Friday the 13th tattoos: Flash-deal ink hits Phoenix and Austin as San Antonio slate builds

Riley Calderon

Published: February 13, 2026 11:46 AM ET

Friday the 13th tattoos: Flash-deal ink hits Phoenix and Austin as San Antonio slate builds

Three Friday the 13ths land in 2026, and the first one arrives Friday, Feb. 13. Tattoo studios across the Southwest are prepping flash sheets, extended hours and cash-only lines for the fan-favorite promotion. Here’s what’s lined up around metro Phoenix and Austin in Eastern Time, with San Antonio shops building their lists in the days ahead.

Why Friday the 13th tattoos took off

The tradition traces back to the mid-1990s, when Texas artist Oliver Peck popularized marathon sessions built around the number 13, inspired in part by seasonal flash events from fellow artists. What began as a one-day stunt turned into a recurring subculture staple: small, pre-drawn designs at steep discounts, often themed to luck, superstition and the number 13. With three Friday the 13ths this year—in February, March and November—studios are leaning in with multiple rounds of deals.

Phoenix-area flash sheets, prices and opening times (ET)

Art and Soul Ink (Phoenix) — Over 100 flash designs for $31 plus a $9 setup fee; select piercings for $21 plus a $9 setup fee. Walk-in only, first come, first served. Opens 1 p. m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13. 10540 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
Captain Tattoo Art Collective (Mesa) — Extensive flash selection with tiers at $13, $31, $113 or $131, plus either a $7 or $9 tip depending on design. First come, first served; on-site food vendors planned. Opens 11 a. m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13. 1916 W. Baseline Road, Suite 4, Mesa.
DarkArt Tattoo Collective (Phoenix) — Friday the 13th flash starting at $40. Pricing reflects arm-or-leg placement only; some artists will limit work to those areas. First come, first served; cash only. Opens 1 p. m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13. 4923 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 303, Phoenix.
Electric Cactus (Phoenix) — 1-inch tattoos for $31, 2-inch for $62 and 3-inch for $80 on Friday the 13th, with the same pricing carrying into Valentine’s Day. A $500 tattoo giveaway and free T-shirts are part of the festivities. Check shop for exact hours; expect walk-in demand.

Austin specials: from $31 flash to 13-hour parties (ET)

All Saints Tattoo — 644 exclusive flash designs. Black-line, black-shaded or all-black at $31; black plus one color at $40; black plus two colors at $50. Arms or legs only, no changes to size/design. Up to three tattoos per session; then rejoin the line for more. Piercing special at $31 plus jewelry cost for an extensive list of placements. Walk-in only; cash only; no ATM on site.
Austin Tattoo Co. — A 13-hour bash with discounted tiers: small tattoos at $40 (black) or $60 (color); large at $120 (black) or $150 (color). Each discounted piece must include the number 13, arms or legs only, no add-ons. Appointments encouraged; limited walk-ins. Cash only. Runs 12 p. m. –1 a. m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13, at both locations.
Black Dagger Tattoo — Roughly three-inch flash at $120 (black and gray) or $140 (color). First come, first served; arms-and-legs only; cash only.

San Antonio outlook

Multiple Alamo City studios are preparing Friday the 13th offerings with discounted flash designs and—at some shops—piercing specials. Expect first-come queues, limited designs sized for quick sessions and placement rules that keep artists moving. With three Friday the 13ths on the 2026 calendar, local studios are planning repeat rounds in March and November as well, and more San Antonio participants are expected to announce details through the week.

What to know before you line up

Bring cash and a tip. Many Friday the 13th events are cash only and post minimum tip amounts or setup fees.
Expect flash-only and size limits. Shops rarely allow custom tweaks, resizing or off-list add-ons during the promotion.
Placement rules apply. Arms and legs are common requirements so artists can work quickly and safely.
First come, first served. Even with long hours, queues form early. If appointments are offered, they’re limited and may fill fast.
Have ID ready. Studios will verify age and may require paperwork before you’re in the chair.
Mind aftercare. Small designs still need proper cleaning and protection; follow the studio’s instructions to avoid complications.

With doors opening as early as late morning ET and lines building fast, the first Friday the 13th of 2026 is set for a brisk day of flash sheets, brisket trucks in some lots, and plenty of lucky 13s. If you miss this round, more chances arrive in March and November.