For most, Friday the 13th is a day steeped in superstition—a day to avoid black cats and walk around ladders. But for tattoo enthusiasts, it’s one of the most anticipated days of the year. Shops are buzzing, ink is flowing, and thousands of people are eagerly lining up to get a permanent piece of art for a steal.
So, what turned this traditionally unlucky day into a celebrated holiday in the tattoo world? Let's dive into the history, the hype, and how you can take part in this unique cultural phenomenon.
From Superstition to Tattoo Tradition
While the fear of the number 13 (triskaidekaphobia) is ancient, the tradition of Friday the 13th tattoo specials is much more recent. Its origins are widely credited to a single artist: Oliver Peck. The event was sparked on Friday, January 13th, 1995, at Peck's shop, Elm Street Tattoo, in Dallas, Texas.
To generate some excitement and challenge superstition head-on, the shop held a 24-hour tattoo marathon, offering tattoos featuring the number 13 for just $13 (plus a lucky $7 tip). The event was a massive success, and what started in a single Dallas shop quickly snowballed into a nationwide, and now worldwide, tradition embraced by countless artists and studios (Source: VICE, "How Friday the 13th Became a Tattoo Holiday").
Friday the 13th Dates (2025-2035)
Here are all the months that will have a Friday the 13th for the next decade, so you can plan ahead for every opportunity to get inked!
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2025: June (the day this article was posted)
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2026: February, March, November
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2027: August
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2028: October
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2029: April, July
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2030: September, December
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2031: June
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2032: February, August
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2033: May
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2034: January, October
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2035: February, March, November
Fun Facts About the Big Day
- Themed Flash Sheets: You can't just walk in and ask for a full back piece. Shops prepare special "flash sheets" exclusively for the event. These are pre-drawn designs, typically small and simple, that fit the theme. Expect to see lots of number 13s, black cats, skulls, broken mirrors, and other spooky or luck-related symbolsÂ
- A Test of Endurance: For artists, it's a marathon. For clients, it can be a test of patience. Lines can wrap around the block, and waits can last for hours. It’s a testament to the community's passion. Many shops report tattooing hundreds of clients in a single day.
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The "$13 + $7 Tip" Rule: While the price might vary by shop and city, this pricing structure is mostly out the window. Shops now usually have flash sheets that range from $50 - $250 based on the size of the tattoo. Some shops do adhere to the classic pricing, which is:
$13for the tattoo and a$7tip for the artist, totaling a lucky$20. The tip is not just suggested; it's a crucial part of the tradition, showing appreciation for the artist's hard work on such a hectic day.
How to Participate Like a Pro
Thinking of joining the fun for the next event? Here’s how to prepare for a successful and smooth experience.
- Do Your Research: A few weeks before the date, start checking the social media pages (Instagram is your best friend here) of your local tattoo shops. They will post their flash sheets, pricing, and rules for the day. Not all shops participate, so confirm ahead of time.
- Arrive Early, Be Patient: This is not the day to be fashionably late. People line up hours before the doors open. Bring water, a snack, and a fully charged phone or a good book. The wait is part of the experience.
- Have Cash and Your ID: Many shops operate on a cash-only basis for these events to keep the line moving quickly. Make sure you have enough for the tattoo and a generous tip. And, as always, you will need a valid government-issued ID.
- Know What You Want: Look at the flash sheet ahead of time (if the shop posts it) and have your top two or three choices ready. When it's your turn, be decisive. This helps the artist stay on schedule and ensures more people can get tattooed.
- No Face or Hands: These placements are usually more difficult for the artist and most shops don't allow it. They want to keep the line moving and give everyone a chance to get inked. You will probably be restricted to arms and legs only.
- Embrace the Community: The vibe on Friday the 13th is electric. You’re sharing an experience with dozens of other tattoo lovers. Strike up a conversation with people in line, share your excitement, and enjoy the unique sense of community that the day brings.
Friday the 13th has transformed from a day of bad luck into a celebration of art, community, and culture. It's a chance to get an affordable tattoo from a great artist and walk away with a story to tell. So next time the date rolls around, don't shy away—lean in and get inked!
Sources:
- Chrichton, C. (2017, October 13). How Friday the 13th Became a Tattoo Holiday. VICE. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/a34g8p/how-friday-the-13th-became-a-tattoo-holiday
- Preston, D. (2024). Everything You Need To Know About Friday the 13th Tattoos. Inked Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.inkedmag.com/original-news/fridaythe13th-tattoos