Tattoo enthusiasts and fans of quirky live entertainment are in for a treat this weekend at the Phantom Ink Fest tattoo convention. The event kicks off today and runs through Sunday at the Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. With a jam-packed schedule featuring tattoo competitions, piercing stations, vendor booths, and live performances, the festival promises something for everyone.
Phantom Ink Fest will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available for $28.45 per day or $60.43 for an all-weekend pass. For tickets and further details.
Around 45 tattoo artists—both local and from out of town—will be working their craft at the convention. Austin Megallon, a tattoo artist and body piercer at Loveland Tattoo in Loveland, is organizing the event. Megallon, who has attended over 60 tattoo conventions in his eight years in the industry, felt Grand Junction was the perfect location for such an event.
“You’ve got great artists here, and yet there’s never been a convention. It seemed like the perfect place to bring one,” said Megallon. “We’re less focused on size and more focused on promoting artists and fostering a community centered around quality work.”
Tattoos done at the convention can be entered into a variety of competition categories, including Best Skull, Best Freehand, and Most Unique Tattoo. Prizes will be awarded to the winners, along with recognition for the artists behind the tattoos. Additionally, there will be a Best of Day and Best of Show category, with cash prizes for both color and black-and-gray tattoos.
While the convention offers a chance to see top-tier tattoo work, there will also be plenty of entertainment to enjoy. “Ever seen blindfolded people with chainsaws? Or watched sword swallowers in action? We’ve got that, and so much more,” Megallon teased. The festival will feature performances by The Enigma, known for his jigsaw-puzzle tattooed body suit and extreme stunts, as well as Andrew S., a stunt sideshow entertainer. The Metal Maidens Burlesque will also take the stage, adding to the event’s diverse mix of entertainment.
“We want to make this a fun, community-driven event,” said Megallon, who plans to expand future conventions to include artist seminars and more. “It’s all about creating an event that everyone can enjoy.”
With a focus on showcasing artistic talent, supporting the tattoo community, and providing a unique and engaging experience, Phantom Ink Fest is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend for tattoo lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
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