# Villain Arts Tattoo Festivals

> Villain Arts organizes touring tattoo festivals across the United States — more than 30 shows a year, each bringing hundreds of professional tattoo artists, live entertainment, sideshows, tattoo contests, and vendors under one roof. Founded by Troy Timpel in 1999 as a single Philadelphia tattoo convention, Villain Arts has grown into the largest tattoo festival organizer in the world. Headquartered at 1631 Meadow St, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215-423-4780).

Key facts:
- Shows run Friday through Sunday. Typical hours: Friday 2–11 PM, Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, Sunday 11 AM–8 PM.
- Tickets: single-day passes around $25 and 3-day passes around $50, sold online through each show's page. Kids under 12 are free. Tickets are refundable if canceled at least 24 hours before the event.
- All ages are welcome to attend, but you must be 18+ with valid government-issued photo ID to get tattooed.
- Getting tattooed: hundreds of artists tattoo live at every show; many take walk-ups, larger pieces should be booked in advance. Typical pricing: small $100–$300, medium $300–$800, large $1,000+. $100 per-tattoo minimum. Tattoo cost is separate from admission.
- Tattoo contests run at every show ($10 entry) with judging Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday, culminating in Best in Show.
- Booths: 10×10, $750, up to 2 tattooing artists per booth; includes 3 badges, 2 tables, 4 chairs, electricity, and supplies. Artists need 2+ years of shop experience and a portfolio. Piercing, PMU, tooth gems, hair, food, and cannabis vending are not accepted. Load-in is typically Thursday 12–6 PM and Friday 9 AM–2 PM.
- Sister event: World Oddities Expo (worldodditiesexpo.com), a traveling oddities and curiosities festival that features Villain Arts tattoo artists in its Oddity Ink Parlour.

## Company

- [Home](https://villainarts.com/): Full 2026–2027 show calendar with ticket links.
- [About](https://villainarts.com/about/): History since 1999, founder Troy Timpel, and mission.
- [FAQ](https://villainarts.com/faq/): Tickets, age policy, tattoo pricing, booking artists, booth rules, and refunds.
- [Support / Contact](https://villainarts.com/support/): Contact form and help.
- [Policies](https://villainarts.com/policies/): Ticket, refund, and event policies.
- [Consent Waiver](https://villainarts.com/release/): Tattoo consent and release form used at shows.

## Attending

- [All Shows](https://villainarts.com/shows/): Directory of every upcoming show with dates, hours, venue, and tickets.
- [Master Directory](https://villainarts.com/master-directory/): Searchable directory of the 5,600+ tattoo artists, shops, vendors, sponsors, and entertainers who work Villain Arts shows — filter by show, style, and specialty.
- [All Profiles](https://villainarts.com/profiles/): Browse every artist and vendor profile (each at villainarts.com/profiles/<name>/).
- [Tattoo Contests](https://villainarts.com/tattoo-contests/): Contest categories, schedule, entry fee, and prizes.

## Artists, Booth Holders & Sponsors

- [Booths](https://villainarts.com/booths/): Registration paths for artists, booth holders, and sponsors; booth pricing and inclusions.
- [Booth Registration](https://villainarts.com/booth-registration/): Apply to purchase a booth.
- [Artist Registration](https://villainarts.com/artist-registration/): Apply as a tattoo artist (2+ years shop experience required).
- [Sponsor Registration](https://villainarts.com/sponsor-registration/): Sponsorship packages with web and on-site placement.
- [2027 Lineup](https://villainarts.com/2027-lineup/): Full 2027 tour schedule and booth interest form.
- [Entertainer Registration](https://villainarts.com/entertainers-registration/): Apply to perform at a Villain Arts show.
- [Account Login](https://villainarts.com/my-account/): Portal for registered artists and booth holders.

## 2026 Shows

- [Syracuse, NY — Sept 18–20, 2026](https://villainarts.com/shows/syracuse-ny): The Oncenter, 800 S. State St, Syracuse, NY 13202.
- [Savannah, GA — Sept 25–27, 2026](https://villainarts.com/shows/savannah-ga): Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr, Savannah, GA 31421.
- [Milwaukee, WI — Oct 9–11, 2026](https://villainarts.com/shows/milwaukee-wi): Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
- [New Orleans, LA — Oct 16–18, 2026](https://villainarts.com/shows/new-orleans-la): Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130.
- [San Antonio, TX — Nov 13–15, 2026](https://villainarts.com/shows/san-antonio-tx): Freeman Expo Hall C, 3201 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78219.
- [Tampa, FL — Nov 20–22, 2026](https://villainarts.com/shows/tampa-fl): Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602.

## 2027 Shows

- [Philadelphia, PA — Jan 8–10, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/philadelphia-pa/): Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 — the original Villain Arts show, 29th annual.
- [Minneapolis, MN — Jan 15–17, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/minneapolis-mn/): Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
- [San Diego, CA — Jan 22–24, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/san-diego-ca/): Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014.
- [Maine (Portland) — Jan 29–31, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/maine/): Thompson's Point, Portland, ME 04102.
- [Jacksonville, FL — Feb 5–7, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/jacksonville-fl/): Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32204.
- [Cleveland, OH — Feb 19–21, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/cleveland-oh/): Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44113.
- [Atlanta, GA — Mar 5–7, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/atlanta-ga/): AmericasMart Building 3, 255 Ted Turner Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
- [Charlotte, NC — Mar 12–14, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/charlotte-nc/): Charlotte, NC 28202.
- [Chicago, IL — Mar 19–21, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/chicago-il/): Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare, 5440 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018.
- [Omaha, NE — Mar 27–29, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/omaha-ne/): CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102.
- [Baltimore, MD — Apr 9–11, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/baltimore-md/): Baltimore tattoo festival.
- [Raleigh, NC — Apr 23–25, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/raleigh-nc/): NC State Fairgrounds, Graham Building, 4285 Trinity Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607.
- [Cincinnati, OH — May 7–9, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/cincinnati-oh/): First Financial Center (formerly Duke Energy Center), 525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
- [St. Louis, MO — May 14–16, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/st-louis-mo/): America's Center Convention Complex, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.
- [Kansas City, MO — May 28–30, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/kansas-city-mo/): Sheraton Crown Center, 2345 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64108.
- [Palm Springs, CA — May 29–31, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/palm-springs/): Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
- [Denver, CO — Jun 18–20, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/denver-co/): Denver tattoo festival.
- [Oklahoma City, OK — Jun 25–27, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/oklahoma-city-ok/): OKC Convention Center Hall A, 100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109.
- [Long Beach, CA — Jul 10–12, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/long-beach-ca/): Long Beach Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802.
- [Portland, OR — Jul 17–19, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/portland-or/): The Rose Quarter, 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227.
- [Houston, TX — Jul 31–Aug 2, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/houston-tx/): NRG Center, 1 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77054.
- [Wildwood, NJ — Aug 7–9, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/wildwood-nj/): Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260.
- [Nashville, TN — Aug 14–16, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/nashville-tn/): The Fairgrounds Nashville, Expo 1 & 2, 320 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203.
- [Colorado Springs, CO — Aug 27–29, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/colorado-springs-co/): Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.
- [Asheville, NC — Sept 11–13, 2027](https://villainarts.com/shows/asheville-nc/): Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801.

## Find Artists by Style

- [Anime](https://villainarts.com/style/anime/): Artists working in anime.
- [Biomechanical](https://villainarts.com/style/biomechanical/): Artists working in biomechanical.
- [Black And Grey Realism](https://villainarts.com/style/black-and-grey-realism/): Artists working in black and grey realism.
- [Blackwork](https://villainarts.com/style/blackwork/): Artists working in blackwork.
- [Chicano](https://villainarts.com/style/chicano/): Artists working in chicano.
- [Chrome](https://villainarts.com/style/chrome/): Artists working in chrome.
- [Color Realism](https://villainarts.com/style/color-realism/): Artists working in color realism.
- [Cosmetic PMU](https://villainarts.com/style/cosmetic-pmu/): Artists working in cosmetic pmu.
- [Cover Up](https://villainarts.com/style/cover-up/): Artists working in cover up.
- [Cyber Sigilism](https://villainarts.com/style/cyber-sigilism/): Artists working in cyber sigilism.
- [Dotwork](https://villainarts.com/style/dotwork/): Artists working in dotwork.
- [Embroidery](https://villainarts.com/style/embroidery/): Artists working in embroidery.
- [Fine Line](https://villainarts.com/style/fine-line/): Artists working in fine line.
- [Floral](https://villainarts.com/style/floral/): Artists working in floral.
- [Geometric](https://villainarts.com/style/geometric/): Artists working in geometric.
- [Glitter](https://villainarts.com/style/glitter/): Artists working in glitter.
- [Hand Poke](https://villainarts.com/style/hand-poke/): Artists working in hand poke.
- [Horror](https://villainarts.com/style/horror/): Artists working in horror.
- [Illustrative](https://villainarts.com/style/illustrative/): Artists working in illustrative.
- [Japanese](https://villainarts.com/style/japanese/): Artists working in japanese.
- [Lettering](https://villainarts.com/style/lettering/): Artists working in lettering.
- [Minimalism](https://villainarts.com/style/minimalism/): Artists working in minimalism.
- [Neo Traditional](https://villainarts.com/style/neo-traditional/): Artists working in neo traditional.
- [New School](https://villainarts.com/style/new-school/): Artists working in new school.
- [Ornamental](https://villainarts.com/style/ornamental/): Artists working in ornamental.
- [Polynesian](https://villainarts.com/style/polynesian/): Artists working in polynesian.
- [Psychedelic](https://villainarts.com/style/psychedelic/): Artists working in psychedelic.
- [Stickers](https://villainarts.com/style/stickers/): Artists working in stickers.
- [Surrealism](https://villainarts.com/style/surrealism/): Artists working in surrealism.
- [Traditional](https://villainarts.com/style/traditional/): Artists working in traditional.
- [Trash Polka](https://villainarts.com/style/trash-polka/): Artists working in trash polka.
- [Tribal](https://villainarts.com/style/tribal/): Artists working in tribal.
- [Watercolor](https://villainarts.com/style/watercolor/): Artists working in watercolor.

## Find Artists by Specialty

- [Anime](https://villainarts.com/specialty/anime/): Artists specializing in anime.
- [Black And Grey Realism](https://villainarts.com/specialty/black-and-grey-realism/): Artists specializing in black and grey realism.
- [Blackwork](https://villainarts.com/specialty/blackwork/): Artists specializing in blackwork.
- [Chicano](https://villainarts.com/specialty/chicano/): Artists specializing in chicano.
- [Color Realism](https://villainarts.com/specialty/color-realism/): Artists specializing in color realism.
- [Cosmetic](https://villainarts.com/specialty/cosmetic/): Artists specializing in cosmetic.
- [Cover Up](https://villainarts.com/specialty/cover-up/): Artists specializing in cover up.
- [Dotwork](https://villainarts.com/specialty/dotwork/): Artists specializing in dotwork.
- [Expertise With Melanated Skin](https://villainarts.com/specialty/expertise-with-melanated-skin/): Artists specializing in expertise with melanated skin.
- [Fine Line](https://villainarts.com/specialty/fine-line/): Artists specializing in fine line.
- [Floral](https://villainarts.com/specialty/floral/): Artists specializing in floral.
- [Freckles Marks](https://villainarts.com/specialty/freckles-marks/): Artists specializing in freckles marks.
- [Geometric](https://villainarts.com/specialty/geometric/): Artists specializing in geometric.
- [Glitter](https://villainarts.com/specialty/glitter/): Artists specializing in glitter.
- [Horror](https://villainarts.com/specialty/horror/): Artists specializing in horror.
- [Illustrative](https://villainarts.com/specialty/illustrative/): Artists specializing in illustrative.
- [Japanese](https://villainarts.com/specialty/japanese/): Artists specializing in japanese.
- [Lettering](https://villainarts.com/specialty/lettering/): Artists specializing in lettering.
- [Medical](https://villainarts.com/specialty/medical/): Artists specializing in medical.
- [Medical Reconstructive Tattooing](https://villainarts.com/specialty/medical-reconstructive-tattoing/): Artists specializing in medical reconstructive tattooing.
- [Neo Traditional](https://villainarts.com/specialty/neo-traditional/): Artists specializing in neo traditional.
- [Ornamental](https://villainarts.com/specialty/ornamental/): Artists specializing in ornamental.
- [Pierce Mod](https://villainarts.com/specialty/pierce-mod/): Artists specializing in pierce mod.
- [Polynesian](https://villainarts.com/specialty/polynesian/): Artists specializing in polynesian.
- [Psychedelic](https://villainarts.com/specialty/psychedelic/): Artists specializing in psychedelic.
- [Scars](https://villainarts.com/specialty/scars/): Artists specializing in scars.
- [Surrealism](https://villainarts.com/specialty/surrealism/): Artists specializing in surrealism.
- [Traditional](https://villainarts.com/specialty/traditional/): Artists specializing in traditional.
- [Trash Polka](https://villainarts.com/specialty/trash-polka/): Artists specializing in trash polka.
- [Watercolor](https://villainarts.com/specialty/watercolor/): Artists specializing in watercolor.

## Directory Categories

- [Artists](https://villainarts.com/profile-type/artj/): All tattoo artist profiles.
- [Tattoo Shops](https://villainarts.com/profile-type/tshopj/): Shop profiles.
- [Booth Holders](https://villainarts.com/profile-type/ntbh/): Non-tattoo vendor and booth holder profiles.
- [Sponsors](https://villainarts.com/profile-type/sponj/): Sponsor profiles.
- [Entertainers](https://villainarts.com/profile-type/entertainers/): Performer and sideshow profiles.
- [International Artists](https://villainarts.com/international/international/): Artists traveling from outside the U.S.
- [Special Guests](https://villainarts.com/special-guest/yes/): Featured special-guest artists.

## Optional

- [Meadowlands, NJ — Sept 4–6, 2026 (completed)](https://villainarts.com/shows/meadowlands/): Meadowlands Expo Center, 355 Plaza Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094.
- [Show Calendar (events feed)](https://villainarts.com/va-events/): Internal event listing; individual entries at villainarts.com/va-events/<city>-<year>/.
- [Philadelphia Pa — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-philadelphia-pa-2026/): Past show page.
- [Minneapolis Mn — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-minneapolis-mn-2026/): Past show page.
- [San Diego Ca — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-san-diego-ca-2026/): Past show page.
- [Maine — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-maine-2026/): Past show page.
- [Jacksonville Fl — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-jacksonville-fl-2026/): Past show page.
- [Cleveland Oh — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-cleveland-oh-2026/): Past show page.
- [Atlanta Ga — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-atlanta-ga-2026/): Past show page.
- [Charlotte Nc — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-charlotte-nc-2026/): Past show page.
- [Chicago Il — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-chicago-il-2026/): Past show page.
- [Baltimore Md — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-baltimore-md-2026/): Past show page.
- [Raleigh Nc — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archieved-raleigh-nc-2026/): Past show page.
- [Cincinnati Oh — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-cincinnati-oh-2026/): Past show page.
- [St Louis Mo — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-st-louis-mo-2026/): Past show page.
- [Kansas City Mo — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-kansas-city-mo-2026/): Past show page.
- [Denver Co — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-denver-co-2026/): Past show page.
- [Oklahoma City Ok — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-oklahoma-city-ok-2026/): Past show page.
- [Colorado Springs Co — 2026 (archived)](https://villainarts.com/shows/archived-colorado-springs-co/): Past show page.