
Costa Rica Expo Tattoo #11 runs from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, Costa Rica. This is the 11th edition of the convention, which has grown from a small local gathering to one of Central America's established tattoo events. The event fills the indoor sports arena with tattoo stations, vendor booths, and art displays. Local Costa Rican artists work alongside international guests, offering everything from traditional Latin American designs to blackwork and realism. Attendees can watch live tattooing, browse equipment and supplies, or book appointments for later dates. Heredia sits in the Central Valley near San José, making it accessible from the capital and Juan Santamaría International Airport. The city maintains its own tattoo shops and culture, though many artists travel from San José's larger scene. Palacio de los Deportes provides covered exhibition space with parking available in the surrounding area. The convention includes tattoo competitions across categories like black and grey, color, and small tattoos. There are usually seminars for artists and afterparties at local venues, though specific schedules release closer to the dates. Tickets are available at the door or through local tattoo shops in the San José and Heredia area, with single-day and full-weekend options typically offered. Bring cash for deposits and merchandise, as not all vendors process cards. Wear comfortable shoes for concrete floors and bring a valid ID. January is dry season in Costa Rica, so expect warm days and cool evenings in the Central Valley.
Costa Rica Expo Tattoo #11 is a three-day tattoo convention taking place January 30 to February 1, 2026, at Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, Costa Rica. The event features live tattooing, artist booths, equipment vendors, and tattoo competitions. This is the 11th edition of the convention, which draws artists from across Central America and beyond. Attendees can watch tattoos being made, book future appointments, or browse supplies. Heredia is located in Costa Rica's Central Valley near San José, connecting the convention to one of Latin America's growing tattoo scenes.
The event runs January 30 to February 1, 2026, at Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, Costa Rica. Heredia is in the Central Valley region, approximately 10 kilometers northwest of San José and accessible from Juan Santamaría International Airport.
The event includes live tattooing, vendor booths selling equipment and art, and tattoo competitions in categories like black and grey and color work. Artists from Costa Rica and other countries attend to take appointments and display portfolios.
Ticket information is available through participating local tattoo shops in the San José and Heredia area. You can purchase tickets in advance from these shops or buy them at the door during the event.
Bring a valid government-issued ID, cash for deposits and merchandise, and comfortable clothing for warm weather. The venue has concrete floors, so comfortable shoes are recommended. January is dry season, so sun protection is useful if you step outside.
Yes. The convention welcomes people new to tattoo culture. You can observe artists at work, ask questions, and look through portfolios without pressure to get tattooed immediately.