San Blas Tattoo Fest 2026
San Blas Tattoo Fest 2026 is a two-day tattoo convention held April 4-5, 2026, at the Ruins of Fort San Basilio in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico. The event takes place inside the stone walls of a 17th-century Spanish fort that once guarded the Pacific coast, giving the convention a distinct atmosphere compared to standard hotel ballrooms. San Blas sits about 100 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and has served as a port town since Spanish colonial times. The area maintains a slower pace than major tourist centers, with a local art scene that draws surfers and travelers seeking alternatives to crowded beach cities. The tattoo community in this region blends traditional Mexican imagery, such as Day of the Dead iconography and pre-Hispanic symbols, with contemporary blackwork and neo-traditional styles. Attendees can watch live tattooing throughout both days as artists work on appointments and walk-ups. The floor includes vendor booths selling equipment, aftercare products, and handmade jewelry. Competitions typically run across categories including black and grey, color, and small tattoos, with judging open to spectator viewing. Guest artists from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and international locations often attend, though specific names require checking the official website closer to the date. The fort location means attendees should prepare for outdoor conditions. The venue has stone flooring and open-air sections, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are necessary. Parking is available in lots adjacent to the historic district, though spaces fill quickly on event days. Hotels in San Blas range from beachfront bungalows to budget inns in the town center, most within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the fort. Tickets usually sell in day-pass and full-weekend formats. The event draws both collectors looking to book sessions and locals curious about tattoo culture. First-time convention attendees will find the smaller scale manageable compared to massive city expos, with enough activity to fill several hours but without overwhelming crowds.