Fall convention roadmap: tattoos, lowriders and Halloween from Yuma to Dallas

Fall is convention season, and the Southwest is stacked. Here are three shows worth building a road trip around, from a tattoo-and-car weekend in the desert to a Halloween blowout and a major expo in Dallas.

1. Yuma Tattoo Fest & Car Show — October 2–4

Now in its third edition, the Yuma show at the Yuma Civic Center in Arizona puts tattoo art and classic vehicles under one roof for the weekend. If chrome and ink are your two love languages, this is the one.

2. Tattoos Mischief & Mayhem, Longview — October 29 to November 1

• Where: Maude Cobb Exhibit Center, 1123 Jaycee Dr., Longview, Texas
• What: more than 100 artist and vendor booths, daily giveaways, costume contests for kids and adults, tattoo awards, music and live acts
• Hours: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2–11pm; Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, noon–11pm; Sunday, Nov. 1, noon–9pm

It lands right on Halloween, so come in costume.

3. Longhorn State Tattoo Expo, Dallas — October 30 to November 1

• Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 South Griffin Street, Dallas
• Who: presented by Sullen Clothing and hosted by Deanna James and Shine, with Ink Master artists on the floor
• What: tattoo contests, sponsors and a big lineup of artists; the event is listed as all ages
• Tickets: the organizer lists refunds up to seven days before the event

It’s the Texas sister show of the Golden State Tattoo Expo, which wrapped in Pasadena in September.

Convention survival kit

• Book your artist early. The best chairs fill up before doors open.
• Bring cash and cards. Not every booth takes the same payments.
• Eat, hydrate, sleep. Long sessions hit harder on an empty tank.
• Confirm hours and tickets on the official channels before you travel; schedules can change.