Tattoo trends in 2026 show shift in style and wider age appeal at Edmonton art festival
By Ana Kostyrko on April 22, 2026
The Edmonton Tattoo & Arts Festival is bringing together artists and clients of all ages this weekend, highlighting how tattoo culture continues to evolve in both style and accessibility.
Held at the Edmonton Expo Centre, the event features hundreds of artists working live, with many attendees getting tattooed on the spot.
“There was a lot of first-timers this year. It was one of the busiest shows we’ve had in recent years,” said Erin Porter, host and assistant manager of production. “You can always get your first tattoo, no matter how old you are. We had quite a big age range, from 18 all the way up to 60s. It’s not really geared towards just one.”
That wider audience is also changing how people approach their tattoos.
“A lot of people come in with social media trending references now… but some choose right from the shop’s board,” Alex Wilkinson, a tattoo artist at Fox and the Machine Tattoo in Calgary.
Potter said tattoo styles continue to shift as trends cycle and evolve over time.
“The styles of tattooing have grown and changed so much. What was considered a great tattoo 10 years ago is completely different now,” she said. “Tattoo trends are very similar to clothing trends. They always come back around.”
She added that smaller designs, including fine line and patchwork styles, have recently surged in popularity, while larger, more colourful pieces may be starting to return.
“We’ve noticed a big surge in smaller designs.. but at these shows, where we see people doing these giant colourful sleeves and legs, we might see a bit of a comeback,” Porter said.
With faster trend cycles and constant online exposure, artists say future designs may evolve more quickly than ever, with styles changing in real time rather than over years.