For the average Auraria student, a college budget does not allot money for fresh ink. However, 2026 is offering a rare alignment of the stars—and calendars—for those looking to trade a few hours in line for a new tattoo. 2026 hosts three Friday the 13ths (February, March, and November), a statistical rarity that has local tattoo parlors bracing for a marathon of flash art. 

While the tradition began with the namesake $13 price tag (plus a mandatory lucky $7 tip), inflation has caught up to the industry. This year, Denver shops are averaging between $50 and $100 per design. While a far cry from a ten-dollar bill, it remains the most significant discount of the year. A nostalgic $31 tattoo was a common rate among shops this year including Preying Mantis Tattoo and Aurora Tattoo Company. 

To navigate these events successfully, a few unwritten rules apply. A majority of shops operate on a cash-only basis for flash days to keep the line moving, so hit the ATM on the way. Furthermore, “flash” implies a “what you see is what you get” policy. Finally, remember the golden rule of the industry: tip your artist. Even at a discount, a $20 tip on a $50 tattoo ensures you’re remembered for the right reasons when you return for a full-priced piece later. 

Old Larimer Street Tattoo remains the epicenter of the local flash scene, offering a “first come first serve” flash event. Piercings are on sale for $35 and flash tattoos for $45. For the February 13th event, the first dedicated patron arrived at 8:33 a.m. to secure a spot for a noon opening. By mid-afternoon, the line snaked blocks deep, a testament to the shop’s roster of 17 participating artists. Because these events are strictly “first-come first-served,” the atmosphere is less “spa day” and more “urban campout.” For students planning to attend the March round, the consensus is clear: bring a portable charger, a textbook to study, and a hefty dose of patience. 

If you are looking for the best balance of price and proximity to campus, three tattoo shops led the pack for the February cycle: 

• All Saints Tattoo: Located in the heart of the city, All Saints offered a nostalgic $31 price point for black-and-grey designs. With over 600 designs to choose from, it’s a high-volume shop perfect for those who want variety. 

• Endless Ink Tattoo: Staying true to the roots, they maintained a $13 tattoo + $7 tip ($20 total) deal. This is arguably the best value for a student’s budget, though the lines often require a full-day commitment. 

• Wicked Heart Art Collective: For those looking for more than just a tiny icon, Wicked Heart offered $50 flash with options to add color or upsize for a small fee—a rarity in the usually rigid world of Friday the 13th flash. 

If you couldn’t make it to the chair this month, the flash season is far from over. Several local studios are extending the energy throughout the month: 

• Chillseeker Tattoos: Offering specialized flash sheets through the end of February. 

•  Dark Wolf Studios: Known for intricate linework, they are hosting “overflow” events for those who missed the 13th. 

The beauty of 2026 is the immediate second chance. Old Larimer Street, Dark Wolf Studios, and Aurora Tattoo Company have already confirmed they will return for the March 13th cycle. Aurora Tattoo Company has committed all three dates this year. 

Because flash events are inherently elusive—often announced via Instagram stories just days prior—staying “inked in” requires digital vigilance. Follow your favorite local artists now, so you aren’t left standing on the sidewalk in March. If spring doesn’t work out? Don’t be too bummed; another Friday the 13th is waiting for us in November.