Wildstyle & Tattoo Fair Linz

The Wildstyle & Tattoo Fair is an annual public event with cult status and has been one of Europe's most significant gatherings in the field of body art since its founding in 1995 in Upper Austria. Organized by Jochen Auer and his experienced Wildstyle crew, the fair offers far more than a traditional tattoo exhibition: it is a festival of subculture, uniting tattoo artistry, music, lifestyle, gastronomy, and the alternative scene under one roof.

The event takes place in Linz at the historic Tabakfabrik – a listed industrial building from the 1930s, designed by renowned architect Peter Behrens. Today, the carefully revitalized complex serves as a creative hub with galleries, studios, restaurants, and event spaces – an ideal setting for an event that thrives on artistic diversity and alternative forms of expression. Convenient tram connections via lines 1, 2, and 4 to the nearby “Herz-Jesu-Kirche” stop make it easily accessible for visitors from across the German-speaking world.

At the heart of the fair is tattoo art. National and international tattoo artists work live in front of an audience, showcasing a wide range of styles – from traditional Old School and photorealistic Black & Grey to Japanese Irezumi and modern Dotwork. The fair provides a platform for both established artists and curious visitors, who have the opportunity to get tattooed on-site. A major highlight is the tattoo contest, where freshly inked works are awarded in various categories.

Body modification also plays a key role. Piercings, unique body jewelry, implants, scarification, and other forms of body alteration are strikingly presented, offering insight into a scene devoted to individual self-expression. The fair is further enriched by a curated selection of products and services related to tattoo equipment, body care, fashion, art, and lifestyle.

Music is another core element of the event, with live performances by bands from genres like rock, metal, and psychobilly, as well as DJs, creating a festival-like atmosphere within the exhibition halls. Market areas and art exhibits offer a diverse range of goods – from scene-specific fashion and handmade jewelry to art pieces, band merchandise, and airbrush works.

A culinary highlight is the European Street Food Festival in the Tabakfabrik’s outdoor area, where visitors can enjoy specialties from across Europe in a relaxed setting – a vibrant gastronomic experience that complements the creative and open spirit of the fair.

Adding to the excitement are spectacular sideshow acts such as fire-eaters, sword-swallowers, and performers lying on beds of nails, all staged in the style of a modern “Circus of Horrors”. The program is rounded off by the display of individually customized cars, bikes, and hot rods – a true magnet for fans of unique automotive culture.

The Wildstyle & Tattoo Fair is a total work of subcultural art that draws thousands of visitors each year. It is a meeting place for tattoo enthusiasts, music lovers, individualists, and bon vivants – a space where diverse lifestyles converge in an extraordinary atmosphere.

The Wildstyle & Tattoo Fair in Linz took place from Saturday, 18. October to Sunday, 19. October 2025.