When and where is the Flower City Tattoo Convention?

The 2026 event runs July 24-26 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, located on East Main Street in downtown Rochester, New York. The venue sits along the Genesee River near the Eastman Theatre and several downtown hotels.

What happens at this convention?

The event includes live tattooing at artist booths, tattoo contests with categories like best black and grey or best sleeve, and vendors selling equipment, aftercare, and art. You can book appointments with artists or browse flash for walk-up availability.

How do I get tickets?

Ticket information for the 2026 convention has not been released yet. Check the event's official social media channels or local Rochester tattoo shop websites for announcements regarding online sales and box office hours.

What should I bring or expect?

Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to get tattooed, cash for tips and merchandise, and a water bottle. Wear comfortable shoes as you will stand on concrete floors. Outside food is restricted but concessions are available inside.

Is this event good for first-time attendees?

Yes. The convention welcomes people new to tattoo culture. You can observe artists working, ask questions about the process, and look at portfolios without pressure. The atmosphere is casual and artists expect questions from first-timers.

Flower City Tattoo Convention (2026)

Name: Flower City Tattoo Convention (2026)
Start: 2026-07-24
End: 2026-07-26
Location: Rochester Riverside Convention Center

The Flower City Tattoo Convention is a three-day tattoo event held July 24 through July 26, 2026, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, New York. The event takes its name from Rochester's historic nickname, "The Flower City," earned in the 19th century when the city housed major nurseries like Ellwanger and Barry that supplied trees and flowers across the country. The convention fills the downtown convention center with tattoo artists from across upstate New York and beyond. Attendees walk rows of booths where artists work on clients in real time, with machines running from open to close. The floor includes vendors selling tattoo supplies, aftercare products, and printed art. Most years feature tattoo contests divided by style and size, with categories like best black and grey or best traditional sleeve. Judges usually include established local artists and experienced guest artists from other regions. The Rochester Riverside Convention Center sits along the Genesee River, with parking available in adjacent garages and lots. Several hotels are within walking distance, including the Hyatt Regency Rochester and the Hilton Garden Inn. The building has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, which gives the main floor natural light during the day. The venue is near the Eastman Theatre and the Strong Museum, so attendees can make a weekend of it. Rochester has a tattoo history that stretches back decades, with shops scattered across neighborhoods like the South Wedge and Park Avenue. The convention draws from this local base while bringing in guest artists from Buffalo, Syracuse, and New York City. The crowd mixes collectors with multiple sleeves and locals getting their first pieces. You will see a lot of American traditional and neo-traditional work, reflecting the region's strong history in those styles. Tickets are typically available for single days or the full weekend. The event runs Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, with Saturday being the busiest day. Attendees should bring cash for merchandise and tips, though most artists accept cards for deposits. The convention center allows bags but restricts outside food and drink. Food trucks usually park outside during lunch hours, and the center has its own concession stands. If you want to get tattooed, you should contact artists beforehand to book appointments. Walk-ups are possible but spots fill fast on the floor. Bring a valid ID. The event is all ages but anyone under 18 needs a parent present to get tattooed, per New York State law.