When and where is the Niagara Tattoo Expo?

The 2026 Niagara Tattoo Expo runs July 31 to August 2 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The venue is located on Stanley Avenue near the tourist district. The event takes place Friday through Sunday with Friday afternoon opening and full days Saturday and Sunday.

What happens at the Niagara Tattoo Expo?

Artists tattoo on the convention floor throughout the weekend. You can book appointments in advance or check for walk-up availability. The floor includes vendor booths selling machines, ink, and aftercare supplies. Competitions typically run on Saturday and Sunday with categories for different tattoo styles. There is no formal seminar program; this is primarily a working convention focused on getting tattooed and buying supplies.

How do I get tickets for the Niagara Tattoo Expo?

Tickets are available through niagaratattooexpo.com or at the door. Single-day and weekend passes are sold. Prices vary by day. The website lists current pricing and allows online purchase to avoid lines at entry.

What should I bring to the Niagara Tattoo Expo?

Bring a valid ID, cash for deposits and tips, and comfortable shoes for concrete floors. If getting tattooed, eat beforehand and bring snacks or water. The venue connects to hotels and restaurants, but food options inside the convention hall are limited. Dress in layers as the air conditioning runs cold.

Is this event good for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The atmosphere is casual and artists are accustomed to working on first-timers. You can walk the floor to see portfolios, watch artists work, and book appointments for later in the weekend or future dates. The smaller scale compared to major city conventions makes it less overwhelming for newcomers.

Niagara Tattoo Expo #13 (2026)

Name: Niagara Tattoo Expo #13 (2026)
Start: 2026-07-31
End: 2026-08-02
Location: Scotiabank Convention Centre

The Niagara Tattoo Expo is a three-day tattoo convention held July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This is the 13th edition of the event, which has grown into one of Canada's larger regional tattoo gatherings. The convention takes place at the Scotiabank Convention Centre on Stanley Avenue, a modern facility that sits near the Niagara Falls tourist district. The venue offers the standard convention hall setup of concrete floors and high ceilings typical of expo centers. Artists set up booths in rows throughout the main hall, working under industrial lighting and natural light from the windows. This is a working convention. Artists book appointments in advance and also take walk-ups depending on availability. You will see traditional coil machines and rotary pens running from opening to closing. The floor includes vendor booths selling machines, needles, ink, aftercare products, and apparel. Canadian suppliers often dominate the vendor list, though American companies send representatives. The 2026 event marks the 13th year for this expo. It started as a smaller regional show and has maintained a focus on Canadian talent while bringing in international guests. Previous editions have featured artists from across Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and the northern United States. The convention runs Friday through Sunday. Friday hours typically start in the afternoon to accommodate travel, with full days Saturday and Sunday. Single-day and weekend passes are available at the door or through the website. The Scotiabank Convention Centre connects to nearby hotels and sits within walking distance of the Fallsview tourist district. Parking is available in the attached garage. Niagara Falls has a scattered tattoo scene. The city itself has shops serving the tourist trade, but serious collectors often travel from Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo. The expo draws this regional crowd together. Canadian tattooing has distinct regional styles, with Montreal known for bold traditional work and Toronto producing fine-line and black-and-grey specialists. This show reflects that mix. Bring cash for deposits and merchandise. Most artists accept cards for payment but cash is faster for tips and small purchases. Wear comfortable shoes. The concrete floors are hard on feet after three days. If you plan to get tattooed, eat breakfast and bring snacks. Food options are available in the attached casino complex or nearby tourist district.