San Diego Tattoo Arts Festival returns Feb. 13–15, 2026 at Del Mar Fairgrounds with three-day program

Event dates, venue and schedule

The San Diego Tattoo Arts Festival is scheduled for Feb. 13–15, 2026, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. The event is listed as the fourth edition of the festival’s San Diego-area stop.

Organizers have posted daily hours that span three days: Friday (Feb. 13) from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday (Feb. 14) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday (Feb. 15) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets, age rules and what attendees can expect

Ticketing information published for the 2026 event lists a $25 one-day admission option and a $50 three-day pass. Children under 12 are listed as free for admission. In addition, festival policies published for Villain Arts events state that tattooing at the festivals requires attendees to be 18 or older with a valid government-issued photo identification.

Programming descriptions for the San Diego date characterize the festival as a tattoo-focused convention format that brings multiple tattoo artists together under one roof, alongside additional attractions that can include vendors, art displays and entertainment. Tattooing is performed by participating artists, with pricing set independently by each artist.

Organizer background and the festival’s place in the regional calendar

The event is promoted under the Villain Arts banner, a national tattoo-festival organizer that traces its origins to 1999 and now operates multiple shows across the United States each year. The San Diego-area festival is part of that touring model, with other cities hosting separate dates under the same organizer.

For local residents and visitors, the Del Mar Fairgrounds location places the festival in North County’s coastal corridor, with the venue’s event listing also highlighting paid parking policies and options to purchase parking in advance. The fairgrounds schedule presents the tattoo festival as taking place within the Exhibit Hall.

Key details at a glance

• Dates: Feb. 13–15, 2026
• Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
• Hours: Fri 2–11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Admission: $25 one-day; $50 three-day pass; children under 12 listed as free
• Age requirement for tattooing: 18+ with valid government-issued photo ID

Attendees are encouraged to confirm final schedules, ticket availability and venue policies ahead of arrival, as event logistics such as parking and operational details can change before opening day.