13 things to do on Friday the 13th in Columbus

Whether you think it’s a spooky day, the name of a scary movie, or just the start to another weekend, Friday the 13th shows up on the calendar once or twice a year (the date, not the movie, thank goodness).

Why are people superstitious about Friday the 13th?

There are varying reasons why many people consider Friday the 13th and/or the number 13 are unlucky or creepy, some dating back to Biblical times.

There have even been groups that have tried to dispel the myth that 13 is unlucky, including The Thirteen Club in the late 19th century, which counted 4 former presidents as members.

And then of course, the slasher film, Friday the 13th, which forever made the white hockey mask incredibly creepy.

Upcoming Friday the 13th dates

The 13th of January and October fall on a Friday in 2023. Don’t be spooked by the Friday the 13th superstitions, and instead, do something fun on the 13th to honor the “spirit” of the day.

Check out these fun ideas, including special deals on Friday the 13th in Columbus

Get a tattoo or piercing on Friday the 13th

Did you know that some tattoo shops give special deals on tattoos or piercings on Friday the 13th?

Evolved Body Art has multiple January Friday the 13th deals on the Facebook page, from the chance for $13 piercings, hoodies, and tattoos. Follow directions in the specific Facebook posts before the 13th! Make sure you scroll the page to see all the offers.

22 Caliber Tattoos has $31 tattoos on the 13th from a select set of options. Get the specials on All Month Of January (Hilliard & South Locations), and one day only – first come first serve (Canal Location Only)

Other shops and artists are likely having specials too, so if you know about any, leave a comment for everyone to see!

See Friday the 13th at Gateway Film Center

Friday the 13th (1980) Opens on January 13. Details here.

The one that started the epic franchise, presented on 35mm film. Camp counselors are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen Camp Crystal Lake, a summer camp that was the site of a child’s drowning.

Fright Club Live on January 13. Before the screening, meet up with fellow horror movie lovers in The Torpedo Room and then join GFC at 9PM for the live recording of the Fright Club podcast hosted by George Wolf and Hope Madden.

Visit Kelton House Museum

The Kelton House Museum stands as a snapshot of 19th century life and a station on the Underground Railroad. The home has been preserved and used for educational purposes since it was renovated after the last living member died in 1975.

Since then, the house has been known to have numerous and unexplained occurrences for nearly 50 years, including items being moved, sightings of unexplained people, and more.

Go learn about the history, see what life was like back then, and maybe you’ll see something unexpected! Open 12 pm – 4 pm on Friday. Read more about Kelton House here.

Wildlife Watch Night at Blacklick Woods

Visit the Nature Center at Blacklick Woods after hours to see what wildlife stops in the dark from 6 pm – 7:30 pm. The program is free; read more on the Metro Parks website.

Dine at The Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus

This craft brewery (one of the originals in Columbus) is located in one of the most historic buildings, the Columbia building, in downtown Columbus, built in 1897.

There have long been legends about the presence of resident spirits. At the very least, you’ll enjoy a good meal – ghosts or not.

Grab a drink at Char Bar (and use the bathroom in the basement)

When I started to add this to the list, I had no knowledge of rumors of Char Bar being haunted. I was just adding it because the basement is a *little* creepy and feels like it could be haunted.

Apparently, Char Bar is as well known for it’s Long Island Ice Teas as it is for it’s other type of spirits.

Having ventured into the basement many times to use the restroom (thanks to the aforementioned Long Islands), I can attest to a level of uneasiness when down there…the old keyless piano….the fact that its a basement…. When I was brave enough to go by myself, I was constantly looking around…for something.

It turns out, the lower level was funeral parlor for Egan-Ryan Funeral Home. The bar (behind the parking lot of North Market) also sits on top of what used to be the Columbus’ Old North Graveyard. In the 1800’s, many of the bodies were moved from the site to Green Lawn Cemetery. Some were not located and moved.

While I’d still visit for a drink (hey, it’s a great spot!), I’m just thankful I’m not the staff closing at night.

Adopt a black cat or black dog

While there’s a superstition about a black cat crossing your path, it’s as bogus as the number 13 being unlucky. Even though black cats are stunning, they (along with black dogs) are less likely to be adopted. Both are deemed scary or intimidating by some, if not downright unlucky.

If you’re ready to adopt a pet, give one of these overlooked pets a chance! Sometimes shelters will even run specials on Friday the 13th, so check with your local animal shelter or rescue to see if they are!

You’ll feel lucky every time your new pet crosses your path!

Visit Greenlawn Cemetery

As one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the area, Greenlawn Cemetery certainly has a lot of history, beautiful headstones, and possibly some hauntings. Word on the street is that if you knock on the door of Hayden Mausoleum, you’ll hear a knock in return.

Listen to local podcast, True Crime Garage

If you like true crime podcasts, you don’t want to miss this one that is produced in Columbus! They’ve been covering all types of crimes, from local to national for about 7 years, and they are the real deal!

Find them here, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Make a good luck charm

If you’re still *slightly* worried about luck on Friday the 13th, make a good luck charm…just in case! This can be a fun activity with kids too!

You can find all kinds of ideas on the internet, but this little scroll from eHow is unique.

Visit Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield

Make plans to visit Ohio State Reformatory and see just how creepy it is! It’s open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-4pm for tours. Read more about visiting the reformatory (and what else you can do in the area) in this article.

Watch a Friday the 13th movie marathon and camp by a lake

Unbothered by the fuss of the day? Watch a Friday the 13th movie marathon and then go camping by a lake. The camping could be tough in January though, so maybe just stick with the movies. I think I’ll pass on both ideas….just in case.