Phantom Ink Fest

Phantom Ink Fest is a three-day tattoo convention running May 15 through May 17, 2026 at the Grand Junction Convention Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. The event fills the convention center floor with tattoo artists from across the western United States and beyond, offering attendees the chance to book appointments for fresh ink, browse flash designs, or watch large-scale pieces come together in real time. Grand Junction sits on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, about four hours from Denver. While the Front Range cities often dominate Colorado's tattoo conversation, Grand Junction has developed its own distinct scene tied to the region's outdoor culture and agricultural history. The convention center sits near downtown, close to hotels and restaurants along Main Street. The floor layout follows the standard convention model. Artists set up booths with their portfolios displayed on tablets and binders. Attendees walk the aisles to consult with artists about custom designs or pick from available flash. Most artists accept walk-ups for smaller pieces, though larger work requires advance booking through the event website or direct contact before the doors open. Vendor booths sell tattoo supplies, aftercare products, and apparel. Several local shops from Grand Junction, Fruita, and Montrose usually attend alongside traveling artists from Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The event runs Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, with Saturday typically drawing the largest crowds. Parking is available at the convention center lot and surrounding downtown structures. Several hotels sit within walking distance, including the Hotel Maverick and SpringHill Suites. Attendees should bring government-issued ID for age verification, as the event is 18+. Cash is useful for tips and merchandise, though most artists accept cards for tattoo work. The event fills a gap in the western Colorado tattoo calendar, giving residents of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Montrose access to regional artists without driving to Denver or Salt Lake City. Unlike larger conventions in the Front Range, Phantom Ink Fest maintains a regional focus that highlights artists working in the mountain west. Check the official website for ticket pricing, single-day versus weekend passes, and the current list of attending artists. The convention center offers climate-controlled space, which matters in May when temperatures in Grand Junction can reach the high 70s.