Schedule of Events
The 2026 schedule is taking shape. Start planning your weekend with the confirmed tattoo-contest categories below, and check back for entertainment, special features and exact contest times.
Three days in Brooklyn.
Opening day
Full day
Final day
Tattoo contest schedule.
The category lineup is confirmed by day. Exact contest times will be announced as the complete event schedule is finalized.
- Best Traditional
- Best Japanese
- Best of Day
- Best Fine Line
- Best Small Black and Grey
- Best Small Color
- Best Neo Traditional
- Best Black and Grey Realism
- Best of Day
- Best Blackwork, Ornamental and Tribal
- Best Pop Culture
- Best Color Realism
- Best Large Color
- Best Large Black and Grey
- Best Collection
- Best of Day
- Best of Show Collaboration
- Best of Show
Best of Day and Best of Show.
These special competitions have been confirmed. Their exact times will be added to the daily schedule later.
Best of Day
For a fresh tattoo started and finished at the convention on the same day it is entered.
Best of Show Collaboration
For a piece completed by multiple artists and started and finished at the convention.
Best of Show
For a piece completed by one artist and started and finished at the convention.
Who may participate?
Whose tattoos are eligible for the contests?
Contest entries must be fresh or healed tattoo work completed by an artist attending The New York Tattoo Convention. Best of Day and the two Best of Show competitions are limited to fresh tattoos completed at the convention according to their individual rules.
Is contest entry included for attending artists?
Yes. Each attending artist's booth includes complimentary tattoo-contest entry for their clients.
Do contests require advance registration?
No advance contest registration is required. Additional participation instructions will be posted with the final contest times.
When will exact contest times be announced?
Exact contest times will be added as the full Schedule of Events is finalized. Please check this page again before the convention.
More events will be added.
This page is designed to expand as the remaining program is confirmed.
Live entertainment
Live music, NYC burlesque, drag performances and showtimes will be announced.
Special features
Additional demonstrations, appearances and convention programming will be added here.
Daily timelines
Final contest times and complete Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedules will be posted here.
Follow @thenewyorktattooconvention for new schedule announcements.
Join us for New York's tattoo weekend.
Three days of world-class tattooing, competitions, entertainment, art, food and more at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
All ages welcome · Ages 16 and under enter free with a ticketed adult