Inksane Tattoo Fest #7 returns to San Juan for three ink‑packed days from Friday to Sunday, October 17–19, 2025, taking over Hall B of the Puerto Rico Convention Center with live tattooing, competitions, merch, and a stacked roster of local and international artists. Official convention listings and organizer channels confirm the dates, venue, and format, placing the Caribbean’s biggest tattoo show in the island’s premier events complex with easy access from Condado, Miramar, and Old San Juan. Artist invitations and social posts began rolling out over the summer, with additional guest announcements, contest categories, and day‑by‑day programming to be revealed as the festival approaches.
Dates, venue, and hours
- Dates: October 17–19, 2025, a Friday–Sunday weekend aligned with fall travel to San Juan.
- Venue: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Hall B, 100 Convention Blvd., San Juan. The facility’s central location and amenities make it ideal for a large‑scale, family‑friendly expo.
- Schedule: Doors typically open mid‑afternoon Friday and mid‑morning on Saturday and Sunday; organizers will publish exact daily hours with the final program. Early teasers show Friday entry starting around 3:00 p.m.
What’s confirmed so far
- The 7th edition: Branded as “Inksane Tattoo Fest VII,” this year’s poster and media emphasize a Caribbean identity and the show’s growth as “the greatest and biggest tattoo show in the Caribbean.”
- Three‑day format: Live tattooing across hundreds of stations, an artist marketplace, apparel and supply vendors, stage programming, and daily competitions culminating in Best of Day and Best of Show awards. Specific category lists publish closer to the event.
- Artist outreach: The organizer Instagram and guest reels highlight artists joining from Puerto Rico and abroad, with continuing invitations through early fall.
Tickets and registration
- Attendee passes: Three‑day and single‑day passes are planned, with sales pages and price tiers releasing as the festival nears; an early preview listing shows a 3‑Day Pass option tied to the October 17 start.
- Artist booths: Artist and vendor registration is open via organizer channels, with Hall B floor plans and booth contracts handled directly; the partner page outlines key terms such as medical waste handling by Monaco.
- Kids and family: Prior editions have welcomed families; watch the official sales page for any age policies and discounted youth access once ticketing goes live.
Competitions and programming
- Daily awards: Expect classic convention categories like Black & Grey, Color, Traditional, Neo‑Traditional, Realism, Lettering, Small/Medium/Large, and thematic awards, plus Best of Day and Best of Show on Sunday. Final category list and stage times will be posted by the organizers.
- Showcase moments: Guest artist spotlights, collab pieces, and on‑stage judging create high‑energy intervals through the afternoons and evenings; the big crowds gather for awards blocks on Saturday and Sunday.
How Inksane compares
- Puerto Rico’s fall tattoo anchor: Inksane Tattoo Fest #7 sits two months ahead of the International Puerto Rico Tattoo Convention #8, also at the Convention Center on December 5–7, offering enthusiasts two distinct large‑scale shows in the 2025 calendar.
- Scale and vibe: Inksane positions itself as the Caribbean’s largest tattoo show, combining an international guest mix with a strong island identity and an inclusive expo atmosphere.
Travel planning
- Where to stay: Convention Center area hotels put Hall B within a short walk; Miramar, Condado, and Old San Juan offer more dining and nightlife within a 5–15 minute rideshare.
- Getting there: The Convention Center sits off PR‑1 and PR‑26; plan rideshare drop‑offs at the main entrance and follow signage to Hall B; parking is available in on‑site garages.
- What to bring: Government ID, your reference images on a charged phone or tablet, comfortable clothes, a water bottle, lotion, and cash/card for deposits and merch; some artists require cash for balances.
Booking a tattoo at the fest
- Do it early: Message artists weeks in advance to secure a slot, share references and placement, and agree on session length and pricing; many guests book out before the doors open.
- Walk‑ups: If aiming for a spontaneous piece, arrive at rope‑drop, walk the floor, and ask artists about openings; be flexible on size and style for best results.
- Hygiene and aftercare: Verify single‑use needles, aseptic setup, and bandaging; follow artist aftercare for Puerto Rico’s humidity and sun, especially if you plan beach time post‑session.
Etiquette on the floor
- Photos: Always ask before photographing an in‑progress tattoo; many artists allow finished piece photos after bandaging.
- Crowd flow: Keep aisles clear, don’t lean on artist chairs or tables, and give judges space during competition blocks.
- Food and drink: Most convention centers restrict outside food; plan to use on‑site concessions and dispose of waste responsibly.
Sample 3‑day plan
- Friday: Badge pickup after 3:00 p.m.; floor walk to meet artists; book a small piece; watch the first contest block and scout vendors for apparel and prints.
- Saturday: Pre‑booked session in the late morning; lunch break; catch color and realism judging; sunset photos by the Convention Center lagoon; evening awards.
- Sunday: Touch‑ups or a second small piece; shop final‑day deals; stick around for Best of Show and a last lap to collect cards for future bookings.
Verified details at a glance
- Name and edition: Inksane Tattoo Fest #7 (VII).
- Dates: October 17–19, 2025.
- Venue: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Hall B, 100 Convention Blvd., San Juan.
- Hours and tickets: Friday entry preview at 3:00 p.m.; full daily hours, ticket tiers, and competition schedule to be posted by organizers; 3‑Day Pass listing appears on early sales preview.
- Artist/vendor info: Registration open via organizer channels; booth terms note medical waste services and standard expo policies.
Lock the dates, line up a session with a favorite artist, and plan a creative, collector‑friendly weekend at the island’s largest tattoo expo. With a prime Convention Center location, three days of live tattooing and contests, and a growing international roster, Inksane Tattoo Fest #7 is the perfect reason to ink, shop, and connect in San Juan this October.