5 Shocking Things You Need To Know About The Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival 2025
The Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival is finally here, and it’s set to be one of the most significant tattoo events to ever hit Southern California. Organized by the world-renowned Villain Arts, this inaugural festival promises a three-day immersion into the highest levels of ink culture, art, and extreme entertainment. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, excitement is building for the debut event, which will transform the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center into a buzzing hub for artists, collectors, and curious newcomers alike. The 1st Annual show is your chance to witness hundreds of the world’s finest tattooers in action, offering an unparalleled opportunity to get a piece from a master without traveling the globe.
This isn’t just a convention; it’s a full-scale art and cultural festival designed to tear the lid off the California coast’s tattoo scene. From competitive daily tattoo contests to jaw-dropping sideshow acts, the event is packed with attractions for every attendee. Whether you’re looking to get a new piece, shop for unique art and oddities, or simply soak up the electric atmosphere, here is your essential guide to everything you need to know about the 2025 Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival.
Event Quick Guide: Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival 2025 & 2026
The Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival is the newest addition to the Villain Arts family of conventions, known for hosting massive, high-quality events across the United States. The festival is set to become an annual staple in the Los Angeles County area.
- Event Name: Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival
- Organizer: Villain Arts
- Venue: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (Terrace Theater)
- Address: 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
Key Dates to Save for the Inaugural Events
Mark your calendars for the first two annual installments of this massive California tattoo gathering:
- 1st Annual Event Dates: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025
- 2nd Annual Event Dates: Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Ticket and Admission Details
Tickets are available for purchase online and at the door. The festival is a family-friendly event, making it accessible for all ages to explore the world of ink art.
- Single-Day Pass: $25.00
- 3-Day Weekend Pass: $50.00
- Children’s Admission: Free for children under 12 years old.
The event hours typically run from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, though exact times should be confirmed closer to the event date.
1. The Unrivaled Lineup of World-Class Tattooers
The core of any great tattoo convention is the talent, and Villain Arts consistently delivers a roster of the world's finest tattoo artists. For the Long Beach debut, attendees can expect to see hundreds of artists specializing in every major tattoo style imaginable. This is the ultimate opportunity to get a walk-up tattoo or book an appointment with an artist whose schedule is usually booked solid for years.
While the official list of confirmed artists for the 2025 show is still being finalized, Villain Arts conventions are known to attract top-tier talent from around the globe, including artists featured on shows like *Ink Master* and those specializing in niche styles. You can anticipate seeing masters of:
- Traditional Tattooing (American & Japanese)
- Black and Grey Realism
- Neo-Traditional and Illustrative Styles
- Geometric and Dotwork
- Fine Line and Micro Realism
This concentration of talent means you can move from a consultation on a large-scale Japanese backpiece to getting a small, intricate fine line tattoo in the same day. The diversity ensures that whether you are a seasoned collector or getting your first piece of body art, you will find an artist to match your vision.
2. More Than Just Ink: The Extreme Sideshow Attractions
Villain Arts distinguishes itself from other tattoo expos by incorporating a full-scale, carnival-style atmosphere, blending the art of tattooing with extreme live entertainment. The Long Beach festival will feature a variety of shocking and mesmerizing performances throughout the weekend.
Prepare to be stunned by:
- Human Suspension: Witness performers suspended from the ceiling by hooks pierced through their skin—a powerful and often spiritual demonstration of body modification and endurance.
- Sideshow Acts: Traditional circus-style sideshow performers will showcase feats of danger and skill, including sword swallowing, fire breathing, and glass walking.
- Burlesque Performances: High-energy, artistic, and glamorous burlesque shows will provide a unique blend of comedy and classic striptease, adding a touch of vintage flair to the modern convention.
- Live Music: Expect a rotating lineup of bands and DJs to keep the energy high across the Long Beach Convention Center floor.
This blend of high-caliber art and high-octane entertainment makes the Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival a true cultural spectacle, offering something for everyone, even those who aren't getting tattooed.
3. The Ultimate Tattoo Contests and Topical Authority
A key part of the festival experience is the daily tattoo contest, where artists compete for bragging rights and trophies across dozens of categories. These contests are a showcase of the best work created both on-site at the convention and pieces that are healed and brought in by collectors. Attending the awards is a fantastic way to see the highest level of craftsmanship in the industry.
Categories often include "Best of Day," "Best Color," "Best Black and Grey," "Best Portrait," and more specific style competitions. Entities like Sullen Clothing and other major tattoo lifestyle brands often sponsor these events, further establishing the festival’s authority in the industry. The competitive environment pushes artists to produce their best work, and for collectors, it’s a chance to have your piece judged by a panel of industry legends.
4. A Massive Marketplace for Art, Oddities, and Piercings
Beyond the tattooing booths, the festival floor acts as a huge marketplace. Attendees can explore a vast array of vendor booths selling unique and relevant merchandise. This is the perfect place to find gifts, expand your collection, or pick up supplies.
- Art Sales: Many tattoo artists will sell original paintings, prints, and sketches, giving you a chance to own a piece of their work even if you don't get tattooed.
- Unique Clothing & Jewelry: Vendors specializing in tattoo culture and alternative fashion will offer clothing, custom jewelry, and accessories.
- Oddities and Curiosities: True to the sideshow spirit, expect booths selling everything from taxidermy and preserved specimens to vintage medical equipment and other unique oddities.
- Piercings and Body Modification: Professional piercers will be on hand to offer a variety of services, from simple ear piercings to more complex body modification work.
5. Essential Tips for Attending the Long Beach Expo
To make the most of your three-day experience at the Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Book Ahead for Tattoos: If you want work from a specific, famous artist, check the official Villain Arts website for the artist list and contact them directly months in advance to book a time slot.
- Bring Cash: While many artists and vendors accept digital payments, cash is always preferred for deposits, small purchases, and tips.
- Parking and Transit: The Long Beach Convention Center is easily accessible, but parking can be expensive. Consider using local transit or ride-sharing services, especially if you plan to stay in the vibrant Downtown Long Beach area.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: You’ll be walking and standing for long periods. Also, wear clothing that allows easy access to the area you plan to get tattooed.
The 1st Annual Long Beach Tattoo Arts Festival in July 2025 is a landmark event for the West Coast tattoo scene. It is a must-attend for anyone interested in the art, the culture, or the unique blend of extreme entertainment that only Villain Arts can deliver. Don't miss this chance to be part of California's newest and most exciting tattoo convention.
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