Whether you’re new to the world of ink or a lifelong tattoo enthusiast, tattoo shows are the best way to get up close and personal with the art of tattooing. Here are some of the coolest tattoo shows from around the world.

1 – Wildstyle & Tattoo Messe “Carnival of Freaks”, Europe

Tour 2019. March to November 2019

Tattoo artists and exhibitors from 25+ countries across five continents are on tour to present one of Europe’s most successful tattoo shows. The show has several record-breaking acts, including Lucky Diamond Rich, the world’s most tattooed person, wildstyle showgirls, female contortionist Katrina, and the Globe of Speed Motorcycle Stunt Show.

For dates and venue info go to http://www.wildstyle.at/en/info.html

2 – Bike & Tattoo Show, Canada

Pavillon JEFO, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, April 26-28^th 2019

Now in its 21^st year, the Bike & Tattoo Show is one of Canada’s largest and most popular tattoo shows. There, you can choose to get inked by one of Canada’s 150+ finest tattoo artists, watch or even participate in one of 12 tattoo competitions.

The custom bike show also attracts a high caliber of entries in eight categories, and Best of Show will go home with $1500 in prize money.

Live bands including AC/DC tribute band, 21 Guns Salute, pole dancing, fashion shows, and more, provide a full program of entertainment.

Read more at http://www.bikeandtattooshow.com/fr/accueil

3 – China Tattoo Festival

LangFang, May 4-6^th 2019

This festival is one of the largest tattoo conventions in Asia with over 380 booths featuring a number of international artists including Tatu Baby, Akbar Tawakkal, Aaron Olaguivel and more. This year will be the 14th edition.

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4 – International London Tattoo Convention

Tobacco Dock, London, September 27-29th 2019

This seriously spectacular event in the heart of London broke all previous attendance records last year, and the 15^th edition at the end of September looks set to do the same. The convention gathers 400+ tattoos artists from different styles and art forms. It is also the host of competitions featuring international artists.

For convention info visit https://www.thelondontattooconvention.com/

5 – NY Empire State Tattoo Show Expo

New York Hilton Midtown, July 19^th, 20^th and 21^st 2019

Meet, greet, and get inked by internationally-renowned artists from around the globe. Special guests include Paul Booth, Carlos Torres, Nikko Hurtado, and Stefano Alcantara.

Find out more at https://www.empirestatetattooexpo.com/

6 – Urban Land Tattoo Expo, Rome

Rome, September 6–8^th 2019

This expo takes place in the Eternal City of Rome. For this 2nd edition, it welcomes 268 tattoo artists from around the world. With performances from international rap artists, mc’s master of hip hop, live music, and DJ shows, the event promises to be an eclectic mix of urban and street culture. Read more at www.urbanland.it/

Do You Plan On Getting inked?

You will find a tattoo convention almost anywhere in the world. However, if you do intend to get inked at a show, it’s a good idea to check the individual artists out beforehand and make an appointment.