The International Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention, held from April 4-6 at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie, was an unforgettable celebration of artistry, culture, and community. The event transformed the city into a vibrant hub for tattoo lovers and collectors, drawing an extraordinary mix of talent from around the world. This year’s convention was a must-attend gathering for both local and international artists alike.
Hosted by Diego Martin, with the ever-energetic John Bryan IV as the Master of Ceremonies, the convention felt like a living tapestry of creativity—offering something for everyone.
Over 200 tattoo artists from across the globe set up shop, each showcasing their unique styles and skills. Attendees had the rare opportunity to witness masterpieces come to life before their eyes on the biggest stage. Some artists were familiar faces, while others were legends whose work had previously been admired from afar.
The energy in the room was electric, buzzing almost as loudly as the tattoo machines themselves—reminiscent of a cricket choir. Collectors eagerly lined up to secure their dream tattoos, whether it was a bold sleeve, intricate black and grey work, painful and less conventional places or delicate floral designs. Each tattoo told its own unique story, blending artistry with personal meaning.
It wasn’t just the tattoos that made this event special; many meaningful moments unfolded quietly, unnoticed by passersby. One moment, in particular, stood out to me.
As I weaved through the maze of ink enthusiasts and tattoo booths, I came across a touching scene: a man lay on a cushioned table, getting tattooed, with his young daughter by his side—her tiny hands gripping a tattoo machine. Intrigued, I asked if I could take a few photos and hear more about what was happening at this booth.
What I learned was a beautiful story. The man had recently been at a pediatrician appointment with his daughter, when the physician asked the 8-year-old what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her answer? She dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist.
Inspired by her passion, the father shared this story with his tattoo artist. So, when they arrived at the convention, the artist offered a beautiful gesture—guiding the little girl as she traded crayons for a coil machine, blasting ink for the first time on her father’s skin. There were no second thoughts, and something tells me there’s no taking it back.
It was a moment of connection and support, as father, daughter, and tattoo artist came together to foster a dream. Who knows? Maybe one day, this little girl will have her own booth at a future convention.
But the convention wasn’t just about tattoos—it was also a celebration of live music, adding a dynamic layer to the experience. Every day featured electrifying performances that kept the crowd energized. On Sunday, the True North Jazz Project took the stage, delivering a soulful performance of standards and covers that brought the weekend to a powerful close.
Their seamless blend of technical mastery and emotional depth resonated with the crowd, creating an atmosphere that was as free-spirited and expressive as the tattoos on display.
Other musical acts added their own flavor to the event. On Friday, What? band, a top 8 finalist in the NYS Music March Madness contest, and TC the Ripper, who spun records, set the tone for an exciting start. Saturday saw The Soul Captives and NY Vinyl & Brew (who also performed on Sunday) bring their unique spin and sound to the festival, ensuring the energy never dipped between tattoo sessions.
Though I missed the Friday and Saturday performances, it was clear that music played a key role in the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
The surprises didn’t stop there. FurEver Friends Hudson Valley hosted a puppy adoption event, weaving together the worlds of body art, music, and puppy love in a heartwarming way. This addition brought an extra layer of community spirit to the convention, proving that creativity, ink, and compassion can coexist in beautiful, unexpected ways.
Generous sponsorships from Grounded Cannabis Dispensary, Mag Equipment Rental, and Shagbuilt Tattoo Machine Co. helped bring the entire experience to life, ensuring the convention could continue to flourish as a space where tattoo culture truly thrives.
Zeus Brewing also made their mark by crafting a special limited-edition, Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale, “The Mikado”—a drink worthy of its name, meaning “The Emperor.” It was the perfect beverage to enjoy while reflecting on the day’s events and numbing the sting of a fresh tattoo (after the fact, of course).
The 2025 International Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention was a celebration of creativity, music, equality, and the connections that make community events unforgettable. Whether it was the jaw-dropping tattoos, incredible live performances, or the puppy adoption event, this convention proved that artistic expression knows no bounds.
In many industries, an unbalanced ratio of opportunity for women persists, with men often occupying the majority of leadership and visible roles. However, a refreshing shift is happening in the tattoo industry, where women are not only breaking through but thriving.
At the International Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention, it was inspiring to witness so many talented women tattoo artists—excelling and showcasing their skill. This representation serves as a powerful reminder of what equality can look like in a professional environment, where talent and dedication define success, regardless of gender.
If you missed it, be sure to mark your calendars for next year—you won’t want to miss another unforgettable weekend filled with color, connection, and artistic energy.
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