The event is first-come, first-served. We are unable to hold any reservations for a tattoo.

Absolutely! We will have artists, vendors, live music, and delicious food and drink available. Come and show your support for PAAR!

Each booth/artist will have their own sign-up sheet, managed by an event staff volunteer. You’ll provide your information and select a design, and a volunteer will contact you when it’s almost your turn to get inked.

You will pay the tattoo artist directly. Each artist accepts different payment types, which will be noted prior to and at the event – typically Venmo and Cash are the most widely accepted forms of payment.

Absolutely! Each artist will provide a “flash sheet” with their available designs. These will be shared leading up to the event, and each booth will display all available artwork as well.

18 years old. NO EXCEPTIONS. Bring a valid ID if you plan to get a tattoo.

Nope! While you must be 18 or older to receive a tattoo (no exceptions), the event is open to all ages. Ink for Impact is hosted at Velum Fermentation, a kid-friendly brewery with a full arcade and plenty of space to hang out. We’ll also have temporary tattoos, great food, music, and more. Kids must be supervised at all times by an adult over 25, including when using the restroom—as noted in Velum’s house rules.

None at all—this is a free event.

Each artist sets their own prices, generally ranging from $100–$200.

Unfortunately, no. Only the flash designs provided by the artists will be available.

Yes! All artists follow universal safety precautions and are required to provide current bloodborne pathogen certifications. They also attend a PAAR-led training to help ensure they are providing a safe, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment.

Yes—we will have one artist offering piercing services.

Come early! This is a first-come, first-served event. Sign up early for your favorite design and artist. Artists will be tattooing throughout the day until approximately 8 PM.

Yes! There will be food trucks outside providing amazing food options. Velum also will be providing their standard selection of beverages, both alcoholic and N/A options available.

Yes! The ADA entrance is at 2141 Mary Street; the shared entrance with Ascend Climbing gym. There is a ramp that leads down to the main space and the rest of Velum. 

Each artist is required to donate 70% of their total sales – many choose to donate well over that amount! All proceeds benefit Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). PAAR is Allegheny County’s first victim service agency and one of the first rape crisis centers in the nation. For over 50 years, PAAR has provided free, essential services to over 3,000 survivors of sexual violence each year.