October 16 National Days

October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 76 days until the end of the year. Falling on a Thursday in the 42nd week of 2025, this date brings together 18 national and international observances.

Among the most notable are Boss’s Day, which recognizes leadership and teamwork in the workplace; National Dictionary Day, honoring the legacy of Noah Webster and the importance of language; National Sports Day (U.S.), celebrating the unifying power of athletics; and World Food Day, promoting global efforts to end hunger.

Below is a list of all national days taking place on October 16, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 16

Boss’s Day* (October 16th or nearest working day) originated in the United States in 1958 and is now recognized in several countries. It celebrates leadership, communication, and mutual respect between managers and employees.

Conflict Resolution Day* (Third Thursday in October) promotes peaceful and constructive approaches to handling disagreements. Established in 2005 by the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), the observance highlights the importance of mediation, negotiation, and arbitration as effective tools for resolving disputes in families, schools, workplaces, and communities. By encouraging dialogue and understanding, the day fosters cooperation and empathy, helping individuals and organizations build stronger, more respectful relationships worldwide.

Department Store Day honors the evolution of the department store—a retail innovation that transformed shopping from a necessity into an experience. Early examples include Bennett’s in Derby (1734) and Harding, Howell & Co. in London (1796), both of which laid the groundwork for the modern “one-stop shop.” By the 19th century, pioneers like John Wanamaker and Marshall Field revolutionized retail with customer-focused ideas such as fixed prices, money-back guarantees, and inviting store layouts. These stores became cultural landmarks, introducing amenities like elevators and air conditioning while shaping urban life and consumer culture.

Get to Know Your Customers Day* (Third Thursday of Each Quarter), created in 2011 by marketing consultant Lynn B. Johnson as part of her Customer Appreciation Month campaign, encourages businesses to strengthen relationships with their customers by listening, learning, and engaging more personally. Observed quarterly on the third Thursday of January, April, July, and October, it reminds companies—especially small and local ones—to maintain the personal touch that builds loyalty and trust in an era increasingly defined by digital and large-scale retail experiences.

Global Cat Day began in 2001 as National Feral Cat Day, founded by Alley Cat Allies, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to the humane treatment of cats. Originally focused on raising awareness for community cats—those living outdoors without permanent homes—the day promoted Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as a compassionate and effective population management method. As the movement spread worldwide, the observance was renamed Global Cat Day to reflect its international reach and broader mission. Today, it encourages people everywhere to protect and respect cats, advocate for humane policies, and recognize cats as valued members of their communities.

International Credit Union Day* (Third Thursday in October) honors the global credit union movement and its commitment to community-focused finance. First celebrated in 1948, the observance was established by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) to recognize the cooperative spirit that empowers members to achieve financial well-being together. What began in the United States soon expanded under the leadership of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), becoming an international celebration of solidarity, education, and service. Each year, credit unions around the world host events, share stories, and promote financial literacy, reaffirming their shared mission of “people helping people.”

International Pronouns Day* (Third Wednesday in October) was founded in 2018 by Shige Sakurai, an LGBTQ+ rights advocate and educator, with support from Genny Beemyn. The observance promotes respect for people’s chosen pronouns and encourages open conversations about gender identity. Its goal is to make sharing and using correct pronouns a normal part of everyday interaction, recognizing that language shapes how people are seen and respected.

International ShakeOut Day* (Third Wednesday in October) is a worldwide earthquake drill that teaches people how to stay safe during a quake. In 2025, it falls on October 16, with most drills starting at 10:16 a.m. local time. The event began in 2008 in Southern California as part of the Great California ShakeOut and quickly grew into a global movement. Its main purpose is to help people practice the key safety steps—Drop, Cover, and Hold On—to prevent injuries. Many also use the day to review family emergency plans, check supplies, and improve preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.

National Dictionary Day honors the legacy of Noah Webster, born on this date in 1758. Webster, an American educator and lexicographer, published An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828, shaping the development of American English and education. The day promotes language learning and vocabulary growth by encouraging people to explore dictionaries—both printed and digital—as tools for lifelong learning and curiosity about words.

National Get Smart About Credit Day* (Third Thursday in October) was launched in 2003 by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation to teach young people the importance of responsible credit use and financial literacy. Through this nationwide initiative, volunteer bankers visit schools and community centers to share practical lessons on credit scores, budgeting, saving, and identity protection. Supported by major banks such as Ally, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, the program aims to equip students and young adults with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions as they begin managing their own money.

National Liqueur Day celebrates the sweet and flavorful spirits that add flavor to cocktails and desserts alike. Liqueurs—such as Amaretto, Baileys, and Limoncello—are distilled beverages infused with fruits, herbs, or cream and sweetened to create distinctive tastes. While the founder of the observance is unknown, the day encourages people to explore their favorite liqueurs, experiment with new flavors, and enjoy these drinks responsibly as part of culinary and social traditions.

Explore the complete list of national days dedicated to drinking and alcohol.

National Sports Day promotes the joy of movement and the value of staying active. The day encourages people to take part in any form of physical activity—from a friendly game or outdoor workout to a simple walk. It reminds communities that sports build teamwork, discipline, and confidence while improving health. Though other countries mark their own sports days at different times, the U.S. observance focuses on celebrating participation and the positive spirit that sports bring to everyday life.

National Veterans BBQ Day was founded in 2021 by Smoke & Bacon Media LLC to honor U.S. veterans with food and friendship. The day encourages people to cook for a veteran, take them out for BBQ, or spend time together sharing stories. Separate from Veterans Day, it offers a more personal way to show appreciation and build connections through the comfort of a shared meal.

Spirit Day* (Third Thursday in October): was founded in 2010 by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan in response to several bullying-related suicides among LGBTQ youth, including the death of Tyler Clementi. Promoted by GLAAD, the observance encourages people to wear purple to show visible support for LGBTQ youth and to stand against bullying during National Bullying Prevention Month. The color purple, drawn from the rainbow flag, symbolizes spirit and resilience. Since its first celebration in 2010, Spirit Day has grown into a global movement uniting schools, communities, and media organizations in promoting acceptance, visibility, and kindness toward LGBTQ individuals.

Steve Jobs Day, established in 2011 by California Governor Jerry Brown shortly after Jobs’s passing, honors the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc. The day celebrates his pioneering spirit, creativity, and lasting influence on technology, design, and modern culture. From the Macintosh computer to the iPhone, Jobs’s innovations transformed how people communicate, create, and interact with the digital world, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to shape everyday life.

World Food Day raises awareness about global hunger and the need for sustainable food systems. Founded in 1945 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, it reminds us that everyone has a role in building a world where food is accessible and nutritious for all.

🍎 The U.S. will also mark its own National Food Day soon—on October 24!

World Spine Day was established in 2012 by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) as part of the Bone and Joint Decade initiative. The day raises awareness about spinal health and the global impact of back pain, which affects more than a billion people worldwide and remains a leading cause of disability. It encourages people to stay active, maintain good posture, and practice safe lifting and working habits to prevent spinal problems. Health professionals, educators, and community groups across all continents participate in events that promote spinal wellness and highlight the importance of access to proper care and education.

World Values Day* (Third Thursday in October), launched in 2016 by the UK Values Alliance, is a global initiative that encourages people and organizations to reflect on, share, and act upon the values that guide their lives. It promotes principles such as kindness, respect, honesty, and integrity—qualities that strengthen communities and foster understanding across cultures. The observance highlights how shared values can inspire positive change and bridge divisions in society.

National Days in October

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