Albany’s Biggest Tattoo Event: The Ultimate Guide to the Expo
Albany is experiencing a historic weekend as the city welcomes its first major tattoo expo, the Dead Man’s Hand Tattoo Expo, at the Albany Capital Center.
This marks a significant milestone for tattoo enthusiasts in the area, as previous city regulations had long made it difficult to host such events.
The expo, running from October 25-27, 2024, brings together over 75 vendors, many of them local, offering tattoos, piercings, and a variety of merchandise like t-shirts and sweaters.
The event was made possible after Albany updated its tattoo regulations last year, which had been outdated since 1999.
The old law required tattoo artists to have physical sinks at their workstations for sanitation, a rule that was impractical for temporary events like conventions.
With the new regulations in place, artists can now use antiseptic wipes or warm water and soap, enabling more flexible setups for tattoo expos
This shift came after years of advocacy from tattoo artists who argued that the old regulations were set by individuals unfamiliar with the tattooing process.
Albany County officials have been instrumental in pushing these changes forward, aiming to support small businesses and foster more community events
One of the highlights of the event is the Albany Tattoo Invitational, a competitive bracket-style contest where top tattoo artists face off, displaying their artistry throughout the weekend
. Attendees are excited about the diverse offerings and are thrilled to finally have an event like this in the capital city, with one attendee expressing his happiness over the long-overdue arrival of such an expo
For those interested in seeing the event unfold, local news stations have provided coverage, offering a closer look at the atmosphere and excitement surrounding the expo