RAPID CITY, S.D. — Ink meets impact this Halloween weekend as the Turbo City Tattoo Crew presents Nightmare on Main Street 2025, a two-day tattoo convention and cancer awareness benefit hosted at the Rushmore Hotel in downtown Rapid City. The event, now a local Halloween-season staple, blends creativity, compassion, and community under one roof—while raising money for local families battling cancer.
A Weekend of Art and Awareness
The event kicks off on Saturday, October 25th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a full-day Tattoo Flash Benefit and Halloween Party dedicated to supporting a local family facing cancer. More than 100 custom tattoo designs, starting at just $50, will be available from a lineup of talented artists, with all profits donated directly to those in need.
Guests can also expect piercing specials, a costume contest at 4 p.m., raffles and door prizes, and exclusive event merchandise. The vibe? Equal parts spooky and supportive—where art meets generosity, and a good cause drives it all.
On Sunday, October 26th, the event continues with a Tattoo Convention from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring over 20 artists from South Dakota, Colorado, and Minnesota. The second day offers live tattooing and piercing—no appointments needed—with a mix of flash, custom work, and original artist designs available for walk-ups.
Behind the Ink: A Conversation with Organizer Damion Cressy
Event organizer and tattoo artist Damion Cressy says the event is a labor of love that has grown beyond expectations.
“We’ve outgrown a couple venues over the years,” Cressy explained. “So reaching out to new ones and coordinating with them comes first. Meanwhile, Maddi finds a new beneficiary every year—we usually help one or two local families who could use the help and donate the profits directly to them.”
Each year, the planning begins months in advance. From booking artists and collecting raffle donations to producing marketing materials, it’s a full-scale community effort.
“The heaviest lifting is usually putting together a proper promotional package,” Cressy said. “In past years I’ve done all of the design work for posters and social media. This year, my friend and local illustrator/author Jon Martin put together the main flyer design. It saved me a ton of time and gave us a really strong visual identity for the event.”
Cressy also creates much of the event’s tattoo flash designs himself—usually 50 to 75 new pieces each year, plus around 80 to 100 returning favorites. Other tattooers often contribute as well, helping fill the walls with diverse designs that attendees can choose from.
“Then it’s mostly printing, flyering around town, making posts, doing interviews, setting up the venue, and keeping all of the support staff informed,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty good system now and learn ways to make things run more smoothly every year so we can focus on making it fun.”
This year marks the first time Nightmare on Main Street will expand into a two-day event—with Sunday’s tattoo convention giving the public a chance to meet artists, get flash or custom tattoos, and experience the creative energy of the local tattoo scene up close.
Bringing Artists Together
When asked how he’s managed to gather such a large group of artists for the benefit, Cressy said the community has been eager to help from day one.
“Honestly, that part has been pretty easy,” he said. “Turns out if you make a fun event that’s well organized and for a good cause—people want to be involved.”
Cressy and his team also founded the Turbo City Tattoo Club, an open network for tattooers and piercers around the Black Hills.
“We thought it would be cool to be more tight knit, learn from each other, and connect over the craft we all love,” he said. “It’s open to anyone who wants to be part of it. They can just reach out to me on socials or email, and I’ll keep them informed on classes, meetings, and events.”
That sense of connection has created a growing network of artists across the region—many of whom now look forward to Nightmare on Main Street as a highlight of their year.
Community and Compassion
For Cressy, the most rewarding part isn’t the art—it’s the atmosphere.
“It’s awesome, man,” he said. “We all work super hard to make this something exciting and fun, so it pulls a big crowd and everyone is in a great mood. The energy in the room is empowering.”
“I just draw pictures for a living,” he added, “so it’s really cool to feel like we might be making a difference for someone. It’s amazing to see that many people in one place, in such a good mood.”
Event Details
📍 Location: The Rushmore Hotel, Main Street, Rapid City
📅 Dates: Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26
🕚 Hours: Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
🎟 Admission: Free entry; tattoo and piercing costs vary
More Than Just Tattoos
Now in its latest evolution, Nightmare on Main Street has become a cornerstone of the Rapid City art and tattoo community—an event where ink tells stories that extend beyond the skin. It’s a reminder that creativity can do more than decorate—it can heal, inspire, and unite.
This Halloween, whether you’re there for the art, the atmosphere, or the cause, Nightmare on Main Street 2025 promises a weekend where every line, every design, and every moment makes a lasting mark.