As 2026 dawns, Americans have more than just the country’s 250th birthday to mark on their calendars. This year, superstition and celebration collide in a rare twist of fate: three Fridays will fall on the 13th—February, March, and November—sparking a nationwide embrace of all things eerie and fun. From blockbuster horror marathons at Regal Theaters to quirky community gatherings in Bangor, Maine, Friday the 13th fever is sweeping the nation in ways both grand and delightfully local.
For horror fans, the year’s biggest treat comes courtesy of Regal Theaters, which is seizing this rare calendar occurrence with a special event series. According to Regal’s official press release, the theater chain will screen five classic films from the iconic “Friday the 13th” franchise across each of these unlucky dates. Tickets for each screening are priced at a wallet-friendly $7.99, making it a tempting offer for both longtime devotees and newcomers to the series.
The marathon kicks off on February 13, 2026, with a double feature: the original 1980 “Friday the 13th” and its direct sequel, 1981’s “Friday the 13th Part 2.” It’s a nostalgic plunge into the roots of the franchise, where audiences first met the infamous Voorhees family and the chilling atmosphere of Camp Crystal Lake. Then, on March 13, the terror continues with “Friday the 13th Part 3” in 3-D—a cult favorite for its campy effects and iconic hockey mask debut—paired with 1984’s “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.” The marathon concludes on November 13, 2026, with a showing of “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” a fan favorite that’s often credited with revitalizing the series’ sense of humor and supernatural flair.
Notably absent from the lineup is “Friday the 13th: A New Beginning.” Regal’s press release offers a tongue-in-cheek explanation: the film was omitted “out of respect to the murderous legacy of the Voorhees family.” For diehard fans, it’s a wink and a nod to the franchise’s sometimes divisive history.
But Regal isn’t just offering scares on the screen. The chain is teasing “something big” for the final Friday the 13th in November, promising to elevate the experience for moviegoers. While details remain tightly under wraps, anticipation is already building among horror aficionados eager for a surprise twist to cap off the marathon. Additionally, Regal Crown Club members have extra incentive to attend: they’ll earn 1,300 credits for every “Friday the 13th” screening they attend this year. Those who complete the full five-movie run will unlock a special offer from Fangoria, the legendary American horror fan magazine, as detailed on Regal’s website.
This isn’t the only gift for Jason Voorhees fans in 2026. According to industry reports, A24’s much-anticipated “Friday the 13th” prequel series, “Crystal Lake,” is slated to premiere on Peacock later in the year. The series promises to dive into the backstory of the infamous camp and its cursed legacy, potentially drawing in a new generation of horror lovers and reigniting debates about the franchise’s most chilling moments.
For those who prefer their frights with a side of friendship and feminist flair, Bangor, Maine, is offering a different kind of Friday the 13th celebration. The Emporium Spooky Goods & More, a beloved local shop on State Street, is hosting a free double feature movie night on February 13. This event cleverly combines the spooky superstition of Friday the 13th with the empowering spirit of Galentine’s Day—a holiday that celebrates female friendships rather than romantic love.
“We do movie nights here in the shop sometimes. We haven’t done one in a while because we’ve been busy with other events,” said Kaddie Sharpe, co-owner of The Emporium Spooky Goods & More, in an interview with WABI. “But we just have people come and bring snacks, bring drinks. We have a TV here in the shop so we move things around and have people come and watch a movie.”
The lineup for the night features the 2001 cult classic “Valentine” and the darkly comic “Jawbreaker” from 1999—both films that center around women and the complexities of friendship, love, and, yes, a bit of murder. The event is completely free, with the shop even providing pizza for attendees. Space is limited, so organizers are asking interested guests to email [email protected] ahead of time to reserve a spot. It’s a cozy, community-driven alternative to the blockbuster experience, and a testament to how Friday the 13th can mean different things to different people.
Sharpe summed up the spirit of the evening: “Just a really cool way to double up on Galentine’s Day and one of our Friday the 13ths for this year.” For locals, it’s also a chance to connect with the shop’s ongoing story. The Emporium Spooky Goods & More has been teasing mysterious news about its future on its Facebook page, keeping fans guessing about what’s next for the quirky business.
These celebrations—whether in the glow of a multiplex screen or the cozy confines of a neighborhood shop—highlight the enduring power of superstition, nostalgia, and community. The rare triple threat of Friday the 13th dates in 2026 serves as a perfect excuse to gather, reminisce, and maybe jump at a few well-timed scares.
For those eager to join the nationwide horror festivities, Regal Theaters’ website lists participating locations and ticketing details for February’s screenings. Meanwhile, Bangor’s Emporium Spooky Goods & More invites locals and visitors alike to experience a different kind of thrill—a celebration of friendship, pizza, and a dash of the macabre.
And for everyone else, 2026 is shaping up to be a year when the calendar itself becomes a character in the story, inviting Americans to look at old fears and new traditions with a wink, a scream, and a slice of pizza in hand.