Toulouse Tattoo Convention 2027: Location, Dates & What to Wear

Nineteen years in, Toulouse's tattoo convention has settled into a genuinely well-run format — proper judged contests both days, live music alongside the ink, and a purpose-built exhibition centre rather than a cramped hall. Here's what to expect this January.

What Is Toulouse Tattoo Convention?

Now in its 19th edition, this is one of the more established fixtures on the French tattoo circuit. Contests run both Saturday and Sunday at 5pm, judged across categories from large-scale pieces down to minimalist work — a structure that rewards a genuine range of styles rather than favouring whoever's loudest. Live shows and concerts run alongside the tattooing itself, keeping the atmosphere closer to a proper weekend event than a trade show.

Location & Dates

9–10 January 2027, at the Diagora Congress & Exhibition Centre in Labège, just outside Toulouse, France. Labège sits on Toulouse's tram network, so you're not relying on a car to get out to the venue from the city centre.

What to Expect

Two full days of working stations plus judged contests each afternoon gives the event a clear rhythm — mornings for browsing and getting worked on, late afternoon for watching the results get judged in front of the crowd. The live music and concert side of the programme means there's a reason to stick around even between sessions rather than just watching needles.

What to Wear

Early January in Toulouse is mild by northern-European winter standards but still properly cold, so a coat you can shed once you're inside the exhibition hall is the sensible call. If you're booked in for work, think about access to the area being tattooed — loose sleeves or trousers depending on placement.

Our Tattoo Socks collection is built for exactly this kind of weekend. Sinner is a fitting pick if you want something with a bit of edge to match the ink on display.

Toulouse Tattoo Convention 2027 at a Glance

Dates	9–10 January 2027
Venue	Diagora Congress & Exhibition Centre, Labège, near Toulouse, France
Edition	19th
Also on	Judged tattoo contests both days, live shows and concerts

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the judged contest actually work?

Contests are held both Saturday and Sunday at 5pm, judged across multiple categories spanning large-scale pieces to minimalist work — so it's not a single best-in-show, but a proper range of recognised styles.

Can I get tattooed on the day without booking ahead?

Smaller pieces are sometimes available as walk-ups, but 19 editions in, popular artists tend to book out fast once the exhibitor list is announced — reach out directly beforehand for anything specific.

Is Diagora easy to reach from Toulouse city centre?

Yes — Labège is served by Toulouse's tram network, so no car is needed to get from the centre out to the venue.

Is there anything to do besides watching tattooing?

Live music and concerts run alongside the tattoo floor across the weekend, giving it more of a proper event feel than a purely trade-focused convention.

Plan Your Trip

Nineteen editions of getting the format right shows — Toulouse Tattoo Convention is a well-oiled weekend, not a first attempt. Pack a coat for the January chill, and finish the trip with a pair from Tattoo Socks.