Inked Tattoo Expo Brisbane 2026

Inked Tattoo Expo Brisbane 2026 is a major tattoo, art and culture event scheduled to make its Brisbane debut from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in South Brisbane. The three day event brings tattoo artists, collectors, creative professionals, exhibitors and tattoo enthusiasts together for a weekend focused on tattooing, contemporary art, culture and entertainment.

A Celebration of Tattoo Culture

The expo is designed around the creative community behind tattooing. Visitors can meet tattoo artists, explore different tattoo styles and discover artwork while experiencing the craft in a live exhibition environment. The official event information promotes more than 200 tattoo artists for the Brisbane event, giving attendees an opportunity to discover artists and potentially arrange tattoos during the expo.

Inked Expo is intended for both experienced tattoo collectors and people who are considering their first tattoo. The event provides an opportunity to browse portfolios, speak with artists and learn more about different approaches to tattoo design and tattooing.

Live Tattooing

One of the central attractions is live tattooing. Artists work from their exhibition booths throughout the weekend, allowing visitors to see tattooing taking place in an event environment. The official Inked Expo website also highlights flash designs and walk up opportunities, although individual artists determine their own availability, pricing and booking requirements.

Visitors who already have a particular artist in mind can also explore artist profiles and contact artists regarding appointments. A general event ticket is still required for entry, even when an attendee has arranged a tattoo appointment.

Ink Off Battles

The program also features Ink Off Battles, where tattoo artists compete in a live creative challenge. The official Brisbane ticket information describes the battles as involving two artists competing over an extended session, with attendees participating in the experience.

These competitions add a live performance element to the tattoo convention and provide visitors with an opportunity to watch artists develop their work in real time.

Inked Awards

Tattoo awards are another feature of the Brisbane event. The awards provide a platform for showcasing tattoo work produced by participating artists and celebrating creativity and craftsmanship across the tattoo community.

For tattoo enthusiasts, the awards provide an opportunity to see a wide range of styles and finished pieces gathered together at one event.

Art Shopping and Exhibitors

In addition to tattoo artists, Inked Expo includes shopping and exhibition areas. Visitors can explore independent brands, artwork, clothing, tattoo related products and other creative merchandise. The event therefore extends beyond tattoo appointments and provides a broader experience focused on art and alternative culture.

The exhibition environment is also intended to give artists and vendors an opportunity to connect directly with visitors and potential customers.

Live Entertainment and Panels

The Brisbane event includes live entertainment and panels as part of the broader expo program. The official event information highlights live Brisbane music and discussions involving tattoo industry personalities.

This combination of tattooing, music, art and discussion creates a festival style environment rather than a conventional exhibition.

Halloween at Inked

The Brisbane event takes place across Halloween weekend, with Saturday 31 October 2026 falling on Halloween. Inked Expo has announced a Halloween themed component for Saturday, including opportunities for attendees to dress up and participate in the event atmosphere.

This gives the Saturday program an additional themed entertainment element alongside the tattooing, competitions, shopping and live performances.

Event Schedule

The official Inked Expo website currently lists the Brisbane public opening times as 10:00 to 21:00 on Friday 30 October, 10:00 to 21:00 on Saturday 31 October, and 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday 1 November 2026.

The event is therefore structured as a full three day weekend experience, allowing visitors to attend on an individual day or experience the complete program across the weekend.

Venue and Location

Inked Tattoo Expo Brisbane 2026 will take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, located in South Brisbane within the South Bank precinct. The venue is close to South Brisbane Railway Station and South Bank Railway Station, with bus, ferry and other public transport connections available nearby.

The venue also provides undercover parking and multiple entrances, including the Grey Street entrance and entrances around Merivale and Glenelg Streets.

Who Can Attend

According to the Inked Expo FAQ, the event is open to all ages. Children aged 14 and under can enter free with a paying adult, while attendees aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Australian law prohibits tattooing anyone under 18, so minors cannot receive tattoos at the event even with parental consent.

Experience Brisbane Inked Expo

Whether someone is passionate about tattoo culture, interested in contemporary art, looking for a tattoo artist, interested in alternative fashion and merchandise, or simply looking for live entertainment, Inked Tattoo Expo Brisbane 2026 offers a broad weekend program.

With live tattooing, artist booths, competitions, awards, shopping, panels, music and Halloween themed activities, the Brisbane event brings together multiple elements of tattoo and creative culture under one roof at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The event is scheduled for 30 October to 1 November 2026 and represents Inked Expo's Brisbane debut.