Friday the 13th Tattoo Deals in NYC: What to Know Before You Go
Friday the 13th tattoos are a staple of tattoo culture, and as it so happens, NYC is one of the best places to experience it. Shops across the city celebrate with flash tattoo deals, small black and grey designs at discounted prices, one day only.
If you're looking for Friday the 13th tattoo deals in NYC, here's what you should know: what it is, how it works, what to expect, and how we do things at Cherry Bomb.
What Is a Friday the 13th Tattoo?
Friday the 13th tattoos go back decades. They're rooted in old school shop traditions. On these days, studios typically offer:
Pre-drawn flash designs
Black ink only
Linework or simple shading
Small sizes
First-come, first served walk-ins
Lower prices than usual
Tattoos on arms and legs only
The appeal is part superstition, part spontaneity, part community ritual. People line up early, pick a design off the sheet and walk out with a cool new tattoo to show all their friends.
Are Friday the 13th Tattoos Safe?
Yes, as long as you go to a licensed shop.
In NYC, reputable studios follow the same health and safety standards on Friday the 13th as any other day. That means single use needles, hospital grade sanitization & sterilization, proper artist licensing, and clean workstations. A discounted tattoo should never mean rushed or unsafe work. If a shop's cutting corners on hygiene, that's a red flag, not a deal.
What Makes Friday the 13th Tattoos Cheaper?
The lower price comes from efficiency, not lower quality. Because the designs are pre-drawn, small, done repeatedly, and limited in placement and style, artists can work faster while still doing clean, solid work. That's what allows studios to offer lower prices without compromising professional standards.
What to Expect at a Friday the 13th Event in NYC
Every shop runs things a little differently, but most Friday the 13th events include:
Walk-ins only (no appointments)
Flash designs only (no custom work)
Arms and legs only
Black ink only
Long wait times during peak hours
Popular NYC studios often have lines before they even open, especially for well-known events.
How Cherry Bomb Does Friday the 13th
At Cherry Bomb on the Lower East Side, we treat Friday the 13th like controlled chaos, not a free for all. Our rules are designed to keep things smooth, safe, and fair for everyone.
Here's what to expect:
Walk-ins only
Black and grey flash
Arms and legs only
No changes to designs
Size limits to keep things quick and clean
Professional, licensed artists
Calm, organized flow, even when we're slammed
We prioritize quality over speed, even on high-volume days.
Why Friday the 13th Tattoos Are So Popular in NYC
New York has one of the most vibrant tattoo communities in the world. Friday the 13th taps into that energy because of a few reasons. One being they are accessible for first-timers. Their small size makes them perfect for your first tattoo and the price point cant’ be beat. Plus you’ve got a great story to tell! A lot of people get their first tattoo on Friday the 13th. Others collect them every time.
Tips for Getting a Friday the 13th Tattoo
If you're planning to go, here's how to prepare:
Eat beforehand
Stay hydrated
Bring a valid ID (18+ in NYC)
Expect to wait
Be flexible with your design choice
Trust the process
Looking for Friday the 13th Tattoos in NYC?
Cherry Bomb hosts Friday the 13th events regularly and announces dates in advance. If you missed the last one, don't worry, there's always another one coming.
Follow Cherry Bomb or check our site to stay updated on upcoming dates, flash previews, event rules, and hours.