When and where is the Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival Winter 2026?

The event runs February 6-8, 2026, at the Big Four Roadhouse located at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta. The venue sits on the east side of downtown Calgary with parking available in the surrounding lots.

What happens at this specific convention?

The floor contains tattoo stations where artists work on clients, vendor booths selling machines and aftercare products, and a stage for daily tattoo competitions. Artists offer walk-up appointments and flash tattoos. Licensed professionals can attend technical seminars.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available through the official website at https://albertatattooshows.com/Calgary. You can purchase single-day or weekend passes online. Door sales are available if the event has not reached capacity.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring government-issued photo ID and cash for deposits or merchandise. The Big Four Roadhouse has concrete floors so wear comfortable shoes. February in Calgary is cold, so check weather conditions for transport to and from Stampede Park.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The layout is open and you can watch artists work without pressure to get tattooed. Staff are available to explain the process, and the vendor area has aftercare products and jewelry for existing piercings.

Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival Winter (2026)

Name: Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival Winter (2026)
Start: 2026-02-06
End: 2026-02-08
Location: Big Four Roadhouse

The Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival Winter 2026 is a three-day convention running February 6-8 at the Big Four Roadhouse in Calgary, Alberta. The event fills the historic Stampede Park venue with tattoo stations, vendor booths, and artist seminars. This winter edition brings together local Calgary artists and traveling professionals from across Canada and the United States. The Big Four Roadhouse has an open industrial layout with high ceilings and concrete floors. Artists set up booths along the perimeter and center floor, working on appointments and walk-up flash tattoos throughout the day. The vendor area stocks tattoo machines, needles, ink, and aftercare products. Several suppliers offer equipment for professional artists and apprentices. You will also find jewelry for piercings and tattoo-inspired art prints. Tattoo competitions run daily with categories for black and grey, color, and best overall. Artists submit fresh work done at the convention or bring healed pieces for judging. Seminars for licensed practitioners cover technical skills and business operations. Calgary has a tattoo culture shaped by its western heritage and oil industry workforce. Traditional Americana and neo-traditional styles are common, alongside Japanese work and fine-line black and grey. The city has shops that have operated for decades alongside newer studios in the Beltline and Inglewood neighborhoods. Tickets are available online through the official website or at the door. The venue has parking lots surrounding Stampede Park, though February weather in Calgary can bring snow and cold temperatures. Hotels are available in downtown Calgary, a short drive or transit ride east. Bring photo ID, as you must be 18 to enter. Cash is useful for tips and small purchases, though most vendors accept cards. Check the official website for the guest artist list and seminar schedule as the dates approach.