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For those who tend to be superstitious, Friday the 13th has heavy associations with bad luck and all things spooky, even when it falls in the middle of winter, as it will this Friday. But for tattoo enthusiasts, the pseudo-holiday is a perfect excuse to get inked up.
This tradition began right here in Dallas and has since become a nationwide trend. In 2008, celebrity tattoo artist Oliver Peck of Elm Street Tattoo started it by tattooing the number 13 on as many people as he could within 24 hours. Moms across the country haven’t known peace since.
Though it’s often a semiannual occasion, this Friday, Feb.13, marks the first (of three!) in 2026. So, if you’ve been feeling the itch to get something done, now is the time.
Here are some of the local shops participating this year.
Elm Street Tattoo
2811 Elm St.
Obviously, right? The studio that started it all is hosting another 24-hour marathon, this time with over 200 flash tattoos available for $20 each. While walk-ins will be welcomed, we suggest signing up the day before to guarantee a spot. More information can be found on Elm Street Tattoo’s website.
Cat Tattoo
4544 Beltline Road, Addison
If you’re using Friday the 13th as an excuse to get a slightly larger, more detailed piece, Cat Tattoo has you (and wherever you want the tattoo) covered. The shop’s artists have created flash sheets in their unique styles; prices range by artist and size. It’s not the in-and-out experience other studios are offering, but it’s still a great deal for beautiful tattoos by veteran artists. No walk-ins will be accepted for this event. Appointments can be made on Cat Tattoo’s website.
Suffer City
9012 Garland Road
This East Dallas shop is known for a marathon of 13th tattoos beginning at midnight, but this year, its artists are doing something a little different. From 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. all weekend, the shop is offering larger, vibrant flash tattoos for $100 and $300. Some of the offerings include roses, cactus plants and of course, skulls. If grandma is going to cry regardless, you might as well make it worth her tears. You can DM Suffer City on Instagram to make an appointment, but they’ll also take walk-ins.
Mother’s House
2512 Oak Lawn Ave.
Of course, our pick for Best Tattoo Shop in the 2025 Best of Dallas awards is coming in heavy-handed this Friday. The woman-owned studio tucked into Oak Lawn is offering several sheets of gorgeously sweet flash, from love lockets to razor-bladed hearts. Even sweeter? They’ll have themed, complimentary drinks. Prices range from $60 to $200.
Jane Doe Tattoos and Piercings
4153 Commerce St.
When your mom groans at the news that you once again adorned your body with a little more ink, you can tell her it’s because you’re literally a philanthropist. Jane Doe in Expo Park is donating a portion of sales from Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day to Dallas Pets Alive. The shop will be open both days from noon to 7 p.m. and is only accepting walk-ins.
Marigold Tattoo
1300 S Polk St., No.193
If you prefer to stay within the confines of Oak Cliff, Marigold Tattoo is the move. The shop’s flash offers the usual number 13-themed art, but also boasts whimsical styles of swans, bows and foliage. Coffee from Aire Coffee Cart will keep your adrenaline on 10, and if you want to annoy more than your parents with a tattoo, your dentist will probably love to know tooth gems will be available on site, too.
Bat and Cave Tattoo
1511 S. Ewing Ave.
Attention Heated Rivalry fans: Don’t look anywhere else. This is where you need to go. Bat and Cave’s flash includes a number 69 hockey jersey and Scott Hunter’s good luck banana socks from Kip. And even if all of that means nothing to you, you can still find precious designs like Snoopy or a Penguin saying “Fuck ICE.” All bases covered here, really.
