Twenty-five years after beginning with roughly 30 tattoo shops, the Seattle Tattoo Expo returns this weekend for a milestone anniversary celebrating the artists, styles and culture surrounding one of the world’s oldest forms of body art.
The three-day expo runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, bringing tattoo artists from Seattle and around the world together for live tattooing, competitions, burlesque, karaoke and other entertainment.
Hosted by Seattle’s Hidden Hand Tattoo and Supergenius Tattoo, the expo traces its beginnings to 2001. Organizers say what started with about 30 tattoo shops has since grown to include more than 110 shops and thousands of attendees.
Among this year’s featured artists are Vyvyn Lazonga, Big Gus, Shawn Barber and Tony Hundahl, alongside artists representing tattoo shops from throughout the region and beyond.
For attendees, the expo is not simply an opportunity to look at finished work. Tattoos will be created throughout the weekend, giving visitors a chance to watch artists work and, for those looking for new ink, potentially leave with a tattoo of their own.
Artists handle their own bookings, and some will accept walk-up appointments during the expo. Organizers recommend contacting an artist or shop in advance when possible. Washington law requires a person to be at least 18 to receive a tattoo.
The weekend also puts tattoo artistry into competition.
Contests begin Friday with Best Small Color, American Traditional and Black and Grey before the first Best of Show competition at 9 p.m.
Saturday’s contests include Best Portrait, Worst Tattoo and Body Suit, followed by another Best of Show competition. Sunday’s lineup includes Large Black and Grey, Funniest Tattoo, Large Color and Sleeve categories before the weekend’s final Best of Show at 7 p.m.
The contests give artists and collectors an opportunity to showcase work ranging from small traditional pieces to portraits, sleeves and extensive body work.
Not every contest entry has to be new. Most categories require tattoos to be fully healed, while the Best of Show competitions are reserved for work created during the expo within the time periods established by organizers.
Contest entries cost $15 and are accepted at the contest tent next to the stage.
The weekend’s programming extends beyond tattooing.
Tramp Stamps Burlesque will perform throughout the expo, with appearances by J. Von Stratton, Faggedy Randy, INGA, Ruby Mimosa, Valerie Veils, Carson St. Clair, Moscato Sky and P. No Noire.
Saturday night adds BurlesKaraoke, combining karaoke with burlesque performances featuring Ruby Mimosa, P. No Noire, Carmen Caliente and Faggedy Randy, with DJ Baby Van Beezly and Beau Briefs.
The main-stage schedule places Tramp Stamps Burlesque at 8 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. BurlesKaraoke begins at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Visitors can also browse vendors and food options throughout the weekend. Organizers say food trucks scheduled to participate include Dumpling Tzar, Monster Dogs, Kottu and Thai-U-Up. The expo also includes concessions and a beer and spirits garden for attendees 21 and older.
The event is open to families, with children younger than 12 admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
For those planning to get tattooed, admission to the expo is still required even with a confirmed tattoo appointment, and individual artists set their own prices. Organizers recommend contacting artists directly about availability, pricing and payment options before arriving.
The Seattle Tattoo Expo opens from 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St.
Single-day admission is $32 in advance, while a weekend pass is $75. Organizers say tickets will also be available at the door, though prices increase on the day of the event.
The weekend closes Sunday evening with the Sleeve competition at 5 p.m., Tramp Stamps Burlesque at 6 p.m. and the final Best of Show competition at 7 p.m. — bringing the expo’s 25th-anniversary gathering to a close with the tattoo work itself taking center stage.
