Bringing Something a Little Different to Town Over July 4 Weekend
Nine years ago, the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest was a dream for a local couple, Tony and Adrienne Carey, who wondered whether Prescott could sustain such an event. As the convention enters its seventh year—it will take place starting Friday, July 5 this year—the answer to that question is a resounding, “YES!”
Members of the Prescott community have been loyal supporters of this annual event, with many people visiting with their out-of-town artists and friends. The Careys say the Tattoo Fest is reminiscent of a summer camp for big kids—with tattoos and hand-picked artists from around the U.S. and around the world.
Each year, the Northern Arizona Tattoo Fest takes place over the July 4 weekend, which is ripe with other traditional Prescottonian events: the rodeo, cowboy dances, and the craft fair. The Tattoo Fest, then, brings something a little different.
More than 150 tattoo artists come together in a single venue: the Prescott Resort and Casino. Every artist brings a different perspective to tattooing, and attendees can find each style at the event, which is even attended by winners of “Inkmaster.” There are also many vendors peddling their wares within the hallways of the fest!
This year, festivities begin Thursday night, July 4, with a party at the Raven Café in downtown Prescott, starting at 7 p.m. The tattoo fest takes place at the Prescott Resort and Casino: on Friday, July 5 from 2 to 11 p.m., on Saturday, July 6 from noon to 11 p.m., and on Sunday, July 7 from noon to 8 p.m. There are daily tattoo contests, which any festival attendee can enter, a pin-up contest Saturday at 3 p.m., and tattooing onsite, every day.
For more information, visit www.northernaztattoofest.com.