Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention 2026

One of the world's longest-running tattoo conventions (since 1988), now hosted by New School icon Jesse Smith with 170+ artists in Richmond, VA.

Event details

• Dates: October 23-25, 2026
• Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond - Midlothian, Richmond, VA
• Location: Richmond, VA
• Organizer: Independent (hosted by artist Jesse Smith)
• Founded: 1988
• Frequency: Annual
• Attendance: N/A
• Artists / booths: 170+ artists
• Tickets: Day passes $35-$45 (Fri $35, Sat $45, Sun $35); Weekend Pass $65; VIP from $150. Free Friday admission for active-duty military, seniors, college students, and licensed VA tattoo artists.
• Tattoo competitions: yes, judged categories run across the weekend
• Website: https://richmondtattooconvention.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondtattooconvention/

About

Founded in 1988, the Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention is one of the longest-running tattoo events in the world, now in its 38th edition. World-renowned New School artist Jesse Smith took the helm in 2016, and the 2026 show (October 23-25) is co-hosted with Ink Master winner Ryan Ashley at the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond - Midlothian. The convention draws 170+ tattoo, fine, celebrity, and OG artists across a family-friendly weekend that blends traditional tattoo culture with fine art, live art for charity, and entertainment.

For working artists, the convention pairs deep industry heritage with a competitive program of 14 contests spanning black & gray, color, pin-up, and Best of Show categories. The mix of OG legends, celebrity tattooers, and a reach-back to the show's late-1980s roots makes it a meaningful credential-building and networking stop in the Mid-Atlantic, while the broad collector and family audience supports steady walk-up bookings.

What to expect

• 170+ tattoo, fine, celebrity, and OG artists
• Hosted by New School innovator Jesse Smith and Ink Master's Ryan Ashley
• 14 tattoo competitions including Best of Show
• Running since 1988 - one of the world's oldest tattoo conventions
• Family-friendly with live art for charity and kids activities
• Day passes from $35; free Friday entry for licensed VA artists, military, and students

Best for

Artists wanting a heritage Mid-Atlantic show with strong competitions

Notable: One of the world's longest-running tattoo conventions, established in 1988 and now in its 38th edition.

How we check this listing

We last confirmed these details on 2026-07-06. Dates and prices are taken from the organizer and change between editions, so treat the organizer's own page as final before you book travel or a booth.

Checked against: https://richmondtattooconvention.com/, https://richmondtattooconvention.com/ticketinfo/, https://www.worldtattooevents.com/the-richmond-tattoo-arts-convention-2026/