Pasadena Convention Center · California

Golden State
Tattoo Expo

Three days where the best tattoo artists on the planet take over Pasadena. Ink, art, music, and competition under the California sun.

September 18–20, 2026
Hosted by Nikko Hurtado & Carlos Torres
--
Days
:
--
Hours
:
--
Minutes
:
--
Seconds
The Lineup

Artists Taking
Over Pasadena

From world-renowned headliners to the next generation of talent, the Golden State floor is stacked. Hover to pause and explore who's coming.

Plan Your Visit

When & Where

The Dates

Sept 18–20

2026 · Friday through Sunday

Friday4PM – 12AM
Saturday12PM – 12AM
Sunday12PM – 7PM

The Venue

Pasadena

Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101

Get Directions

Where to Stay

Hyatt Place

Book the Golden State room block at Hyatt Place Pasadena, right around the corner from the convention center.
399 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 788-9108

Book Your Room
Competition

Where Legends
Get Crowned

Daily Tattoo Contests

Judged competitions run all three days across seventeen categories, with the best work in the world going head to head on the Main Stage. Entry is $20 per category, registered at the Main Stage before judging. Best of the Day pieces have to be started and finished that same day, and Best of Show has to be tattooed live at the convention.

Add Photo

All Weekend

The Big Ones
  • Best of ShowTattooed live at the convention
  • Best of DayFriday, Saturday & Sunday

Friday

Sep 18
  • Best Color Portrait
  • Best SleeveArm or leg
  • Best Chest or Back Piece
  • Best Black & Gray Portrait

Saturday

Sep 19
  • Best Small Color8" x 8" and smaller
  • Best Large Color8" x 8" and larger
  • Best Small Black & Gray8" x 8" and smaller
  • Best Large Black & Gray8" x 8" and larger
  • Best Medium TattooBetween 6" and 12"
  • Best Ornamental

Sunday

Sep 20
  • Best Traditional
  • Best Asian Influenced
  • Best Collaboration
  • Best CoverupBefore photo required
  • Best Original Tattoo
Partners

Backed by the Best in the Industry

Coming Soon

Featured in Freshly Inked

The stories behind the artists, straight from the pages of Freshly Inked Magazine. Interviews, features, and the best work from the Golden State floor — landing here soon.