Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo (2026)

The Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo runs June 26 through June 28, 2026 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers, Florida. This three-day convention fills 30,000 square feet of renovated exhibition space in the city's Historic River District, located along the Caloosahatchee River waterfront. The venue sits directly next to The Luminary Hotel & Co., which serves as the official host hotel for the weekend. This proximity allows attendees to walk between their rooms and the convention floor. The Caloosa Sound Convention Center underwent recent renovations to modernize its facilities, providing climate-controlled space for artists and collectors. Over 200 tattoo artists from local Southwest Florida shops, national studios, and international destinations will work live at the expo. The floor plan includes individual artist booths, open tattooing areas, and vendor stalls selling equipment, supplies, and aftercare products. Joey Tattoo returns as the official MC, guiding attendees through the schedule and announcing competition winners. The event follows the standard tattoo convention format. Artists arrive with portfolios and available flash designs. Attendees consult with artists, book appointments for custom work, or choose from available walk-up pieces. Competitions run throughout the weekend in categories ranging from small black-and-gray pieces to large color work, with judging by established industry figures. Fort Myers sits on Florida's Gulf Coast between Tampa and Miami, with a tattoo culture that reflects the region's mix of retirement communities, tourism, and local art scenes. The Historic River District location puts the expo within walking distance of downtown restaurants, bars, and the waterfront promenade. Local shops in Fort Myers and nearby Cape Coral range from traditional American street shops to fine-art studios specializing in realism and Japanese work. Parking is available at the convention center and in nearby downtown garages. Single-day and weekend passes are typically available, though specific ticket release dates and pricing should be confirmed through official channels. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers amenities for multi-day attendance. Attendees should bring government-issued identification, as Florida law requires tattoo studios to verify age. Cash remains useful for deposits and merchandise purchases, though most artists accept cards for final payments. Bring printed reference images if you plan to discuss custom work, and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the body areas you want tattooed.