When and where is Carnival Of Ink Saint Charles 2026?

The event runs June 20-22, 2026, at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Missouri. The venue is located in the 63303 zip code area, west of St. Louis along the Missouri River.

What happens at this event?

The convention features live tattooing by guest artists from across the US and international locations, live performance art acts, and vendor booths selling equipment, aftercare products, and merchandise. Artists work on clients throughout the day on the convention floor.

How do I get tickets?

Contact the event organizers directly or monitor their official social media channels for ticket announcements, as the website is currently unavailable. Tickets are typically sold as day passes or weekend passes.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring government-issued ID, cash for tips and vendors, comfortable walking shoes, and reference images if you plan to get tattooed. Expect a working convention environment with active tattooing, noise from machines, and crowds browsing the floor.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The 13th edition has established traffic flow and scheduling that accommodates newcomers. First-timers can observe tattooing processes before deciding to book work, and the atmosphere is open to questions from new collectors.

Carnival Of Ink Sain Charles (2026)

Name: Carnival Of Ink Sain Charles (2026)
Start: 2026-06-20
End: 2026-06-22
Location: St. Charles Convention Center

The 13th annual Carnival Of Ink Saint Charles runs June 20 through June 22, 2026, at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Missouri. This three-day convention occupies the convention center floor with tattoo artists working on clients from open to close each day. The event has grown since its first edition to become a regular stop on the Midwest tattoo circuit. Artists from across the United States and international locations book booths months in advance to work at the show. Attendees walk the floor to watch tattoos being made in real time, talk with artists about future projects, and book appointments for later dates. The convention floor includes rows of booths where artists set up stations with their own equipment and supplies. Beyond the tattoo floor, the convention includes live performance art acts drawing talent from across the country. Vendor booths sell tattoo equipment, aftercare products, clothing, and jewelry. The layout keeps the main floor open for viewing while providing space for artists to work privately with clients. Food and beverage options are available inside the convention center or within walking distance in the surrounding area. St. Charles sits along the Missouri River roughly 20 miles west of St. Louis. The city has a historic downtown district with brick streets and buildings from the 1800s. Local hotels include chains near the convention center and boutique options in the historic district. The St. Louis area has supported tattoo shops since the 1990s, with several well-known studios operating in the city and surrounding suburbs. This history creates a solid base of collectors and artists who attend the show each year. Parking is available at the convention center and in adjacent lots. Day passes and weekend passes are typically available at the door or in advance through the event's ticketing partners. Attendees should bring government-issued ID, cash for tips and vendors, comfortable walking shoes, and reference images if they plan to get tattooed. The convention floor allows photography but artists may request no photos during specific procedures. This is a working convention where artists complete tattoos during show hours. The atmosphere is casual and focused on the work. First-time attendees can watch the process before deciding to get tattooed, and the 13-year history means the organizers have refined the flow of traffic and scheduling to accommodate crowds.