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 September and December fall on a Friday in 2024. 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

Wendy’s Frosty® the 13th

Wendy’s is turning this spooky Friday the 13th in a sweet treat with a killer free Hot & Crispy Fries and $1 Frosty in-app deal.

On Friday, September 13, Wendy’s Rewards members can grab a FREE any size Hot & Crispy Fries* with any purchase with the offer in the app.

Wendy’s fans can also snag a $1 small Frosty through the end of the month for another type of chill. Just in time for Frosty the 13th, the Vanilla Frosty is officially BACK on Wendy’s menus nationwide! 

Watch ‘Scream” at Green Lawn Abbey Under the Stars

A scary movie under the stars…at a cemetary…may just be the winner for some Friday the 13th fun. Food truck, drinks, and picnic before every movie, plus the Abbey will be open for tours at 7 pm. Admission is $5 dollar donation. All proceeds go towards restoration efforts.

September 13: Scream. Movie starts at dusk

Movies Under the Stars and Tales from the Crypt at Green Lawn Abbey

Watch a scary movie at South Drive-in

Isn’t there a scary movie set in a drive-in movie? You can catch a scary movie at South Drive-in on Friday the 13th (projected to be SPEAK NO EVIL (2024), subject to change). Follow on Facebook for details. 

Flea market and drive-in movies at the South Drive In Theatre

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 usually has multiple Friday the 13th deals on the Facebook page, from the chance for $13 piercings (with jewelry purchase), hoodies, and tattoos. Follow directions in the specific Facebook posts before the 13th! Make sure you scroll the page to see all the offers. Flash tattoos only available at the Summit St. location!

22 Caliber Tattoos has $31 tattoos on the 13th from a select set of options; first come, first served at all 3 locations. 

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

Sleep under the Stars at Scioto Fest at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

This two day festival on September 13-14 offers outdoor adventures, music, food and brew trucks, and more. Plus you can camp overnight on Friday night (which just happens to be Friday the 13th, so…)

Scioto Fest 2024: A Weekend of Outdoor Fun at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Find your way through a Corn Maze

You definitely don’t want to get lost deep in a corn maze on Friday the 13th! But it’s still fun to try not to! Check out one of the local corn mazes around Columbus and Central Ohio, including Lohstroh Family Farms (family-friendly maze), Lynd’s Fruit Farm, Van Buren Acres, Dupler’s Pumpkin Land, Young’s Jersey Dairy, and more. 

Fall Fun! Columbus Pumpkin Patches, Farm Activities, Corn Mazes

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.

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.

Well, 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. I think I’ll pass on both ideas….just in case.

Have other fun ideas for Friday the 13th in Columbus? Leave us a comment!

Rather play it safe? Check out these other options on October 13.

Past deals; tba Sept 2024

Pick up a 13-cent dozen at Krispy Kreme

Get a dozen of original glazed at Krispy Kreme for just 13-cents when you buy any dozen. Sharing all of these doughnuts is surely good for some luck! TBA for September 2024. 

Krispy Kreme special offers