Friday the 13th in October in Charlotte: Celebrate the unluckiest day of spooky season
Today is Friday the 13th. To be more specific, today is Friday, October 13. It’s arguably the unluckiest day of the spookiest season, so if you’re like me and it makes you want to curl up under a blanket with scary movies or Charlotte ghost stories, then let’s get our flashlights and campfires ready.
Why is Friday the 13th so unlucky?
The history of the unlucky Friday the 13th reputation depends on who you ask. First, let’s examine the number 13:
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the origins of the unlucky number 13 could be connected to the Last Supper, where Judas, who would go on to betray Jesus, was guest number 13 at the dinner party.
Or it’s possible the number feels so unlucky due to another infamous meal: An old Norse myth tells the story of Loki being the 13th guest at a dinner in Valhalla. That evening ended with the death of Balder, god of joy.
OK, but why Friday?
Back to Judas and his betrayal: Jesus was crucified on a Friday, Smithsonian Magazine states. Also, Adam ate the apple on a Friday. And Cain killed Abel on a Friday, reports the History Channel.
Fridays have also been considered unlucky days to begin a journey, go out to sea, get married or start new projects, according to the Library of Congress.
Combine the two days together and you get friggatriskaidekaphobia or paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th, according to NPR, which also tells you how to pronounce the word (which may cure your fear of the day!).
But what if you don’t want to be cured? If you’d rather just lean in, let’s go:
How to celebrate Friday, Oct. 13 in Charlotte
Check out our list of free and cheap things to do in the Charlotte area over the next week, including tonight’s Petty Thieves Brewing’s party, with costumes, spooky music and haunted stories.
Make the party last all season long, with Chyna’s guide to spooky season in Charlotte. On her list: The Black Lagoon Pop-up at Backstage Lounge, which is currently a dark, dungeon-like space with skulls, coffins and more.
Go to a haunted bar: Hang out with a ghost at Devil’s Logic Brewing, Boudreaux’s, Alexander Michael’s or one of the other haunted restaurants or breweries we have featured.
Watch a scary movie: Go to the Belmont Drive-In for showings of “The Haunted Mansion” and “Friday the 13th.” Or head to Ayrsley Grand Cinema 14 for $5 showings of “Donnie Darko” or “The Evil Dead.”
Learn more about our haunted city: The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society has been investigating ghosts since 2005.
Take a self-guided walking tour: If you dare, here are 12 haunted spots to visit in uptown.
Want more events? Check out WFAE’s list of 13 things to do on Friday the 13th, including Buff Faye’s “FRIDAY the 13th” Halloween Drag Diner and The Charlotte Art League’s The Opening Reception for Oddities Exhibition and The (Spooky) Remarkable Market.
