The 5 Essential Things You Must Know About The First Annual Providence Tattoo Convention 2025
The First Annual Providence Tattoo Convention is set to make a massive splash in the New England tattoo scene on the weekend of August 1–3, 2025, marking the return of a major tattoo event to Providence, Rhode Island, after more than a decade. This highly anticipated event, organized by Jeff and Jesse Burt of Pleasure in Pain Tattoo, promises to be a vibrant three-day celebration of ink, art, and entertainment at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
Scheduled for the prime summer weekend, the convention is a must-attend for tattoo enthusiasts, collectors, and artists alike, featuring a curated lineup of world-class talent, exciting sideshows, and a deep dive into the rich, evolving tattoo culture of the Ocean State.
The Complete Guide to Dates, Location, and Admission
The organizers have made the event accessible and easy to navigate, choosing a central and well-equipped venue to host what is expected to be a major cultural event for the state. This section breaks down the core logistical details you need to plan your visit.
Event Logistics and Ticket Information
The Providence Tattoo Convention is a three-day event, offering both single-day and weekend admission passes, which will be available for purchase upon arrival at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
- Event Name: First Annual Providence Tattoo Convention
- Dates: Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3, 2025
- Venue: Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
- Organizers: Jeff and Jesse Burt from Pleasure in Pain Tattoo
Admission Costs:
- Single Day Pass: $25
- Full Weekend Admission: $50
Doors open at 4:00 PM on Friday, with the main weekend hours starting at 12:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. The event is a unique opportunity to get tattooed on the spot by an internationally renowned artist, or simply to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of body art.
Meet the Featured Artists: Ink Master and Local Legends
A convention is only as good as its artists, and the Providence Tattoo Convention is set to deliver an impressive roster of talent, blending national television personalities with the finest local and regional tattooists. The convention is a prime opportunity to book a session with a highly sought-after artist or discover a new favorite style.
National Talent and Noteworthy Names
Headlining the list of attending artists are several personalities familiar to fans of competitive tattooing, significantly raising the profile of the inaugural event:
- Dani Ryan: A talented tattooist from Ninth Realm Gallery in Warren, RI, Dani Ryan is best known for her impressive run as a second-place winner on Season 12 of the reality show Ink Master.
- Elton “LT” Duarte: A bold, visionary tattoo artist based in East Providence, Elton Duarte is another notable Ink Master alum confirmed to be attending, bringing his unique style to the convention floor.
The Best of New England's Tattoo Scene
The convention is also a showcase for the incredible talent thriving across New England. Attendees can expect to see and book sessions with a wide range of artists specializing in various styles, from traditional American to intricate black and grey work.
Confirmed artists include:
- Aaron Packard (Finao Ink)
- Amanda Kryla (Pretty Deadly Tattoo)
- Ben Gougeon
- Nadia Most (Eden Body Art Studios)
- And many more from shops like Pleasure in Pain Tattoo, who are organizing the event.
Beyond the Needle: Contests, Sideshows, and Entertainment
The Providence Tattoo Convention is designed to be a full-scale entertainment experience, moving beyond just tattooing to offer a packed schedule of unique events, contests, and performances. This ensures there is something for everyone, whether you are getting tattooed or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
A Schedule Packed with Unique Events
While the full schedule will be finalized closer to the date, several key events have been announced to keep the energy high throughout the weekend:
- Tattoo Contests: Daily competitions across various categories (e.g., Best Traditional, Best Black and Grey, Best of Day) will highlight the incredible work completed at the convention.
- Tattoo Trivia: An engaging session offering prizes for those with the deepest knowledge of tattoo history and culture.
- Burlesque Performances: Attendees can enjoy a captivating show by Siren of the Circle, adding a touch of classic, theatrical entertainment.
- Sideshow Entertainment: The Three Legged Dog Sideshow will bring a unique, thrilling element to the convention floor.
These varied events help create a festival atmosphere, celebrating the broader culture that surrounds body modification and alternative arts. The mix of serious artistry and vibrant entertainment is a hallmark of major tattoo conventions.
Providence's Rich Tattoo Culture and History
Choosing Providence as the location for a major new convention is fitting, as the city and Rhode Island have a surprisingly deep and fascinating history with body art. This context provides a strong foundation for the event, connecting the modern scene to a historical lineage.
A Historical Perspective
Rhode Island's connection to tattooing dates back to the 19th century, with stories of figures like the "most wonderful tattooed man ever known in the civilized world," who hailed from Providence. This historical curiosity shows that the state has long been a place where body art has captured the public imagination.
The Modern Art Scene
Today, Providence is a hub of creativity, home to the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which recently introduced its first-ever tattooing course to explore the global history and cultural significance of the art form. This institutional recognition underscores the city's commitment to viewing tattooing as a legitimate and complex art.
The local scene is supported by numerous high-quality, reputable shops, many of which will be represented at the convention, including:
- Sacred Traditions Tattoo
- Art Freek Tattoo (operating since 1994)
- Body Canvas Tattoo Shop (located on Federal Hill)
- Shrine Tattoo Studio (East Providence)
- Providence Tattoo (with two locations)
Planning Your Visit: Travel and Accommodation
For out-of-town visitors traveling to the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), planning accommodation and travel is straightforward due to the venue's central downtown Providence location.
Official and Nearby Hotels
The convention has secured discounted room rates at the official partner hotel, which offers maximum convenience:
- Official Hotel: Omni Providence Hotel. This hotel is directly attached to the Rhode Island Convention Center, offering seamless access to the event.
Other highly-rated hotels within easy walking distance of the RICC include:
- The Beatrice
- Residence Inn Providence Downtown
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Providence Downtown
- Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially given the convention's August timing, which is a busy season for travel in New England. The proximity of these hotels to the convention center and other downtown attractions ensures a comfortable and convenient weekend for all attendees.
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