The Ink Factory — International Tattoo Convention
The International Tattoo Convention of Lyon
About The Ink Factory
The Ink Factory: Lyon, World Capital of Tattoo
Created in 2018, The Ink Factory is Lyon's international tattoo convention. In just a few editions, it has risen to become a world-renowned event in the tattoo industry, rivaling the biggest conventions in Berlin, London, and New York. The ambition of its founders: to bring together internationally renowned artists and showcase this ancient art form in an exceptional setting.
Halle Tony Garnier: A Monumental Venue
Each year, the convention takes over the Halle Tony Garnier, an emblematic monument of Lyon listed as a Historic Monument, located in the 7th arrondissement. With its 15,000 m² of exhibition space, this former livestock market converted into a concert and event venue offers a spectacular and unique setting in France to host hundreds of tattoo artist booths and various entertainment stages.
350 Tattoo Artists from Around the World
Each edition brings together over 350 tattoo artists from 25 countries, covering all styles and techniques of contemporary tattooing:
- Traditional Japanese (Irezumi) and Neo-Japanese
- Realism and Hyperrealism
- Blackwork and Dotwork
- Old School and New School
- Polynesian and Tribal
- Watercolor, Illustrative, and Abstract
- Lettering, Floral, and many other styles
Much More Than a Tattoo Convention
The Ink Factory is not just about the practice of tattooing. The event offers a complete artistic program: live concerts, DJ sets, artistic performances, and tattoo contests. The vibrant atmosphere of the convention blends the concentration of artists at work, the excitement of visitors getting tattooed live, and the energy of the shows that punctuate the three days of the event.
Phenomenal Success
In just six editions, The Ink Factory welcomed over 14,000 visitors during its fifth edition in 2024, confirming its status as a major event on Lyon's cultural calendar. The convention attracts a diverse audience, from tattoo enthusiasts to the simply curious, drawn by the unique atmosphere and artistic quality of the event.
Lyon, City of Tattoo
Lyon has long been a stronghold of tattooing in France, with an exceptional concentration of renowned studios and artists. The Ink Factory capitalizes on this local culture while giving it an international dimension, making the city a convergence point for the global tattoo community every September.
The Ink Factory — edition 2026
The 7th edition of The Ink Factory will be held from September 18 to 20, 2026, at the Halle Tony Garnier in Lyon. More than 350 tattoo artists from 35 countries are expected, with a tribute to Marquesan tattooing and a rich artistic program.
7th Edition — September 18, 19 and 20, 2026
The 7th edition of The Ink Factory will take place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Halle Tony Garnier, in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon. This year, the international tattoo convention brings together more than 350 tattoo artists from 35 countries and expects around 15,000 visitors over the three days.
Marquesan Tattooing in the Spotlight
The 2026 edition highlights Marquesan tattooing, stemming from Polynesian culture, alongside all the major styles of contemporary tattooing: realism, blackwork, traditional and neo-traditional, Japanese, geometric, floral, illustrative, and abstract.
Much More Than a Tattoo Convention
Beyond the hundreds of booths where you can get tattooed live by international artists, the program combines illustration, body painting, street art, artistic performances, and live music (concerts and DJ sets). The weekend is punctuated by tattoo contests organized by stylistic categories, judged by professional juries. The event also offers an immersive space called “House of Ink” and a food court.
The Ink Factory was created by Teodor Milev and Morgane Witlberger, founders of the Lyon-based studio 681 Tattoos, with the ambition of placing Lyon among the great international tattoo capitals alongside London, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
Highlights The Ink Factory 2026
- More than 350 tattoo artists from 35 countries
- Tribute to Marquesan tattooing (Polynesian culture)
- Tattoo contests by stylistic categories, judged by professional juries
- Live concerts, DJ sets, body painting, street art, and artistic performances
- Immersive space “House of Ink” and food court
- Tattoos done live by international artists
Prices The Ink Factory 2026
Practical information — The Ink Factory
Practical Information
Access
By Metro: Line B, stop Stade de Gerland, then a 10-minute walk.
By Tramway: Line T1, stop Halle Tony Garnier.
By Car: Paid parking near Halle Tony Garnier. Access via Boulevard Yves Farge or Quai Perrache.
Prices
- 1-Day Pass: 18 EUR
- 3-Day Pass: 45 EUR
- Free for children under 12 years old
- Reduced rates for students and people with reduced mobility upon presentation of proof (on-site only)
Opening Hours
- Friday: 1 PM - 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM - 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM - 8 PM
Contact
The Ink Factory
Halle Tony Garnier
20 place Docteurs Charles et Christophe Mérieux
69007 Lyon
Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — The Ink Factory
Halle Tony Garnier
20 place Docteurs Charles et Christophe Mérieux, 69007 Lyon