Gem State Tattoo Convention
- Dates
- 2027
- Status
- On hiatus
- Venue
- To be announced
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 14, 2026
Gem State Tattoo Convention in Coeur d'Alene, ID is not currently confirmed to be running. Froligo tracks its status, history and similar festivals still happening.
What happened to Gem State Tattoo Convention?
The Gem State Tattoo Expo is skipping 2026. The organiser's site says the 5th annual expo will not take place this year and points to a return in autumn 2027, with official dates still to be announced.
Similar festivals that are still going ahead are listed further down this page.
The experience
What's special
The organiser states that the 2026 edition of Gem State Tattoo Convention, which would have been its 5th annual show, will not take place; the official site points visitors to fall 2027, with specific dates, guest artists and entertainment still to be announced. The convention's usual home is the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID, with the nearest airport, Spokane International, roughly 30 to 45 minutes away. The organiser's travel page names no sponsor hotel for the pending edition ('2026 Sponsor Hotel TBD') but describes free parking on the south end of the fairgrounds, off Kathleen Ave, marked with dedicated 'Gem State' signage. The organiser's FAQ describes anyone being free to enter the tattoo and piercing contests, fresh or healed, provided it is logged in the right category, with the Best of Day and Best of Show categories requiring the work to be done at the event itself. Getting tattooed requires being at least 18 with valid photo identification. Past editions have run Friday 2 pm to 11 pm, Saturday 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm, though no hours have been confirmed for the pending 2027 date
What happens on the floor
The core format: artists take a booth for the weekend and work on the open floor, with the public walking through.
Piercers work alongside the tattoo booths. The same questions apply: age, ID, sterilisation and aftercare.
Machines, inks, aftercare, art and clothing. Aimed at artists, but open to anyone through the door.
Stage acts between judging: sideshow, suspension and burlesque are common. Worth knowing before you sit down with a child.
Who is tattooing
No artist roster has been published for this edition, so there is no way to pick an artist in advance from the official pages.
Around the tattooing
Also running
- Tattoo and piercing contestsOpen to anyone, fresh or healed work, entered into the correct category; Best of Day and Best of Show require the tattoo to be done at the event. No 2027 schedule, guest artists or entertainment were announced at the time of this capture
Getting there
How do I get to Gem State Tattoo Convention?
By car
Most people drive to Gem State Tattoo Convention. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
On site parking available. Cost free. The parking lot entrance is on the south end of the fairgrounds off Kathleen Ave, marked with 'Gem State' parking signs
🚙 Car hire
Where
Pricing
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