Seattle Tattoo Expo Returns

July 9, 2026• byMichael Strangeways

They’re not as “hot” as they used to be but Seattle still has a lot of love for tatts…and, every August, a huge expo comes to town and all the tattoo fans start droolin’ at the mouth. The Seattle Tattoo Expo returns to Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall August 14th through the 16th.

Get tickets. SeattleTattooExpo.com

More below:

The annual Seattle Tattoo Expo returns to Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall this August, bringing a unique showcase of tattoo culture and history, fan-favorite contests, burlesque, karaoke, and more. Hosted by Seattle’s own legendary shops Hidden Hand Tattoo and Supergenius Tattoo, the 2026 Seattle Tattoo Expo brings the best tattoo artists from around the world right to Seattle’s backyard for one weekend only. The 2026 Seattle Tattoo Expo is August 14-16, 2026 – tickets are on sale now at SeattleTattooExpo.com.

By purchasing a ticket, you will see over 250 popular tattoo artists including the legendary Vyvyn Lazonga (Madame Lazonga’s Tattoo, Seattle), Shawn Barber (Los Angeles, CA), Tony Hundahl (Favorite Tattoo, Austin, TX), and Big Gus (of the hit TV show Tattoo Nightmares and Collective Ink Gallery).

Tattoo appointments at the Seattle Tattoo Expo can be made in advance or done on-site depending on the individual artist’s preference. See the current list of hundreds of tattoo artists here at SeattleTattooExpo.com/artists.

The Seattle Tattoo Expo was created with the primary goal of showcasing new talent, welcoming existing fan favorite artists, and providing enthusiasts with a gathering place to share their love for this historical art form.

“Whether you’re walking in with a piece already planned or you’ve never sat in a chair before, there’s an artist here for you,” said April Cornell, owner of Hidden Hand Tattoo and Altar Tattoo. “Our goal is to curate an approachable experience and showcase that Seattle’s tattoo community is accessible to everyone.”

Since it first launched in 2001, the long-running expo has grown into the region’s premier tattoo event, drawing thousands of attendees and hundreds of artists from around the world each year to Seattle Center.

Get tickets to the 2026 Seattle Tattoo Expo at SeattleTattooExpo.com.

WHEN:

August 14-16, 2026

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 Exhibition Hall

301 Mercer Street

Seattle, WA 98109

TICKETS:

$32-$75 – ON SALE NOW

$32 – single day pass

$75 – full weekend pass

For tickets >> SeattleTattooExpo.com

SOCIAL:

SeattleTattooExpo.com

Facebook – /SeattleTattooExpo

Instagram – @seattletattooexpo

#SeattleTattooExpo26

About the Author: Michael Strangeways

As the Editorial Director/Co-Owner, Michael Strangeways writes, edits and does about a million other jobs for Seattle Gay Scene, Puget Sound's most visited LGBTQ news, arts and entertainment website now celebrating its 14th year as a media outlet. A semi-proud Midwesterner by birth, he's lived in Seattle since 2000. He's also a film producer who would like you to check out the Jinkx Monsoon documentary, "Drag Becomes Him" now available on Amazon.com. In his spare time, he gets slightly obsessive about his love for old movies, challenging theater, "otters", vodka, chocolate, "I,Claudius", Lizzie Borden, real books made out of paper, disaster films, show tunes, Weimar era Germany, flea markets, pop surrealistic art, the sex lives of Hollywood actors both living and dead, kitties, chicken fried steak, haute couture and David Bowie. But, not necessarily in that order.