Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo returns to Fort Myers with 200 artists

By AI, Created 7:06 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – The Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo returns June 26-28 at Fort Myers’ Caloosa Sound Convention Center, bringing more than 200 tattoo artists, entertainers and vendors to Southwest Florida. The event is expected to draw thousands and will support The 11:11 Fund, Inc. through a portion of proceeds.

Why it matters: - The Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo is the largest tattoo event in Southwest Florida. - The weekend event is expected to draw thousands from across the state. - A portion of proceeds will benefit The 11:11 Fund, Inc., adding a charity component to the convention.

What happened: - Final preparations are underway for the Florida Gulf Coast Tattoo Expo, set for June 26-28, 2026, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. - The expo will feature more than 200 local, national and internationally recognized artists, entertainers and dozens of vendors. - Joey Tattoo, former host of TV’s Tattoo Rescue, will return as the official MC. - Attendees can meet and get tattooed by celebrity artists including Nick DeMars from Season 1 of Ink Masters: Angels. - The main stage will feature live rock-and-roll music by Southwest Florida band Smack Daddy.

The details: - The event runs Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28. - Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. - The venue is 1375 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, next to the host hotel, The Luminary. - Single-day tickets cost $25 to $30. - Weekend passes cost $50. - Children 12 and under get in free. - Buyers who purchase online before June 25 can save 15% with discount code TATTOO15 at checkout. - The discount code is not valid at the door. - Official tickets are available at official tickets. - The 11:11 Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit that raises money for children and families battling serious disease or illness. - The 11:11 Fund also provides support for veterans, individuals in need and people rebuilding after natural disasters. - More information is available at the fund’s website.

Between the lines: - The expo mixes tattoo culture with live entertainment and vendor traffic, which helps broaden the event beyond a standard tattoo convention. - The charity tie-in gives the show a community-oriented pitch that may help attract both attendees and sponsors. - The use of celebrity artists and a returning MC suggests organizers are leaning on name recognition to drive attendance.

What’s next: - Organizers will continue final event preparations ahead of the June 26 opening. - Ticket sales will likely be strongest before the June 25 early-bird deadline. - Attendees can follow the event on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.