National Nothing Day is an unofficial observance held every year on January 16. It is intentionally designed as an “un-event,” setting aside one day with no expectations, activities, or causes to acknowledge.
The day was proposed in 1972 by Harold Pullman Coffin, a columnist for the San Francisco Examiner. It began appearing on calendars in 1973 after being listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events. Coffin also named a sponsor—the National Nothing Foundation, reportedly based in Capitola, California—though little is known about the organization itself, which aligns with the spirit of the day.
Coffin created National Nothing Day as a response to the growing number of themed observances and the pressure to constantly participate. His idea was to have one full day with no obligation to celebrate, commemorate, or accomplish anything. Over time, the observance has also been framed as a quiet rejection of constant productivity and a chance to step back from schedules, goals, and demands.
ℹ️ Although it is not a federal holiday, National Nothing Day appears on many major calendars. Its concept sometimes draws criticism when January 16 overlaps closely with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which occurs on the third Monday of January. In those years, some question whether “nothing” should be acknowledged alongside a major civil rights observance.
When Is National Nothing Day Celebrated?
National Nothing Day is observed each year on January 16, making it a fixed and easy date to remember. Below, you’ll find the upcoming dates through 2030.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | January 16, Friday |
| 2027 | January 16, Saturday |
| 2028 | January 16, Sunday |
| 2029 | January 16, Tuesday |
| 2030 | January 16, Wednesday |
How to Celebrate National Nothing Day
National Nothing Day reminds us all that sometimes, the best thing to do is simply nothing. Take the day off—mentally, emotionally, or physically—and enjoy the calmness of a day without expectations.
- Do absolutely nothing: No chores, no obligations, no guilt. Just embrace relaxation.
- Disconnect: Turn off your phone or stay away from social media for a day to fully embrace the “nothing” theme.
- Relax with friends: If you want to do “nothing” with others, gather some friends and enjoy a stress-free, plan-free day together.
