Things to do on Friday the 13th
Crawl SF Guide to Friday October 13, 2023
2023 is one of those rare years where the 13th of October falls on a Friday. For those of you who love ghost stories, horror films and the supernatural, there are many things to do in the Bay Area this Friday October the 13th. Here are CrawlSF’s top picks.
See a Scary Movie:
Turn off the streaming services for the night, put on some pants and leave your couch, if you dare, and see a film on the big screen. Even though the Taylor Swift Film hits most theaters on October 13th, a few are still showing some classic horror films. If you are a Swift fan and a lover of the horror film genre, why not make it a double feature!
The Lost Boys
Where: Vogue Theater
When: 9:30 PM
This 1987 classic, teen, vampire comedy /thriller, starring Corey Haim, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland is set in Santa Cruz, California. It should bring back some serious nostalgic vibes for anyone Generation X or older. It is a great opportunity for the younger set to see this cult classic on the big screen.
The Exorcist
Where: AMC Baystreet 16 Emeryville
When: 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Originally released in 1973, this horror thriller film is celebrating its’ 50th anniversary this year. It is the story of a little girl possessed by a mysterious entity.
Friday the 13th
Where: New Parkway Theater, Oakland
When: 10:30 PM
This slasher film, which first hit theaters in 1980, is the first in a series of 12. The story is set in a summer camp with a gruesome past.
Go to a Concert
Candlelight Concert of Halloween Movie Theme Songs
Listen to the music from all of your favorite Halloween movies by candle light. This event will be held at the St. Ignatius Church at 650 Parker Avenue in San Francisco. There are two concerts, each lasting a little over an hour. The first is at 7:00 PM and the Second is at 9:00 PM.
For more information go to:
https://feverup.com/m/131463
Cannibal Corpse & Mayhem at The Warfield
From 6:30 PM to 12:00 am, New York City’s death metal band, Cannibal Corpse & Mayhem will be rocking out at the Warfield, located at 982 Market Street. Tickets start at $32.50. Book tickets at the link below.
Catch a Show
Young Frankenstein
See the stage production of “Young Frankenstein”: Head to Guggenheim Entertainment at 3Below in San Jose for a stage adaptation of Mel Brooke’s 1974 film “Young Frankenstein”. The original film was a comedic parody of the 1930’s horror film genre. The theater is located at 288 South Second Street. The show will run October 5th through 29th.
Take a Haunted Tour
Attend the History Mystery After Hours Tour of the USS Hornet: Tour the US Navy Ship, the USS Hornet, from 7 to 10 pm. Hear paranormal stories about the haunted old ship.
Purchase tickets HERE.
Why do we Celebrate Friday the 13th?
We don’t typically celebrate Friday the 13th in the same way we celebrate holidays like Christmas or Halloween. Instead, Friday the 13th has gained attention and notoriety due to superstitions and historical associations. People tend to notice and discuss Friday the 13th because it’s considered an unlucky day in many cultures.
The reasons behind celebrating or acknowledging Friday the 13th often revolve around:
Superstition: Many people are superstitious and believe that Friday the 13th brings bad luck or negative events. Some celebrate by taking precautions, such as avoiding certain activities or behaviors, to prevent any perceived misfortune.
Folklore and Pop Culture: The superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th have been perpetuated and popularized by folklore, urban legends, and movies like the “Friday the 13th” horror franchise. Some people may watch horror films or engage in discussions about superstitions on this day.
Interest in the Unusual: Some individuals are simply intrigued by the idea of an “unlucky” day. They may take the opportunity to explore the history and superstitions associated with Friday the 13th, adding a touch of mystery and fascination to the day.
In essence, while it’s not a celebration in the traditional sense, Friday the 13th has become a day when people reflect on superstitions, folklore, and the quirks of human belief systems. It’s a day that encourages discussions about why some people find certain numbers, days, or events to be unlucky, even in the absence of concrete evidence.
Fascinating Facts:
A Common Fear: Approximately 17 to 21 million people in the United States are estimated to suffer from a fear of Friday the 13th, leading to a variety of superstitious behaviors.
Triskaidekaphobia: Fear of the number 13 is so widespread that it has its own term, triskaidekaphobia. This superstition is strong enough to influence some buildings to skip the 13th floor in their numbering.
Historical Events: Many historical events have happened on Friday the 13th, some positive and some tragic. For example, the Apollo 13 mission encountered an oxygen tank explosion on April 13, 1970, but the astronauts safely returned to Earth. On the other hand, the “Friday the 13th Storm” in 1991 wreaked havoc in the United Kingdom.
Pop Culture: The “Friday the 13th” film franchise, featuring the infamous fictional killer Jason Voorhees, has contributed to the superstition’s notoriety. The first film was released in 1980, and it became a cult classic in the horror genre.
Lucky for Some: In some countries, like Italy, 13 is considered a lucky number, particularly when paired with the number 7. In Chinese culture, 13 is often associated with good fortune.
Stock Market and Superstition: Some investors and traders exhibit superstitions related to Friday the 13th, leading to lower trading volumes or less market activity on these days.
Fear-Based Phobia: The fear of Friday the 13th can be so intense for some individuals that they avoid traveling, making important decisions, or even going to work on this day.
