When and where is the Third Coast Tattoo Show?

The Third Coast Tattoo Show runs June 26-28, 2026, at Morgan MFG, located at 401 N. Morgan Street in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. The venue is in the 60642 zip code, accessible by public transit and car.

What happens at the Third Coast Tattoo Show?

The event features live tattooing by 200+ artists, vendor booths selling supplies and merchandise, an art gallery, and tattoo competitions. Artists work on pre-booked clients and take walk-ups when available. Seminars for licensed tattooers run in a separate room.

How do I get tickets for the Third Coast Tattoo Show?

Ticket information is available through the event's official channels. Check the Third Coast Tattoo Show social media pages or contact Morgan MFG for current pricing and availability. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are typically offered.

What should I bring to the Third Coast Tattoo Show?

Bring a valid ID, cash for food and merchandise, and payment methods for tattoo deposits. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors. If getting tattooed, bring reference materials and wear clothing that allows access to the tattoo area.

Is the Third Coast Tattoo Show good for first-time convention attendees?

Yes. The layout at Morgan MFG is open and easy to navigate. Staff are available to answer questions, and the atmosphere is welcoming to collectors who are new to conventions. You can observe tattoos being done without pressure to commit to anything.

Third Coast Tattoo Show #2 (2026)

Name: Third Coast Tattoo Show #2 (2026)
Start: 2026-06-26
End: 2026-06-28
Location: Morgan MFG

The Third Coast Tattoo Show is a three-day tattoo convention held June 26 through June 28, 2026, at Morgan MFG in Chicago, Illinois. This is the second edition of the event, which takes its name from Chicago's nickname as the "Third Coast" of the United States. The event fills the industrial event space at Morgan MFG in the West Loop, located at 401 N. Morgan Street. The venue has exposed brick walls and high ceilings that provide natural light for the artists. Approximately 200 tattoo artists from across the country set up booths throughout the weekend. Artists work on clients on the spot, with the sound of tattoo machines filling the open floor plan. Attendees walk between rows of booths to watch live tattooing, browse flash sheets hanging on display, or book appointments with artists who have open spots in their schedules. The show includes a vendor area with tattoo supply companies, clothing brands, and jewelry makers set up along the perimeter. There is an art gallery section displaying paintings and drawings from tattooers who work in various styles. Competitions run throughout the weekend in categories like Best Traditional, Best Black and Grey, and Best of Day, with judging typically happening on Sunday afternoon. Seminars and workshops take place in a separate room for licensed professionals who want to learn new techniques. Chicago has a deep history in American tattooing, dating back to the early 1900s when sailors and circus workers passed through the city and visited the tattoo shops along State Street and Milwaukee Avenue. The convention reflects this heritage with a strong showing of traditional American tattoo artists, alongside Japanese, realism, and neo-traditional specialists. The city's diverse neighborhoods contribute to a tattoo scene that ranges from street shop walk-ins to high-end custom studios in Wicker Park and Logan Square. Tickets are available for single days or the full weekend. The venue has paid parking lots nearby and is accessible via the CTA Green and Pink lines at the Morgan station, which drops passengers two blocks from the entrance. Hotels in the Fulton Market and West Loop neighborhoods are within walking distance, including several boutique options on Randolph Street. Attendees should bring cash for merchandise and food vendors, though most tattoo artists accept cards for deposits. The event runs from noon to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8 PM on Sunday. Food trucks usually park outside during dinner hours.