Ink on the Boardwalk: Inside the Energy of Asbury Tattoo Fest 2024
For our latest Culture Coverage feature, we pulled up to Asbury Tattoo Fest 2024, where the city’s creative pulse was on full display. Over three packed days, the iconic Jersey Shore destination transformed into a living gallery of ink, artistry, and self-expression. With hundreds of artists, live tattooing, performances, and nonstop energy, the festival proved once again why Asbury Park remains a cultural magnet.
At the center of it all is John John, founder and organizer of Asbury Tattoo Fest. Originally from London and now calling Asbury Park home, John John has built more than an event, he’s cultivated a space where tattoo culture, community, and creativity collide.
A Gathering of Artists From Coast to Coast
Asbury Tattoo Fest brought together over 300 tattoo artists from across the country, each working live throughout the weekend. From bold traditional pieces to intricate fine-line work and large-scale custom designs, the diversity of styles under one roof reflected just how expansive tattoo culture has become.
Artists and attendees alike echoed the same sentiment throughout the weekend: the vibe was unmatched. People didn’t just come to get tattooed, they came to connect. Conversations flowed between artists, first-timers, collectors, and locals, creating an environment that felt welcoming, creative, and unapologetically expressive.
“I love coming to this show because there’s so many people,” one attendee shared. “It’s a good vibe. Everyone gets cool tattoos here.” That energy, relaxed but electric, defined the entire weekend.
More Than Tattoos: A Full Sensory Experience
While live tattooing remained the heart of the festival, Asbury Tattoo Fest expanded far beyond the needle. The weekend featured burlesque performances, tattoo contests with prizes, and vendor booths that added personality and edge to the space. From local brands to smoke shops and creative pop-ups, the festival embraced the broader culture that surrounds tattooing.
Each day felt like a celebration; music in the background, artists deep in concentration, crowds cheering during contests, and spontaneous moments of connection everywhere you looked. The festival didn’t just showcase tattoos; it showcased the people behind them and the community that supports them.
“Good vibes all weekend long,” one artist noted. “It’s always a good time to be in Asbury.” That sentiment rang true from open to close.
Asbury Park: The Perfect Canvas
Asbury Park has long been a city defined by creativity, music, and reinvention, making it a natural home for a festival like this. Asbury Tattoo Fest taps directly into that spirit, blending global artistry with local flavor in a way that feels authentic to the city’s identity.
By drawing artists from around the country while grounding the event in Asbury’s cultural fabric, the festival reinforces what makes the city special: openness, artistic freedom, and a deep appreciation for self-expression.
For John John, that connection matters. His vision extends beyond logistics and lineups, it’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable showing who they are, permanently and proudly.
A Weekend Written in Ink
Asbury Tattoo Fest 2024 wasn’t just a weekend event, it was a snapshot of a culture thriving in real time. It was artists doing what they love, attendees marking moments that matter, and a city once again proving it knows how to host something special.
From first tattoos to full sleeves, from burlesque stages to buzzing artist booths, the festival delivered exactly what it promised: a weekend of ink, entertainment, and unforgettable energy.
Where to find Asbury Tattoo Fest:
📍 1 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740
🌐 Website: asburytattoofest.com
📲 Instagram: @asburytattoofest