Keystone State Tattoo Expo
- Dates
- Expected July/August
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Blair County Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
- Price
- Free
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Sep 2, 2026
Keystone State Tattoo Expo's next dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 31 July to 2 August 2026 in Altoona, PA. Froligo tracks free-entry details, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Keystone State Tattoo Expo is the fifth annual edition of a tattoo convention hosted by Catharsis Tattoo Gallery of Altoona, running Friday through Sunday, July 31 to August 2, at the Blair County Convention Center. The organiser describes a floor of more than 120 artists and vendors, live tattooing throughout the weekend, live entertainment, and daily tattoo awards that give the convention a competitive edge alongside the working booths. Show hours run from noon until 11pm on Friday and Saturday and noon until 8pm on Sunday, a long run that favors walk up visitors as well as attendees with booked appointments. Tickets are sold as a single day pass or a three day pass, with free entry for children 14 and under. Being hosted by a local, named shop rather than a national touring promoter gives the expo a regional, community feel, reflected in its sponsor list and in the Country Inn & Suites directly across Convention Center Drive, which the organiser lists as the expo's convenient overnight option for out of town visitors and artists
What happens on the floor
Pieces go on in the open, start to finish. You can watch, and talk to artists between clients.
Finished and same-day work is judged on stage in named categories, usually late in the day.
Machines, inks, aftercare, art and clothing. Aimed at artists, but open to anyone through the door.
Stage acts between judging: sideshow, suspension and burlesque are common. Worth knowing before you sit down with a child.
Who is tattooing
No artist roster has been published for this edition, so there is no way to pick an artist in advance from the official pages.
Getting there
How do I get to Keystone State Tattoo Expo?
By car
Most people drive to Keystone State Tattoo Expo. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🚙 Car hire
Where
Venue
Blair County Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Keystone State Tattoo Expo?
Pricing
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