Kyklops Tattoo Celebrates 20 Years With Community Festival

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYKLOPS TATTOO

It may seem that storefronts along South Side’s East Carson Street business district are in a state of constant flux. With landmarks like The Beehive, Games N’at and Dave’s Music Mine moving out in the last decade, the South Side has garnered a reputation as a neighborhood that has struggled with permanence since the Covid-19 pandemic hit it hard in 2020.

But a local tattoo parlor has held its ground; Kyklops Tattoo will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a two-day community festival later this month.

Kyklops, located on the 2100 block of East Carson Street, is perhaps most recognizable by its glowing “K” marquee sign. On July 17-18, it will host Eye Kon XX, a free-to-attend two-day tattoo convention bringing together 10 artists from across the country, as well as the shop’s own award-winning tattooists. The event will be held in and around the shop at 2130 East Carson St. from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. both days.

Organizers say all are welcome — whether you’re covered in tattoos or they’re just not your cup of tea.

The weekend will also feature tintype photography by Joseph Wyman, live entertainment from local DJs, activities, prizes and food. Music performers include Billy Hoyle, PVKVSV, DJ Yamez, Brian Siewiorek and DJ Sauce Queen. 

Food will be provided in part by Dive Bar & Grille. Attendees can also pick up a souvenir cup from one of several local coffee and beverage stores, with a portion of proceeds going to the nearby Phillips K-5 school.

“For our 20th, we decided to put on a convention with guest artists because we love how energized we feel working with a bunch of talented tattooers under one roof. We also wanted to give Pittsburghers an opportunity to get tattooed by these amazing artists that rarely make it to our city,” owner Evan Gealy says. “We opened it up to involve other local businesses because we believe that collaborative events like EYE KON can strengthen the whole community.”

Featured guests artists include:

Lindsey Cook — Stolen Rose Tattoos, Scottsdale, Ariz. 

Jerry Walker — Adam’s Ave Tattoo, San Diego

Timothy Wood — Chronic Tattoo, Elyria, Ohio 

Opie — All For One Tattoo, Richmond, Va. 

Erich Foster — North Star Tattoo, Buffalo, N.Y. 

Randy Hall — Hero Tattoo, Myrtle Beach/Conway, S.C. 

Zach Black — Emerald Eye Tattoo, Milwaukee

Steve Reid — Resolute Tattoo, Delmar, N.Y. 

Maelin Biondillo  — Springfield Classic Tattoo, Springfield, Ill.

Alex Rendek — Chronic Tattoo Lakewood, Lakewood, Ohio

The festival is free and open to the public.