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Bad luck? Not in New York.
Friday the 13th has long been one of the city’s most ink-happy traditions—and in 2026, it hits twice, landing on Friday, February 13 and again on Friday, March 13. For tattoo shops, that means flash sheets in the windows, lines down the block and deeply discounted designs you can only get one day a year.
If you’ve never done a Friday the 13th tattoo in NYC, the rules are simple: walk-ins only, flash designs only and a whole lot of organized chaos. Here’s where to go—and what to expect.
Live By The Sword Tattoo
All three Live By The Sword locations (Soho, Union Square and Williamsburg) are running Friday the 13th tattoo and piercing specials, with walk-ins welcome throughout the day. Expect classic flash, fast turnarounds and a steady buzz from open to close. 454 Broadway; 7 East 14th Street; 218 Bedford Avenue
Uplift Tattoo
Uplift in Soho is hosting a Friday the 13th flash tattoo and piercing event, leaning into the tradition with event-only designs and an all-day walk-in setup. Show up flexible and ready to choose from the board. 497 Broome Street
NYC Tattoo Shop
If you want maximum commitment, this is it. NYC Tattoo Shop is running a 24-hour Friday the 13th tattoo marathon across its Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Bowery locations. Flash tattoos, rotating artists and nonstop energy make this one of the city’s most intense ink days. 42 West Street, Suite 104; 141 Canal Street, 2nd floor; 164 N 6th Street
Daredevil Tattoo
A true original. Chinatown’s Daredevil Tattoo is widely credited with kicking off NYC’s Friday the 13th tattoo tradition nearly 25 years ago. Designs drawn just for the day cost $40 to $60, with the first 20 people in line snagging $20 tattoos. The flash sheet goes up in the window at 12 pm, cash only, no sneak peeks and yes, there will be a line. 141 Division Street
Cherry Bomb Tattoo
Cherry Bomb’s Friday the 13th is fast, loud and very New York. The popular queer-owned shop sticks strictly to its custom-drawn flash sheets: arms and legs only, black and grey only, no design changes. It’s high-energy, no-frills and exactly what flash day should be. 231 Eldridge Street
First Class Tattoo
First Class is offering 30% off flash designs, with prices starting at $70 after the discount. Walk-ins only, first come first served, arms and legs only. Bonus: Larger flash pieces can be booked in person that day for a future session, at 30% off. 52 Canal Street
Redink Tattoo
Redink in Hell’s Kitchen is keeping things simple with $20 flash tattoos and piercings starting at $10, tied into a NYFW-meets-Friday-the-13th moment. 315 West 54th Street