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Scream, gasp, and ink your way through Friday the 13th

From tattoo deals to eerie events, we’re sharing ways you can make this historically unlucky day a whole lot of fun.

Scarecrow on a crucifix in front of a rollercoaster at Busch Gardens at night in 2022

Up for a scare? Head to Busch Gardens for Howl-O-Scream during its flash sale today.

Photo via @howloscream

It’s that eerie, magical day that occurs only rarely — a Friday the 13th landing in October. In fact, the next Friday, Oct. 13 won’t take place until 2028, which means we’re making the most of this one.

Here are a few ways to spend the day locally:

  • First, the most obvious: Watch “Friday the 13th,” the classic horror film inspired by superstitions surrounding the day. Kick off Tampa Theatre’s “Nightmare on Franklin Street” series by watching this flick with friends at 7 p.m.
  • Get a tattoo. It’s become tradition for tattoo parlors to offer specials on Friday the 13th. Get inked at a local spot offering deals, like Atomic Tattoos or Ybor City Tattoo Co.
  • Brave a local haunt. Take advantage of Howl-O-Scream’s Friday the 13th flash sale.
  • Get boosy. Head to Darkaire Collective + If I Brewed the World’s Friday the 13th Festival — best costume gets a prize.
  • Cozy up in the safety of your own home and delve into the rabbit hole that is Tampa’s haunted past. This guide will get you started.
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