RAPID CITY, S.D. — Tattoos, Halloween festivities and community generosity will come together in downtown Rapid City as Nightmare on Main Street returns October 24–25 at the Rushmore Hotel.
The two-day event combines a cancer benefit, discounted tattoos, piercing specials and a tattoo convention featuring more than 20 artists from across the region. This year's fundraiser will support Sonia Warbonnet and her family as she battles colon cancer.
Ethan of Dark Wave Tattoo and Damion of Oak and Iron recently discussed the event, its charitable mission and the growing tattoo community in the Black Hills.
A Tattoo Event Built Around Helping Others
Nightmare on Main Street began several years ago when fellow tattoo artist Maddie Audino was diagnosed with cancer. Friends and artists came together to organize a fundraiser in approximately two weeks, raising money to help her through treatment.
Following that experience, Audino wanted to extend the same generosity to others facing similar challenges.
The fundraiser eventually became an annual tradition, with a different local cancer patient or family selected each year.
This year, the event will benefit Sonia Warbonnet and her family.
Organizers say the goal is simple: bring people together, celebrate tattoo artistry and provide meaningful assistance to someone facing a difficult time.
Saturday Features Discounted Tattoos and Halloween Festivities
Saturday, October 24, will focus on the cancer benefit, offering visitors an opportunity to support the Warbonnet family while enjoying a Halloween-themed tattoo experience.
Attendees can choose from more than 100 flash tattoo designs, with prices starting at $75. Organizers say most designs typically range from $75 to $125, although some may cost more.
Piercing specials will also be available throughout the event.
Halloween costumes are encouraged, with separate costume contests planned for the public and participating tattoo artists.
The public costume contest is expected to award the winner approximately two hours of tattoo time with a participating artist.
Organizers hope the combination of affordable tattoos, costumes and community involvement will attract both longtime tattoo enthusiasts and newcomers.
Sunday Brings More Than 20 Tattoo Artists Together
On Sunday, October 25, Nightmare on Main Street will transition into a full tattoo convention.
More than 20 artists from the Black Hills, Sioux Falls and surrounding communities are expected to participate.
Artists who donate their time during Saturday's fundraiser will receive complimentary booth space on Sunday, allowing them to showcase their work and earn income.
Visitors can browse original flash designs, explore artwork created by individual artists and request custom tattoos.
The charitable flash designs from Saturday will remain available Sunday, although those purchases will no longer contribute to the cancer fundraiser.
For organizers, the convention is also an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the tattoo industry.
Rather than viewing other artists as competitors, Ethan and Damion emphasized the importance of supporting one another.
Their philosophy centers on the belief that helping individual artists succeed strengthens the entire tattoo community.
The event also highlights the role tattooing plays in the Black Hills arts scene, where organizers believe body art deserves recognition as a legitimate and respected creative medium.
Local businesses are contributing as well. The Sour is providing complimentary catering for event volunteers, helping support those donating their time to the fundraiser.
The Final Nightmare on Main Street — But Not the Final Event
One notable announcement surrounding this year's celebration is that 2026 will mark the final installment of the Nightmare on Main Street theme.
However, organizers stressed that this does not mean the annual tattoo gathering is ending.
Instead, they plan to reinvent the event with a new theme, fresh tattoo designs and potentially a different date or location.
Those details are still being developed, but organizers hope the changes will keep the experience exciting for both artists and attendees.
The charitable mission and community-centered approach are expected to remain important parts of future events.
How to Attend and Support the Cause
Admission to Nightmare on Main Street is completely free. Visitors are welcome to attend, meet the artists, enjoy the atmosphere and participate in the festivities without purchasing a tattoo.
Those unable to attend can still support the Warbonnet family through a GoFundMe fundraiser promoted by the organizers.
Donation information is available through the Turbo City Tattoo Collectors Instagram account, with additional event information at turbocitytattoo.com.
Event Details
What: Nightmare on Main Street Tattoo Event and Cancer Benefit
When: Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026
Where: Rushmore Hotel, Downtown Rapid City
Saturday: Cancer benefit, discounted flash tattoos, piercing specials and Halloween costume contests
Sunday: Tattoo convention featuring more than 20 regional artists
Admission: Free
Beneficiary: Sonia Warbonnet and family
Whether attending for a new tattoo, dressing up for Halloween or simply supporting a local family, Nightmare on Main Street offers an opportunity to celebrate art while making a difference.
For Ethan, Damion and the participating artists, the event represents something larger than tattooing: a community coming together when someone needs help.
