You should all go get tattoos on Friday. Why? Well, not just to be a part of the crowd. You should do it because it's obviously lucky, and also because, as someone who lives in Dallas it's a bona fide rite of passage. It's true. I swear it. You'll get one of those Modelo Especial cool-point bumps if you're spotted with a 13 in a Deep Ellum bar. So just do it.
Now, how you go about doing this is some deep mystery to some people, but it need not be difficult. In an effort to help out any and all first-time 13ers out there, and to help save the Elm St. Tattoo Facebook page from hundreds of the same question, here's how you get your lucky 13 tattoos.
Thursday at 4 p.m. you'll want to make your way to Elm St. Tattoo. There you will look over the giant poster of 13s, you'll choose one of them to get etched onto your body for all of eternity and pick a time slot for when you want to get your work done. Then you give the nice people at the shop $20 and your valid ID.
Friday when it's about 30 minutes before your slot you will go to the Prophet Bar and get in line. Yes, that's right: All tattooing will be done at the Prophet Bar.
Equally important: You will need a pass to the festival and convention in order to get into the Prophet Bar. Single day passes are $25, but the five-day pass will run you just $50. Get that pass. You'll want it when you're wondering what to do with your night and all your friends are either at MXPX or Dallas Uber Alles.
Of course, you'll want to wait until after you've gotten that sweet, sweet ink to start drinking. These tattoo artists are world-class folks and they won't do the deed if you aren't sober. Bear in mind as well that while the festival itself is all ages, you have to be 18 years old in order to get a tattoo.
So one more time just so we're clear: Get a fest pass, pre-register for your tattoo starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, pay your $20, have a valid ID, go to the Prophet bar on Friday 30 minutes before your slot, get your tattoo, go to a show, drink and have a good time.
