
The Montréal Tattoo Show is a three-day convention held June 5 through June 7, 2026 at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal. The event fills the renovated cruise terminal on the Saint Lawrence River with tattoo artists, vendors, and collectors from across Canada and beyond. Montreal has a long history with tattoo culture, blending North American traditions with European influences brought by French settlers and modern international styles. The city's tattoo scene is active year-round, with shops concentrated in the Plateau, Mile End, and downtown core. Many local artists specialize in fine line work and black and grey realism, though the convention draws practitioners of every major style. The 2026 edition features tattoo competitions across 15 categories, allowing artists to compete for prizes in styles ranging from black and grey to color work and traditional pieces. Judges evaluate entries based on technical execution, composition, and healing quality. A seminar program brings together 350 industry professionals to discuss techniques, business practices, and safety standards. These sessions run throughout the weekend and are open to artists looking to expand their skills. Attendees can watch live tattooing throughout the weekend as artists work on scheduled appointments and walk-up clients. The floor layout separates the tattoo booths from the vendor area, where suppliers sell machines, needles, inks, aftercare products, and printed artwork. Food trucks park outside the venue near the waterfront promenade, and the organizers schedule live performances and music between the competition announcements. The Grand Quay location provides indoor space for the main convention floor and outdoor areas overlooking the water where visitors can take breaks. The building is a former cruise ship terminal that has been converted into event space, with high ceilings and natural light from the river-facing windows. Tickets are available for single days or the full weekend. The venue sits near the Old Port, accessible by metro via the Square-Victoria-OACI station on the Orange Line. Parking is available at the port for those driving, though spaces fill quickly on Saturday. Several hotels operate within walking distance in Old Montreal, including chains and boutique options. First-time attendees should bring cash for merchandise and food, as some vendors do not accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes for concrete floors, and dress in layers as convention halls can vary in temperature. The event is open to the public and welcomes collectors at all stages, from those booking their first piece to those adding to existing collections.
The Montréal Tattoo Show is a three-day tattoo convention running June 5 to June 7, 2026 at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The event features live tattooing, competitions across 15 categories, seminars with 350 industry professionals, and vendor booths selling equipment and artwork. Food trucks and live performances operate throughout the weekend near the waterfront venue. Montreal has a diverse tattoo culture that mixes European and North American influences, with active shop scenes in the Plateau and Mile End neighborhoods. The convention draws artists and collectors from across Canada and the United States.
The event runs June 5-7, 2026 at the Grand Quay of the Port of Montreal, located at the Old Port on the Saint Lawrence River. The venue is accessible by metro via Square-Victoria-OACI station.
The convention includes live tattooing, competitions in 15 categories, seminars with 350 industry professionals, and vendor booths. Food trucks and live performances operate outside the venue.
Ticket information is available through the event's official channels. Contact the organizers directly via their social media for registration forms and pricing details.
Bring cash for food and merchandise, comfortable shoes for walking on concrete floors, and layers for temperature changes. If you plan to get tattooed, bring identification and payment for your chosen artist.
Yes. The convention welcomes newcomers and has artists available for consultations and walk-up appointments. You can watch tattooing before deciding to book, and vendors sell aftercare products for fresh tattoos.