October 8 National Days

October 8th brings a mix of fun, awareness, and educational observances, with 12 national and international days to celebrate. From recognizing the importance of foot health and women’s contributions to STEM, to enjoying delicious foods like pierogis and fluffernutters, October 8th offers something for everyone.

Ada Lovelace Day* (Second Tuesday in October): This day honors Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, and celebrates the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It encourages people to recognize and support women in these fields, highlighting their achievements.

American Touch Tag Day: Celebrating the classic playground game of tag, this day encourages people to get outside and engage in physical activity. Touch tag is a simple and fun way to promote exercise, teamwork, and friendly competition, enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Animal Action Day: First celebrated in Australia in 2007, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare and the environment. It encourages people to show respect and appreciation for all animals and emphasizes the importance of protecting the planet for the benefit of all living creatures. Discover more Australian national days.

International Birth Registration Day: This day highlights the critical importance of registering births worldwide, as birth registration ensures a child’s legal identity and access to basic rights such as education and healthcare. Founded by Johnson’s Baby in 2018, it aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by unregistered children globally.

International Podiatry Day: This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of foot health and the podiatry profession. It promotes international collaboration among podiatrists and highlights the medical specialty’s role in preventing and treating foot-related issues.

National Face Your Fears Day* (Second Tuesday in October): A day designed to encourage people to confront and overcome their fears. It promotes personal growth, resilience, and the idea that stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to self-improvement and empowerment.

National Fluffernutter Day: This day celebrates the fluffernutter sandwich, a beloved American treat made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. It’s a nostalgic reminder of childhood lunches and a day to enjoy this sweet, gooey delight.

National Pierogi Day: A day to appreciate pierogis, the popular Polish dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, cheese, or meat. Pierogis are enjoyed worldwide and hold cultural significance in many Eastern European communities.

National Salmon Day: Proposed by Chicken of the Sea in 2015, this day celebrates salmon, one of the healthiest and most versatile types of fish. It’s a day to enjoy salmon in various forms, from grilled filets to sushi, while recognizing its nutritional benefits.

Own Business Day* (Second Tuesday in October): Also known as I Own My Own Business Day, this day celebrates entrepreneurs and small business owners who work tirelessly to build their enterprises. It highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of business owners.

World Dyslexia Awareness Day: As part of Dyslexia Awareness Week, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about dyslexia, a learning difficulty that affects reading and writing skills. It promotes understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals with dyslexia, emphasizing the need for tailored education strategies.

World Octopus Day: Celebrating the fascinating and intelligent octopus, this day draws attention to the unique biology, behaviors, and conservation of these remarkable sea creatures. It’s a day to learn more about octopuses and appreciate their role in marine ecosystems.