October National Days 2026
October national days are listed by date below. Use this hub for national days in October — the full set of national days in October 2026, 102 observances in all.
What national days are in October 2026? Each populated date has its own heading, including this national days in October 2026 USA list. National days in October 2026 printable opens a clean copy of this page. Prefer the full-year national day calendar october 2026 or jump to today's celebrations.
National food days in October 2026
30 food holidays in October. See the full food category.
- National Vegetarian Day · October 1
- National Pumpkin Spice Day · October 1
- National Homemade Cookies Day · October 1
- National “JIFFY” Mix Day · October 1
- National Fried Scallops Day · October 2
- National Taco Day · October 4
- National Cinnamon Roll Day · October 4
- National Noodle Day · October 6
- National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day · October 7
- National Pierogi Day · October 8
- National Fluffernutter Day · October 8
- World Egg Day · October 9
- National Soul Food Day · October 10
- National Angel Food Cake Day · October 10
- National Gumbo Day · October 12
- National M&M’s Day · October 12
- National Dessert Day · October 14
- National Cheese Curd Day · October 15
- National Pasta Day · October 17
- National Chocolate Cupcake Day · October 18
- National Chicken and Waffles Day · October 20
- National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day · October 21
- National Nut Day · October 22
- National Tavern-Style Pizza Day · October 22
- National Boston Cream Pie Day · October 23
- National Food Day · October 24
- National Chicken Fried Steak Day · October 26
- National Chocolate Day · October 28
- National Oatmeal Day · October 29
- National Caramel Apple Day · October 31
Fun national days in October 2026
8 fun and weird observances in October. Browse fun days.
- National Do Something Nice Day · October 5
- Mad Hatter Day · October 6
- National Boss's Day · October 16
- Back to the Future Day · October 21
- National Mole Day · October 23
- National Horror Movie Day · October 23
- National WICKED Day · October 30
- National Magic Day · October 31
October 1 national days
On October 1st, 14 national days fall on this date. October 1 hub
National Vegetarian Day
Explore plant-based eating on National Vegetarian Day! This day celebrates the benefits of vegetarian diets for health, animals, and the…
National Pumpkin Spice Day
Warm up National Pumpkin Spice Day with the spice blend that smells like autumn — cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and often allspice —…
National Homemade Cookies Day
Bake a batch for National Homemade Cookies Day! This informal food date is for cookies made at home — chocolate chip, oatmeal, shortbread…
National “JIFFY” Mix Day
National “JIFFY” Mix Day on October 1 is a pantry baking date with roots in a Michigan milling story. Heat the oven, bake something simple…
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Think pink and raise awareness during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This important American campaign educates women about breast…
National Physical Therapy Month
Move better during National Physical Therapy Month! Physical therapists help millions recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions…
National Chiropractic Health Month
Align your spine during National Chiropractic Health Month! Chiropractors help millions manage pain and improve mobility. Chiropractic care…
National Dental Hygiene Month
Brush and floss during National Dental Hygiene Month! Oral health affects overall health. Dental hygienists educate about prevention and…
National Black Dog Day
Celebrate National Black Dog Day by looking twice at the dark-coated dogs waiting in shelters. Pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded…
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Promote inclusion and opportunity during National Disability Employment Awareness Month! October celebrates the contributions of workers…
International Music Day
Celebrate the universal language of music on International Music Day! Music transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together from…
World Vegetarian Day
Go meatless on World Vegetarian Day! This global day promotes vegetarian diets for health, ethics, and sustainability. Over 1 billion…
International Coffee Day
Sip and celebrate coffee culture worldwide! International Coffee Day honors coffee growers, roasters, and the global coffee community…
International Day of Older Persons
Respect elders worldwide! This UN day honors older persons' contributions and addresses aging issues. Celebrate senior wisdom, advocate for…
October 2 national days
On October 2nd, 2 national days fall on this date. October 2 hub
National Fried Scallops Day
Crisp up a plate of fried scallops on National Fried Scallops Day! This informal food day lands at the start of October — a month many U.S…
International Day of Non-Violence
Mark the International Day of Non-Violence on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. The United Nations set October 2 as a global date to spread the…
October 3 national days
On October 3rd, 2 national days fall on this date. October 3 hub
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
Mark German Unity Day — Tag der Deutschen Einheit — on the date Germany became one country again. October 3 commemorates the formal…
World Smile Day
Spread joy on World Smile Day! The first Friday in October promotes acts of kindness and smiling worldwide. Created by the smiley face…
October 4 national days
On October 4th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 4 hub
National Taco Day
¡Viva los tacos! Celebrate the beloved Mexican dish that has conquered the world on National Taco Day. From authentic street tacos to…
National Cinnamon Roll Day
Rise and shine with National Cinnamon Roll Day! These sweet, sticky, swirled pastries are breakfast perfection. From classic cinnamon sugar…
World Animal Day
Protect all creatures on World Animal Day! This global movement promotes animal welfare and rights worldwide. From pets to wildlife…
October 5 national days
On October 5th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 5 hub
World Teachers' Day
Honor the educators who shape our future on World Teachers' Day! This global celebration recognizes the invaluable contributions of…
National Pet Day
Show your furry, feathered, or scaly friends some extra love on National Pet Day! This special day celebrates the unconditional love and…
National Do Something Nice Day
Make someone's day brighter on National Do Something Nice Day! This simple but powerful day reminds us that small gestures can make a big…
October 6 national days
On October 6th, 4 national days fall on this date. October 6 hub
National Noodle Day
Boil a pot for National Noodle Day! This informal U.S. food date is for every strand on the table — Chinese wheat noodles, Japanese ramen…
Mad Hatter Day
Wear a ridiculous hat for Mad Hatter Day! The date is fixed on October 6 — written 10/6 in the American month/day style — because Sir John…
National German-American Day
Honor German-American heritage on National German-American Day. October 6 marks the 1683 arrival in Philadelphia of families who founded…
National Coaches Day
Thank a coach on National Coaches Day. First proclaimed for October 6, 1972 by President Richard Nixon, the date is a U.S. reminder that…
October 7 national days
On October 7th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 7 hub
National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day
Dip a pretzel in chocolate on National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day. This October 7 food date is for the sweet-and-salty snack — hard…
National Coffee with a Cop Day
Sit down for National Coffee with a Cop Day, always the first Wednesday of October. The idea is simple and specific: officers and neighbors…
National Walk to School Day
Walk, bike, or roll to school on National Walk to School Day. The U.S. and international promoted date is the first Wednesday of October —…
October 8 national days
On October 8th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 8 hub
National Pierogi Day
Boil, pan-fry, and pile on the butter for National Pierogi Day! These filled dumplings — potato and cheese, sauerkraut, meat, fruit —…
National Fluffernutter Day
Build a fluffernutter for National Fluffernutter Day — soft bread, peanut butter, and marshmallow creme. The sandwich is a New England…
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Fight fat pets on Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Over 50% of American pets are overweight. Obesity causes health problems and shortens pet…
October 9 national days
On October 9th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 9 hub
World Egg Day
Crack an egg for World Egg Day! The International Egg Commission set the observance at its 1996 Vienna conference, and it follows a…
National Depression Screening Day
Get screened on National Depression Screening Day! Depression affects millions of Americans, and early screening saves lives. Free…
Leif Erikson Day
Mark Leif Erikson Day on its fixed U.S. date, October 9. The observance honors the Norse explorer credited with reaching North America…
October 10 national days
On October 10th, 5 national days fall on this date. October 10 hub
National Soul Food Day
Feed your soul on National Soul Food Day! This beloved American cuisine represents the rich culinary traditions of African American…
National Angel Food Cake Day
Bake a cloud for National Angel Food Cake Day! Angel food cake is the tall, pale sponge built from whipped egg whites, sugar, and soft…
National Mental Health Day
Prioritize your mental well-being on National Mental Health Day! This important awareness day focuses on mental health education, reducing…
National Wildlife Refuges Day
Explore America's wildlife refuges! This day celebrates the National Wildlife Refuge System protecting animals and habitats across the US…
World Mental Health Day
Prioritize wellness on World Mental Health Day! The WHO promotes mental health awareness globally. Breaking stigma, providing resources…
October 11 national day
On October 11th, 1 national day falls on this date. October 11 hub
International Day of the Girl Child
Mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the UN date for girls’ rights. Created in 2011 and first observed in 2012, 11 October is for…
October 12 national days
On October 12th, 8 national days fall on this date. October 12 hub
National Gumbo Day
Simmer a pot for National Gumbo Day! Gumbo is Louisiana’s great stew — a dark or light roux, the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell…
National M&M’s Day
Share a handful on National M&M’s Day! The colorful sugar-shelled chocolates have been part of American candy culture since 1941. The food…
National Bone and Joint Health Week
Strengthen bones and joints during National Bone and Joint Health Week! Musculoskeletal conditions affect 1 in 2 Americans. Maintaining…
Columbus Day
Commemorate Christopher Columbus' historic voyage to the Americas on Columbus Day. This federal holiday marks the anniversary of Columbus'…
Indigenous Peoples Day
Observe Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October — Monday, October 12, 2026. Across a growing list of U.S. cities and states…
Canadian Thanksgiving
Share a harvest meal on Canadian Thanksgiving! The holiday falls on the second Monday of October — earlier than U.S. Thanksgiving in…
National School Lunch Week
Fuel growing minds! National School Lunch Week celebrates the school nutrition professionals who feed millions of students daily. Recognize…
National Farmers Day
Thank a farmer on National Farmers Day. October 12 is the long-standing informal U.S. date — once widely called Old Farmers Day — set after…
October 13 national days
On October 13th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 13 hub
Navy Birthday
Mark the Navy Birthday on October 13, the date the Second Continental Congress authorized the first ships of the Continental Navy in 1775…
Ada Lovelace Day
Raise the profile of women in STEM on Ada Lovelace Day. Founded by Suw Charman-Anderson in 2009, the day is always the second Tuesday of…
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the UN date for preventing disasters rather than only responding after they hit…
October 14 national days
On October 14th, 2 national days fall on this date. October 14 hub
National Dessert Day
Indulge your sweet tooth on National Dessert Day! From classic chocolate cake to exotic international treats, this day celebrates the art…
National Retail Day
Celebrate the retail industry and the people who make shopping experiences great on National Retail Day! From friendly sales associates to…
October 15 national days
On October 15th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 15 hub
National Cheese Curd Day
Grab a bag of fresh curds for National Cheese Curd Day! Cheese curds are young cheddar pieces that squeak against your teeth when they are…
National Cybersecurity Awareness Day
Protect yourself and others online on National Cybersecurity Awareness Day! In our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is more…
Global Handwashing Day
Wash with soap on Global Handwashing Day. October 15 is the fixed global advocacy date for handwashing with soap — a simple habit that cuts…
October 16 national days
On October 16th, 6 national days fall on this date. October 16 hub
National Mammography Day
Take charge of your breast health on National Mammography Day! This important awareness day encourages women to schedule their annual…
National Feral Cat Day
Support community cats on National Feral Cat Day! This day raises awareness about feral and stray cats and promotes TNR…
National Boss's Day
Show appreciation for your boss on National Boss's Day! Whether you have a great working relationship or want to improve it, this day is…
National Leadership Day
Inspire and develop leadership skills on National Leadership Day! Great leaders inspire others, make tough decisions, and create positive…
National Dictionary Day
Look up a word on National Dictionary Day. October 16 marks the birthday of Noah Webster (born 1758), the American lexicographer whose…
World Food Day
Celebrate food security and sustainable agriculture on World Food Day! This global observance raises awareness about hunger, food waste…
October 17 national days
On October 17th, 2 national days fall on this date. October 17 hub
National Pasta Day
Celebrate the comfort food that brings families together on National Pasta Day! From classic spaghetti and meatballs to gourmet ravioli and…
Sweetest Day
Mark Sweetest Day on the third Saturday of October — Saturday, October 17, in 2026. Born in Cleveland candy promotions of the early 1920s…
October 18 national day
On October 18th, 1 national day falls on this date. October 18 hub
National Chocolate Cupcake Day
Indulge in the perfect bite-sized treat on National Chocolate Cupcake Day! These miniature masterpieces combine the best of both worlds –…
October 20 national days
On October 20th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 20 hub
National Chicken and Waffles Day
Plate fried chicken on a waffle for National Chicken and Waffles Day! Sweet waffle, savory crunch, and syrup or hot sauce — the combination…
National Sloth Day
Take it slow and celebrate the adorable sloths on National Sloth Day! These gentle creatures are known for their slow movements and…
Diwali
Celebrate the Festival of Lights! Diwali is one of India's biggest holidays, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains worldwide. Light oil…
October 21 national days
On October 21st, 3 national days fall on this date. October 21 hub
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
Slice into National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day! Pumpkin puree and cream cheese meet fall spices in a dessert that sits between classic…
National Reptile Awareness Day
Go cold-blooded on Reptile Awareness Day! Reptiles make fascinating pets but require specific care. From bearded dragons to ball pythons…
Back to the Future Day
Fire up the DeLorean playlist for Back to the Future Day! Fans mark October 21 every year because that is the date Marty McFly, Doc Brown…
October 22 national days
On October 22nd, 2 national days fall on this date. October 22 hub
National Nut Day
Crack a handful of nuts on National Nut Day. This informal October 22 food date is for almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and the rest…
National Tavern-Style Pizza Day
Cut a thin pie into squares on National Tavern-Style Pizza Day. This October 22 food date is for Chicago’s cracker-thin, party-cut tavern…
October 23 national days
On October 23rd, 3 national days fall on this date. October 23 hub
National Boston Cream Pie Day
Slice a Boston cream pie on National Boston Cream Pie Day. The dessert is a cake, not a pie: two layers of sponge, a pastry-cream filling…
National Mole Day
Set a timer for 6:02 on 10/23 — National Mole Day is a chemistry classroom holiday, not a food day. The date and time are a pun on…
National Horror Movie Day
Watch a horror movie on National Horror Movie Day, one week before Halloween. This informal October 23 film date is for the genre on a…
October 24 national days
On October 24th, 4 national days fall on this date. October 24 hub
National Food Day
Cook something real on National Food Day, a U.S. date launched in 2011 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. October 24 is for…
World Polio Day
Support a polio-free world on World Polio Day. Rotary International established the October 24 observance to honor Jonas Salk’s birthday…
Make a Difference Day
Show up for Make a Difference Day, a U.S. volunteer date on the fourth Saturday of October. In 2026 that is October 24. The day started in…
United Nations Day
Mark United Nations Day on October 24, the anniversary of the UN Charter entering into force in 1945. That is the date the United Nations…
October 25 national days
On October 25th, 3 national days fall on this date. October 25 hub
National Gift Card Day
Give the gift of choice on National Gift Card Day! Gift cards are perfect presents that let recipients choose exactly what they want. From…
National Art Day
Express your creativity and celebrate the power of art on National Art Day! Art has the ability to inspire, heal, and connect people across…
World Pasta Day
Twirl into celebration on World Pasta Day! Italy's gift to global cuisine is celebrated worldwide. From spaghetti to penne, pasta is a…
October 26 national days
On October 26th, 4 national days fall on this date. October 26 hub
National Chicken Fried Steak Day
Fry a cube steak for National Chicken Fried Steak Day! Breaded beef, pan-fried like fried chicken, smothered in cream gravy — the dish is a…
Labour Day (New Zealand)
Labour Day in New Zealand is the fourth Monday in October — a national public holiday that grew from nineteenth-century campaigns for an…
Austrian National Day (Nationalfeiertag)
Observe Austrian National Day — Nationalfeiertag — on October 26, the anniversary of the 1955 constitutional law on permanent neutrality…
National Pumpkin Day
Fall for pumpkins on National Pumpkin Day! From jack-o'-lanterns to pumpkin spice, pumpkins are synonymous with American autumn. The…
October 27 national day
On October 27th, 1 national day falls on this date. October 27 hub
National Mentorship Day
Celebrate the power of guidance and learning on National Mentorship Day! Mentorship relationships provide invaluable support, wisdom, and…
October 28 national days
On October 28th, 2 national days fall on this date. October 28 hub
National Chocolate Day
Indulge in the world's most beloved treat on National Chocolate Day! From dark and milk chocolate to white chocolate and cocoa powder, this…
National First Responders Day
Thank the heroes who run toward danger on National First Responders Day! Honor police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs who risk…
October 29 national days
On October 29th, 4 national days fall on this date. October 29 hub
National Oatmeal Day
Start your day with a warm, nutritious bowl on National Oatmeal Day! Oats are a powerhouse breakfast food, packed with fiber, protein, and…
International Day of Care and Support
International Day of Care and Support on October 29 is a United Nations date for the paid and unpaid work that keeps children, elders…
National Cat Day
Paws and celebrate our feline friends on National Cat Day! These independent, graceful, and sometimes mysterious creatures bring joy…
National Internet Day
Celebrate the revolutionary technology that connects the world on National Internet Day! The internet has transformed how we communicate…
October 30 national days
On October 30th, 2 national days fall on this date. October 30 hub
National WICKED Day
National WICKED Day on October 30 lands on the anniversary of the Broadway musical’s Gershwin Theatre opening — green, glittery, and…
National Candy Corn Day
Love it or hate it on National Candy Corn Day! This polarizing Halloween candy generates passionate debates. Despite critics, 35 million…
October 31 national days
On October 31st, 3 national days fall on this date. October 31 hub
National Caramel Apple Day
Dip an apple on National Caramel Apple Day! October 31 puts caramel-coated apples on the same date many households already associate with…
National Magic Day
Experience wonder and amazement on National Magic Day! Magic entertains, inspires curiosity, and brings out our sense of wonder. From card…
Halloween
Get ready for the spookiest night of the year! Halloween brings out the kid in all of us with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses…