from some of our favorite local stars including Ruby Mimosa, Faggedy Randy (who moved to Chicago but he’s here so frequently he’s basically bi-coastal!) and Boom Boom L’Roux (and many others!)
All the skinny on who/what/when/where/etc including info on how to book appointments to get a tattoo is down below but here’s some Frequently Asked Questions about getting a tattoo done:
Can I get tattooed at the Expo?
Yes, you can. Check out the list of attending shops on our Artist page. From there you can view artist websites, portfolios, and contact information to schedule appointments at the Expo. In accordance with Washington State Law, you must be 18 or older to get a tattoo. No tattooing can begin prior to or extend beyond our posted event hours under any circumstances.
How does booking an appointment work?
Each artist at the Seattle Tattoo Expo books their own appointments for the event. Some artists will be taking walk-up appointments as well throughout the weekend. We recommend looking at our Artist page and if there is an artist you are interested in booking with – reach out to the artist or shop directly to pre-book where possible.
Is a ticket required to get a tattoo?
Yes – tattoo appointments at the Expo does not guarantee admission into the event. A ticket must be purchased to enter the facility. Please be sure to secure your tickets in advance of the event if you are scheduling an appointment on site. Tickets can be purchased HERE
And, a link to buy tickets: SeattleTattooExpo.com
SEATTLE, WA (July 21, 2022) – There’s much more fun to be had at Seattle Tattoo Expo as the artist line up expands! Legends will be among us, with Jack Rudy and Charlie Cartwright of Good Time Charlie’s Tattooland. They will be in attendance to meet fans and talk more about Good Time Charlie’s non-profit Tattoo Heritage Project. You don’t want to miss seeing the Godfathers of the tattoo world.
The Expo won’t just feature top tattoo talent, there will also be stunning burlesque performances from some Seattle favorites including Ruby Mimosa, Faggedy Randy, J Von Stratton, and more, and live music performances from The Moon is Flat, Aaron Semer, Wild Powwers, Who Is She, and The Kings. Hosted by Jeff Cornell of Hidden Hand Tattoo, Seattle Tattoo Expo makes it possible for people of the region to gain access to the very best tattoo artists from around the world right in their backyard for one weekend only. Seattle Tattoo Expo is August 19-21, 2022 – tickets are on sale now at SeattleTattooExpo.com.
FEATURED TATTOO ARTISTS
Seattle Tattoo Expo is proud to feature the best of the best in local tattoo talent, as well as an array of traveling talent including Jeff Cornell (Hidden Hand Tattoo, Seattle); Shawn Barber (Memoir Tattoo, Los Angeles); VyVyn Lazonga (Madame Lazonga’s Tattoo, Seattle); Shotsie Gorman (Tarot Art & Tattoo Gallery, Sonoma); and Big Gus (of the hit TV show “Tattoo Nightmares” and Collective Ink Gallery.) For a complete look at the dozens of artists to book with at Seattle Tattoo Expo, visit us here.
FEATURED LIVE MUSIC
The Moon is Flat: Based out of Everett, WA, they are known as the rock and roll band that feels like big swirling waves of loud
Aaron Semer: Aaron Semer is different. There is no traditionalist role-play, roots pandering, or faux-warbling. Just emotionally bold, sometimes sardonic, often provocative, and always wise and passionate songwriting. This formula landed his sophomore LP Cape Disappointment on the Best of 2019 lists at The Seattle Times, Artist Home, Northwest Music Scene, American Standard Time, and NadaMucho, as well as receiving a 4-Star review in the French edition of Rolling Stone and 9/10 in PopMatters.
Wild Powwers: Experiencing the Wild Powwers is like dancing in a dimly lit bar while first pumping. They’re able to show such humor and sadness, the spirit of their influences and the force of their own personality.
The Kings: Established in 2013, The Kings Seattle emerged from the underground with hard hitting force, blending traditional brass ska with raw punk, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. Our founding members are Seattle natives brought together by sharing a long history with the NW punk/rock scene. People say we sound like Chicago mixed with Rancid.
Who Is She: The three gals, Robin Edwards (Lisa Prank), Bree McKenna (Tacocat), and Julia Shapiro (Chastity Belt), who write songs about cute strangers they admired on the bus, and went back to the late ’90s and early 2000s to talk about hard-hitting topics such as the irresistible chemistry between Courteney Cox and David Arquette in the Scream franchise.
FEATURED BURLESQUE PERFORMERS
Ruby Mimosa: unique mix of athleticism, dance, theatrics, and bubbly charm makes Ruby a Seattle treasure and beloved all over the world. She has been a highlighted performer in France, England, Portugal, Canada, China, and Australia
Faggedy Randy: Burlesque Performer Of The Year 2020 – Seattle Spotlight Awards • Randy has been dazzling audiences for a decade. He combines a special mixture of sexy-silly-stupid with over the top costuming to create a stunning experience that’s uniquely Faggedy
Valerie Veils: internationally renowned, award winning burlesque performer who has been dazzling crowds up and down the West Coast for over a decade. This tattooed tart brings you the trifecta of tease by commanding the stage with her graceful elegance, sultry satire, and pure animal magnetism, which has earned her the reputation of one of the best powerhouse performers around.
Jvon Stratton: She started with two shops in Seattle, where she remade pieces she found in thrifts stores, or whipped up one of a kind creations. When she discovered burlesque, this broadened her creative circle, and she began fashioning costumes. It’s now been over 15 years and her love of all things stage, fashion, and vintage has allowed her to pour these inspirations into quaint seasonal collections.
Carson St. Clair: A native of the Emerald City, Carson St. Clair has been on stage almost her entire life. This multifaceted seductress brings over the top glamor to everything she does. Since graduating Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque in October of 2017 Carson has been seen entrancing audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest including; Seattle’s historic Pink Door, Moisture Festival, The Oregon Burlesque Festival, The Seattle Erotic Arts Festival. She is also 1/5th of Seattle’s all BIPOC ensemble Dark Diamonds Burlesque.
Boom Boom L’Roux: Boom Boom L’Roux burst onto the Seattle burlesque and cabaret scenes. Making her mark as a powerhouse performer and producer, Boom Boom favors a classic approach to Burlesque infused with her own spicy flavor that melts hearts and captivates souls. Boom Boom has been heating up stages of Seattle both on and behind the scenes, an active Independent Performer in such shows as The Pink Door, Sunday Night Shuga Shaq, Bechtel Test Burlesque (Seattle and Oregon), Orchestra La’pow.
INGA: INGA (pronouns she/they) is an internationally renowned queer femme burlesque star, voted one of the Top 3 Burlesque Performers in the World (21stcenturyburlesque.com). Famous for her polished style and charismatic, innovative performances, INGA’s work has appeared in several books, films, and documentaries, including Strip|Tease by Tigz Rice, From Sh!tshow to Afterglow by Ariel Meadow Stallings, A Wink And A Smile, and the award-winning web series Capitol Hill.
FEATURED FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Dumpling Tzar
- Monster Dogs
- Badger Coffee
The Seattle Tattoo Expo was created with the primary goal of showcasing new talent, welcoming existing fan favorites, and providing enthusiasts with a gathering place to share their love for this historical art form. Over the years, the Expo has exposed Seattleites to hundreds of artists from around the world and thousands of people have come out to soak it all up since its first iteration.
Get tickets to the 2022 Seattle Tattoo Expo at SeattleTattooExpo.com.
Seattle Tattoo Expo
Get inked, see the beautiful artwork of dozens of artists, and take in all that is Seattle tattoo culture and history at Seattle Tattoo Expo. Hosted by Seattle’s internationally recognized shop Hidden Hand Tattoo, the Expo offers access to the leading artists in tattooing both locally and from around the world. Whether you’re searching for an artist or looking to get tattooed, the Seattle Tattoo Expo offers enthusiasts a gathering place to share their love for this enduring art form.
WHEN:
August 19-21, 2022
Friday – 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday – 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday – 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall
301 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98109
TICKETS:
$25-$60 – ON SALE NOW
$25 – day pass (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)
$60 – full weekend pass (Friday-Sunday)
For tickets >> SeattleTattooExpo.com
SOCIAL:
Facebook – /SeattleTattooExpo
Instagram – @seattletattooexpo
Twitter – @seattletattooexpo
#SeattleTattooExpo22