Friday the 13th in 2026: Three dates, one on Valentine’s weekend

Friday the 13th arrives today, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), doubling as the kickoff to Valentine’s weekend. It’s also just the first of three Friday the 13ths on the 2026 calendar, setting up a year where superstition and pop culture collide more than usual.

How many Friday the 13ths are in 2026?

There are three instances this year, including an uncommon back-to-back run early in the calendar:

• Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET)
• Friday, Mar. 13, 2026 (ET)
• Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 (ET)

The February and March pairing happens when February’s layout repeats into March, producing twin Friday the 13ths in consecutive months. The third returns in late fall, setting up a trio of superstition-heavy Fridays spread across the year.

Why 13 — and Fridays — unsettle people

Fear of this date blends two long-running beliefs: that the number 13 is unlucky and that Fridays can carry an ominous edge. There’s even a word for the specific dread of today: paraskevidekatriaphobia. The broader anxiety over the number 13 is known as triskaidekaphobia, and researchers have estimated that as much as 10% of the U.S. population harbors some degree of 13-related fear.

Folklore often points to a few recurring tales. In Norse mythology, the trickster god Loki is described as the 13th guest at a feast in Valhalla, where a ruse leads to the death of the beloved god Baldur. Christian tradition frequently notes Judas as the 13th guest at the Last Supper. Another often-cited historical touchstone: mass arrests of the Knights Templar in France on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307, an event that retroactively reinforced the date’s dark reputation.

Still, beyond storytelling and cultural memory, there’s no credible evidence the day itself alters outcomes. The superstition persists largely because it’s memorable and self-reinforcing: people notice mishaps on this date and file them away, while routine days fade into the background.

From fear to fun: tattoos and doughnut deals

Even if the date makes some people uneasy, plenty lean into the theme. Tattoo studios nationwide often run Friday the 13th flash sales, dropping prices to eye-catching lows—sometimes as little as $13 plus tip—for small, pre-designed pieces. The format typically comes with rules: customers choose from a set sheet, color is limited or excluded, and placement is restricted to arms or legs to keep the line moving.

The modern popularity of these marathons is widely tied to American Traditional artist Oliver Peck, who helped turn the date into a standing tattoo holiday through high-profile sessions at his Dallas shop. While many flash sheets incorporate the number 13, studios have broadened the menu over the years, with designs ranging from minimalist icons to classic good-luck motifs.

Elsewhere, brands often seize the moment with themed promotions. This year, Krispy Kreme is handing out coupons for 13,000 free dozens to randomly selected guests at participating shops on Friday, with redemption available alongside any purchase over a 13-day window beginning Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026 (ET). The timing neatly bridges Friday the 13th and Valentine’s weekend—turning a day of supposed bad luck into a sweetener for couples and snack-seekers.

Where superstition spikes the most

New rankings of state-by-state behavior indicate that the date changes attention more than it changes odds. Texas stands out near the top for “bad luck” engagement, trailing only one other state in a recent analysis of search behavior around terms tied to misfortune, accidents, and unlucky symbolism whenever Friday the 13th appears on the calendar. Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey also land high in the caution-driven cluster.

On the flip side, some Northeastern states trend toward “good luck” curiosity—places where residents lean into lucky numbers and lottery chatter instead. Researchers compiling the list parsed multi-year patterns to determine where interest in either doom or fortune surges most on this specific date.

What to watch if you want a scare

For horror fans, the day invites a marathon. The slasher franchise bearing the date remains an obvious pick—complete with its lakeside lore and enduring masked menace—but it’s far from the only option. Classic monster movies, late-night chillers from the 20th century, and modern survival horror all suit the mood. If you’re pairing programming with a themed tattoo or a box of hot doughnuts, consider mixing eras: start with a black-and-white staple, slide into a lean ’80s shocker, then close with a sleek 21st-century nail-biter.

Whether you treat it as a caution flag or an excuse for fun, Friday the 13th endures because it’s simple, sticky, and cinematic. With three on the slate this year—including today’s pre-Valentine’s edition—there’s ample room to test your luck, embrace the ritual, or just enjoy the show.