When and where is the Crestview Tattoo & Arts Festival?

The event runs March 20-22, 2026 at the Crestview Community Center, located at 1984 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Crestview, Florida. The venue is in Okaloosa County, roughly halfway between Pensacola and Tallahassee.

What happens at this event?

Artists tattoo live on the convention floor while vendors sell equipment, aftercare products, and merchandise. The festival holds daily tattoo competitions with categories for different styles and sizes. Attendees can book appointments with specific artists or request walk-up work.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are available at crestviewtattooartsfest.com. Options include single-day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, or weekend passes. VIP tickets typically include early entry and priority seating for competitions.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid government-issued ID, as you must be 18 or older to get tattooed. Cash is recommended for tips and vendors who may not accept cards. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area you want tattooed. The venue has air conditioning, but March in Florida can be warm, so dress in layers.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The Crestview Tattoo & Arts Festival is smaller than major city conventions, making it less overwhelming for first-timers. The layout is easy to navigate, and artists are generally available for consultations. The military presence in Crestview means many artists are experienced with first-time clients.

Crestview Tattoo & Arts Festival (2026)

Name: Crestview Tattoo & Arts Festival (2026)
Start: 2026-03-20
End: 2026-03-22
Location: Crestview Community Center

The Crestview Tattoo & Arts Festival is a three-day tattoo convention taking place March 20-22, 2026 at the Crestview Community Center in Crestview, Florida. The event brings together tattoo artists, collectors, and vendors from across the Florida Panhandle and surrounding states for a weekend of live tattooing, art exhibitions, and industry networking. Crestview sits in the heart of Okaloosa County, roughly 50 miles east of Pensacola and 60 miles west of Tallahassee. While smaller than Miami or Orlando's tattoo scenes, the Florida Panhandle has developed a tight-knit community of artists who specialize in military tattoos, traditional Americana, and custom black-and-grey work. The city is home to Eglin Air Force Base, and local shops have long served active-duty military personnel and veterans, creating a culture where walk-in friendly shops and same-day appointment availability are standard. This military influence shows in the prevalence of patriotic imagery, unit insignias, and memorial tattoos that local artists execute regularly. The festival fills the Community Center with tattoo booths where artists take appointments and walk-ups. Attendees can watch live tattooing, browse vendor tables selling equipment, aftercare products, and apparel, or enter the daily tattoo competitions. Past events have included categories for best small tattoo, best black-and-grey, best color, and best of show. The competition judging typically happens Saturday evening, with artists displaying fresh work on volunteer canvases. Some artists offer flash sales with pre-drawn designs at reduced rates, while others focus on large-scale custom bookings. The venue offers surface parking and is located near several chain hotels along State Road 85, including options near the intersection with Interstate 10. Tickets are typically available for single days or the full weekend, with VIP options that include early entry at 11:00 AM instead of the standard noon opening. The building is wheelchair accessible and has industrial air conditioning, which is necessary for March in North Florida when temperatures can reach the mid-70s and humidity runs high. Food trucks usually park outside during meal hours, as the venue has limited concession options inside. Artists travel from as far as Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Atlanta to work this show. The convention floor opens at noon on Friday and runs until 10:00 PM, with Saturday being the busiest day. Sunday hours are typically shorter, ending around 6:00 PM. Attendees should bring valid ID, cash for tips and vendors, and wear comfortable shoes. The event is family-friendly, though minors must be accompanied by parents for any tattoo services and cannot enter certain areas without supervision.