St. John’s Tattoo Convention #10 (2026)

St. John’s Tattoo Convention #10 runs May 16 to May 18, 2026, at The RE/MAX Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the tenth edition of the convention, which has grown from a small gathering of local artists to a three-day event that draws tattooers and collectors from across Atlantic Canada and the northeastern United States. The event fills the RE/MAX Centre exhibition halls with tattoo booths where artists work on pre-booked appointments and accept walk-ups. Attendees can watch live tattooing across multiple styles, from traditional Americana and Japanese irezumi to fine-line black and grey and neo-traditional work. Vendor tables sell tattoo supplies, aftercare products, and printed art. The convention includes tattoo competitions judged by attending artists, with categories typically including best large piece, best portrait, best black and grey, and fresh tattoo done at the event. St. John’s has developed a distinct tattoo culture over the past decade, with shops on Water Street and Duckworth Street serving fishermen, offshore oil workers, and students from Memorial University. The convention reflects this mix of maritime tradition and contemporary influence. Guest artists from Halifax, Toronto, and Maine usually attend, alongside the core group of Newfoundland-based tattooers who have built the local scene. Tickets are available through the official website. Organizers typically offer day passes for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, as well as weekend passes. The RE/MAX Centre is located downtown near hotels like the Delta St. John’s and the Sheraton. Parking is available in the adjacent lots and on surrounding streets, though downtown parking fills quickly on Saturdays. Attendees should bring cash for deposits, though most artists accept cards for final payment. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has concession stands.