News Summary
On Friday the 13th, local tattoo shops in San Diego County are embracing tradition by offering special deals on body art. Many establishments feature flash tattoos starting at just $13, attracting both seasoned tattoo enthusiasts and first-timers. Popular shops like Locally Famous Tattoo, The Arcade Oceanside Tattoo, and Eden Tattoo Gallery are actively participating, each providing a unique celebration of creativity and community spirit. This event not only highlights local tattoo culture but also engages neighboring businesses, showcasing a festive atmosphere in the area.
San Diego – On Friday, October 13, local tattoo shops in San Diego County celebrated the traditionally unlucky day with special deals on body art. This unique event has gained popularity in recent years, with tattoo parlors across the nation joining in on the festivities and offering discounts that attract both tattoo enthusiasts and first-timers alike.
In honor of the occasion, some tattoo prices in San Diego start as low as $13, making it an accessible opportunity for individuals looking to get inked. Numerous shops throughout the region are participating in this celebration, each offering their own set of flash tattoos and promotional deals.
Locally Famous Tattoo, located at 744 Grand Ave. Suite 101 in San Marcos, is offering flash deals starting at $60. The shop will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming customers beginning at 11 a.m. On the other hand, The Arcade Oceanside Tattoo has a more affordable flash deal priced at $45, but includes a mandatory $15 tip. This offer features over 200 designs available for upper arms, legs, and upper backs only, located on Mission Avenue in downtown Oceanside.
Big Fish Tattoo, situated at 243 N Hwy. 101 Ste. 18, will showcase the work of nine different artists providing exclusive flash designs priced between $80 to $250, specifically for tattoos on arms and legs. The shop opens at 10 a.m. and also offers limited availability on certain designs.
Meanwhile, Eden Tattoo Gallery, found in North Park at 3001 Madison Ave., will feature a range of specials starting at $13 with prices reaching up to $66.60. This shop, which opens at 9 a.m., will also provide custom tattoo options at discounted rates. In University Heights and South Park, Full Circle Tattoo will operate starting at 10 a.m., offering first-come, first-served services on arms and legs only, with varied pricing based on the artist.
At Lions Den Tattoo, located at 4285 Taylor Street, patrons can explore over 250 designs available for a flash sale, with prices ranging from $100 to $200, applicable for tattoos on arms, legs, and backs. Even Keel Tattoo, on the other hand, will feature tattoos starting at $60, extending up to $130, focusing on custom art pieces for arms and legs with business hours commencing at noon at 4675 Cass St.
Coinciding with the tattoo festivities, nearby businesses such as Curry & More and Rosewood are joining the celebration by offering “block party deals.” This collaborative event promotes community engagement and brings attention to the local tattoo culture.
Additionally, Chipotle is promoting its own unique event by offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal for customers with visible tattoos from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday the 13th. This promotion is intended to raise awareness of their limited-edition temporary tattoos, which can be obtained with purchases at select Chipotle locations. The temporary tattoos feature designs inspired by the brand’s imagery, emphasizing a playful connection with the tattoo culture.
The practice of tattooing the number 13 has its roots in sailors’ superstitions, who believed it would ward off bad luck. The tradition of celebrating Friday the 13th through tattoo events has grown significantly since its inception in 1995, when Oliver Peck, co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, organized the first celebration. The annual event has since become a beloved occasion for both tattoo artists and aficionados, embracing the culture surrounding body art.
As Friday the 13th approaches, the tattoo community in San Diego is gearing up for a day filled with creativity, discounts, and community spirit. Whether it’s a first tattoo or an addition to an existing collection, the discounts provided by local shops offer a unique chance for individuals to commemorate this date in a distinctive way.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.