Toronto, one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse cities, is known for its artistic scene, which includes everything from visual arts to body modification. Piercing, as an art form and personal expression, has a strong following in the city, and there are a variety of events, conventions, and competitions where enthusiasts can come together to share their passion, learn new skills, or simply admire stunning piercings. Whether you’re a seasoned body modification enthusiast or just getting started, Toronto offers plenty of opportunities to engage with the piercing community. In this post, we’ve curated a list of piercing-related events and conventions that are worth checking out in Toronto, along with some information on competitions and gatherings for piercing lovers.
1. Toronto Body Art Expo
The Toronto Body Art Expo is one of the largest and most anticipated body modification conventions in the city. This event brings together some of the best piercers, tattoo artists, and other body modification professionals from around the world to showcase their skills, meet with fans, and engage with the community.
What to Expect:
- Live Piercings: You’ll get to see some of the most talented piercers in action, performing everything from basic ear piercings to more complex, high-profile body modifications. If you’re thinking of getting pierced at the event, there are plenty of experienced professionals available.
- Competitions: The Body Art Expo often features piercing competitions, where piercers show off their skills in categories such as the most unique or technically challenging piercings. These competitions allow attendees to see just how creative and skilled the artists in the industry can be.
- Seminars and Workshops: Whether you’re a newbie to body modification or a seasoned professional, the expo offers educational seminars where you can learn more about safe piercing practices, jewelry selection, and the latest trends in the industry.
- Vendors and Jewelry: There are many vendors selling body jewelry and aftercare products. This is an excellent chance to shop for unique pieces of jewelry from top brands, or find something custom-made that fits your personal style.
When It Happens:
- The Toronto Body Art Expo is usually held annually, typically in the fall. Be sure to check their official website or follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on dates, venues, and ticket information.
2. The Great Canadian Tattoo Show
Although the Great Canadian Tattoo Show is primarily focused on tattoos, it also hosts a number of piercing-related activities, workshops, and booths. This event brings together some of the most talented tattoo artists, piercers, and other body modification professionals from across the country and beyond.
What to Expect:
- Piercing Professionals: Just like the tattoo portion of the show, the piercing segment brings together renowned piercers who are experts in various forms of body modification. You’ll have the chance to meet top piercers and discuss everything from piercings to jewelry.
- Piercing Demonstrations: The event often features live piercing demonstrations, where professionals perform piercings in front of an audience. This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts to see the technical side of piercing and learn about the process, as well as aftercare.
- Workshops: For those interested in expanding their knowledge of piercing techniques, the show offers workshops and seminars. These sessions provide insights into piercing safety, new trends in the industry, and best practices for piercers and clients alike.
When It Happens:
- The Great Canadian Tattoo Show typically takes place in the spring, so keep an eye on their official website and social media platforms for specific dates and details.
3. The Piercing Masterclass by The Piercing Shop
For those who are looking for more hands-on education, The Piercing Masterclass hosted by The Piercing Shop in Toronto is an excellent event to consider. This event is focused on educating both aspiring piercers and experienced professionals about the latest techniques and trends in the piercing industry.
What to Expect:
- Masterclass Sessions: These masterclasses are led by top-tier professional piercers and cover a wide range of topics, including advanced piercing techniques, jewelry selection, customer consultation, and even troubleshooting difficult piercings.
- Networking Opportunities: The event attracts piercing professionals and enthusiasts from all over Toronto and beyond, so it’s a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and discuss industry trends.
- Hands-on Practice: Depending on the format of the masterclass, participants may have the opportunity to practice their skills under the supervision of experienced instructors. This is invaluable for aspiring piercers who want to gain more practical experience.
When It Happens:
- The Piercing Masterclass takes place on a semi-regular basis throughout the year. Check out The Piercing Shop’s website or social media for announcements about upcoming classes, registration details, and costs.
4. Toronto Piercing Events & Meetups
If you’re more interested in casual gatherings, there are several smaller piercing meetups and social events that take place throughout the year in Toronto. These events are a great way for piercing enthusiasts to come together, share their experiences, and bond over their love of body modification.
What to Expect:
- Social Gatherings: These informal events allow attendees to meet other body modification enthusiasts, share piercing stories, and discuss trends in the piercing world. It’s a laid-back, fun environment where you can talk about everything from the latest piercings to aftercare tips.
- Jewelry Shows: Many of these events include jewelry showcases where vendors display their latest collections of unique and custom-made body jewelry. You can check out a wide range of pieces and buy new jewelry for your piercings.
- Piercing Community Panels: Some gatherings feature informal panels where experienced piercers and tattoo artists discuss various topics, such as piercing techniques, safety, and trends. These events provide valuable insights into the world of body modification.
When It Happens:
- Social gatherings and meetups tend to be more spontaneous, with some being organized on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Reddit. Stay connected with local piercing communities to find out about the next gathering.
5. International Piercing & Tattoo Competitions
While not necessarily exclusive to Toronto, many international piercing and tattoo competitions are held in major cities across Canada, including Toronto. These competitions bring together the best of the best in the piercing industry, allowing piercers to showcase their skills and compete for prestigious awards.
What to Expect:
- Piercing Competitions: Artists compete in various categories such as the best anatomical piercing, best jewelry design, or most challenging piercings. The events often take place alongside tattoo competitions, where artists and piercers show off their expertise in front of an audience.
- Networking with Industry Leaders: These competitions often attract some of the most respected names in the piercing and tattoo industries. It’s an excellent opportunity to network, learn, and get inspired by the best professionals in the field.
- Awards and Recognition: Winning a piercing competition is a huge accomplishment in the industry, and many of the top artists have their work showcased in major tattoo and piercing publications.
When It Happens:
- International piercing and tattoo competitions are held at various times throughout the year, so check out international event websites like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or the Canadian Body Art Expo for more information on specific dates and locations.
6. Body Modification Festivals
Toronto’s body modification community is thriving, with a variety of festivals and events dedicated to celebrating body art in all its forms. These festivals often feature piercing-related activities, alongside tattoo exhibitions, performances, and other creative displays.
What to Expect:
- Body Modification Exhibits: Explore exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and artistry of piercing and other body modifications. You may find displays that feature some of the most unique and extreme body modifications, offering a fascinating glimpse into the art form.
- Live Piercings and Demos: Just like at body art expos, these festivals often feature live piercings and demonstrations from top-tier professionals. This is a great chance to see piercers in action and learn more about the process.
- Cultural Exploration: Some festivals include educational components that focus on the cultural significance of piercings, especially in Indigenous or other historical contexts. These discussions are a great way to deepen your understanding of body modification traditions worldwide.
When It Happens:
- While body modification festivals are not as common as tattoo conventions, they can still be found throughout the year. Keep an eye on local event listings and social media for announcements about festivals or gatherings celebrating body art and modification.
Conclusion: Dive Into Toronto’s Piercing Scene
Toronto is a hub for body art enthusiasts, including those who appreciate the craft and artistry of piercing. With conventions, competitions, and meetups happening throughout the year, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from professionals, and explore new trends in the world of body modification. Whether you’re looking to get pierced, show off your own piercings, or simply immerse yourself in the culture of body art, these events are a fantastic way to engage with the piercing community in Toronto.
Be sure to check out event websites and follow local piercing shops on social media for the latest updates and announcements about upcoming events.
Visit our Toronto or Montreal locations for any tattoo or piercing needs.
