When and where is the 4th Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention?

The convention runs April 10-12, 2026 at the MJN Convention Center inside the Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. The venue is located in Dutchess County along the Hudson River, roughly halfway between New York City and Albany. Doors typically open Friday afternoon and close Sunday evening.

What happens at the Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention?

The floor features live tattooing by regional artists, vendor booths selling supplies and merchandise, and tattoo competitions judged by attending professionals. Artists from Kingston, Newburgh, Albany, and the Bronx work alongside local Poughkeepsie shops. The event focuses on the Northeast tattoo community with a mix of traditional and contemporary styles.

How do I get tickets for the Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention?

Tickets are typically available for purchase at the door or through advance sales announced by the organizers prior to the event. Single-day and weekend passes are usually offered. Contact the event organizers or check with participating local tattoo shops for current pricing and availability.

What should I bring to the Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention?

Bring government-issued photo identification if you plan to get tattooed, as all artists require ID for liability reasons. Cash is recommended for tips, food vendors, and merchandise purchases, though many booths accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes for standing on concrete floors and bring a water bottle.

Is the Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention good for first-time attendees?

The convention is smaller than major city expos, making it less overwhelming for first-timers. The layout at the MJN Convention Center provides space to walk between booths without dense crowds. Artists are generally approachable for consultations, and the regional focus means shorter wait times for walk-up tattoos.

4th Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention

Name: 4th Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention
Start: 2026-04-10
End: 2026-04-12
Location: MJN Convention Center – Mid Hudson Civic Center

The 4th Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention runs April 10 through 12, 2026 at the MJN Convention Center inside the Mid Hudson Civic Center in downtown Poughkeepsie, New York. This three-day event marks the fourth year the convention has taken over this Dutchess County venue, drawing tattooers and collectors from the Hudson Valley, Albany, and New York City. The convention floor is organized with tattoo stations in the center and vendor booths along the walls. Artists work on scheduled appointments and accept walk-ups depending on availability. Vendors sell tattoo machines, needles, ink, aftercare supplies, and clothing. Competitions run Saturday and Sunday, usually judged by attending shop owners and featuring categories like best black and grey, color realism, and traditional. The artist lineup pulls heavily from the Northeast, with shops from Kingston, Newburgh, Albany, and the Bronx working alongside local Poughkeepsie artists. Poughkeepsie sits on the east bank of the Hudson River between New York City and Albany. The city has a tattoo scene shaped by its position as a college town and its history as a Hudson Valley industrial center. Shops here have long served students from Vassar and Marist College alongside local residents, creating a mix of academic and working-class clientele. The Mid Hudson Civic Center sits near the Route 9 corridor with parking available on-site. The Poughkeepsie Train Station, served by Metro-North and Amtrak, is a five-minute drive from the venue. Hotels within walking distance include the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott on Route 9. Friday afternoon typically sees artists setting up and starting smaller pieces, while Saturday is the busiest day with the most competition entries and foot traffic. Sunday morning is often the best time for consultations and booking future appointments. Single-day and weekend passes are available at the door or in advance. Attendees should bring government-issued photo ID to get tattooed, as artists require proof of age. Cash is necessary for tips and some vendors, though many accept cards. The concrete floors and fluorescent lighting are standard for civic centers, so comfortable shoes and layers are recommended.