When and where is Roc City Tattoo Expo 2026?

The event runs May 22-24, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester, located in Rochester, New York. The convention takes place in the hotel's ballroom and conference spaces. Parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots.

What happens at Roc City Tattoo Expo?

The event includes live tattooing by artists from across the Northeast, tattoo competitions in categories like Best Black and Grey and Best Color, and vendor booths selling supplies and merchandise. Seminars for tattoo artists run during the day. The atmosphere is casual and focused on the work rather than entertainment spectacles.

How do I get tickets for Roc City Tattoo Expo?

Tickets are available at roccitytattooexpo.com. You can buy single-day passes or full weekend passes. Door tickets are usually available unless the event sells out, but online purchase guarantees entry.

What should I bring to Roc City Tattoo Expo?

Bring a valid ID, cash for deposits and merchandise, and reference images if you want to get tattooed. Wear comfortable shoes since you will stand while browsing portfolios. The hotel is climate-controlled, but bring a light jacket as convention floors can vary in temperature.

Is this event good for first-time tattoo collectors?

Yes. The smaller size makes it less overwhelming than major city conventions. You can walk the floor, look at portfolios without pressure, and book appointments with artists who have availability. The Rochester location means lower prices than NYC or Boston conventions.

Roc City Tattoo Expo

Name: Roc City Tattoo Expo
Start: 2026-05-22
End: 2026-05-24
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester

Rochester has a working-class tattoo history that dates back to the sailor and manufacturing traditions of the early 20th century. The Roc City Tattoo Expo taps into this legacy with a straightforward convention that focuses on the work. The event runs May 22-24, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester. This is a three-day tattoo convention that fills the hotel's convention space with booths from local shops and traveling artists. The DoubleTree location means attendees can book rooms in the same building where the event happens, which is useful in a city where downtown parking can be tight on weekends. The floor plan typically includes rows of booths arranged in the ballroom and adjacent conference rooms. Artists work on appointments and accept walk-ups depending on their schedules. The event includes tattoo competitions in categories like Best Black and Grey, Best Color, and Best of Day. There is a vendor area for supplies, jewelry, and clothing. Seminars run during the day for artists who want to learn new techniques, though these require separate tickets. Rochester's tattoo scene sits between the heavy traditional work of Buffalo and the NYC influence that travels upstate. The expo reflects this mix. You will see old-school Americana next to fine-line blackwork. The crowd is split between collectors finishing sleeves and first-timers getting small pieces. Tickets are available at the door or through the website. Single-day passes and weekend passes are standard options. The venue has parking garages nearby and is close to I-490. Food options include the hotel restaurant and spots along Jefferson Road. The Roc City Tattoo Expo has run annually for over a decade. It is smaller than the major coastal conventions, which means shorter wait times for consultations and more time to talk with artists about their portfolios.