April 23 is the 113th day of the year, with 252 days remaining. This day brings together celebrations that highlight languages, literature, pets, food, health awareness, and cultural traditions. In total, 22 national and international days are observed on April 23. Some are celebrated on this date every year, while others fall on the fourth Tuesday of April.
Similar days to note include National Pet First Aid Awareness Month (for pet CPR and safety awareness), World Book Night (which complements World Book Day), and International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which inspired one of today’s holidays.
National & International Days on April 23
Here’s a closer look at each celebration happening on April 23.
English Language Day
English Language Day was first observed by the United Nations in 2010 to celebrate the influence of the English language, which is one of the UN’s six official working languages. The date was chosen to honor William Shakespeare, whose birthday and death are both traditionally observed on April 23. This day highlights the role of English in global communication, diplomacy, and media, encouraging equal representation of all official languages across the organization.
German Beer Day
German Beer Day 🇩🇪 marks the anniversary of the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, which mandated that beer be made only from hops, malt, yeast, and water. Known as the “Reinheitsgebot,” this law laid the foundation for centuries of traditional German brewing. Today, the holiday celebrates the heritage and craftsmanship of German beer, with events across the country, especially in Bavaria, where nearly half of Germany’s breweries are located.
Impossible Astronaut Day
Impossible Astronaut Day was inspired by the “Doctor Who” episode titled The Impossible Astronaut, which premiered on April 23, 2011. This fan-created holiday celebrates one of the most iconic episodes in the series. Fans mark the occasion by rewatching the episode and drawing tally marks on their arms—just like the characters did to track encounters with the mysterious alien species, the Silence.
👽 For dedicated Doctor Who fans, there’s also Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on December 8, International Dalek Remembrance Day on December 21, Doctor Who Day on November 23 and Fish Fingers and Custard Day on April 3.
International Creator Day
International Creator Day was founded in 2016 by YouTube creator Casey Neistat to honor the growing community of content creators across the globe. It’s a chance to spotlight the creative minds behind videos, blogs, podcasts, digital art, and social media content. Whether amateur or professional, creators use this day to share their passions and connect with audiences, celebrating the power of online storytelling and innovation.
International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day
International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day has been celebrated since 2007. It was started by author Jo Walton in response to a controversial statement made by writer Howard V. Hendrix, who criticized authors sharing their work online for free. Walton turned the criticism into a badge of honor, encouraging writers to proudly publish professional-quality work online, making literature more accessible and honoring the spirit of digital creativity.
Movie Theatre Day
Movie Theatre Day celebrates the unique cultural and social experience of going to the movies. From first dates to family outings, theaters offer shared moments of awe and entertainment. As streaming becomes more prevalent, this day serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable charm of the big screen, surround sound, and watching stories unfold in the dark alongside strangers.
National Cherry Cheesecake Day
National Cherry Cheesecake Day shines a spotlight on cherry-topped cheesecake, a favorite for many Americans. Recipes vary widely—some blend the cherries into the batter, while others layer them on top. However it’s made, cherry cheesecake is a perfect combination of creamy filling, crumbly crust, and sweet fruit topping. The day invites both home bakers and dessert lovers to enjoy a slice.
National Email Day
National Email Day was launched in 2022 by ZeroBounce, a leading email validation company to honor Ray Tomlinson, the inventor of email. Tomlinson revolutionized communication in 1971 by enabling messages to be sent between users on different computers using the “@” symbol. National Email Day celebrates email’s powerful legacy as a global tool and also raises awareness about proper email etiquette, cybersecurity, and reducing spam.
National English Muffin Day
National English Muffin Day celebrates the English muffin—crisp on the outside and soft inside—perfect for toasting and topping with butter, jam, or eggs. While the muffin’s roots are in England, it was popularized in the U.S. by George W. Bay in the 1930s using his grandmother’s recipe. The English muffin is now a staple in American breakfasts and a key ingredient in the beloved eggs Benedict.
National Lost Dog Awareness Day
National Lost Dog Awareness Day was founded in 2014 by Susan Taney and Kathy Pobloskie of Lost Dogs Illinois and Wisconsin. The day focuses on reuniting lost pets with their families and raising awareness about the steps that can prevent pets from going missing. With social media and community groups playing a bigger role in recovery, this day also celebrates the success stories and reminds pet owners to use microchipping and ID tags to keep their dogs safe.
National Lover’s Day
National Lover’s Day has been celebrated since the late 1970s. It is a chance for people in relationships—or those with love to give—to express affection and deepen emotional bonds. It’s often seen as a follow-up to Valentine’s Day, with a more relaxed and spontaneous vibe. Romantic gestures, love notes, or even simple quality time all count as meaningful ways to mark the day.
National Picnic Day
National Picnic Day: Dating back to 18th-century France, the tradition of enjoying a shared outdoor meal continues today through this celebration. Picnics offer a great way to connect with friends, family, or nature. Whether it’s a full feast in the park or a sandwich and a book by a lake, April 23 encourages everyone to take their meal outside and savor it in good company.
National Take a Chance Day
National Take a Chance Day serves as a push to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s pursuing a long-postponed dream, trying a bold recipe, or reaching out to someone you admire, April 23 is a day to act courageously and make progress toward personal goals.
National Talk Like Shakespeare Day
National Talk Like Shakespeare Day was launched in 2009 by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and officially recognized by the state of Illinois in 2011. It encourages everyone to speak like characters from Shakespeare’s plays. It’s a fun and educational way to honor the Bard’s legacy on the day of his birth and death. The celebration also aligns with English Language Day and invites people to embrace the drama and wit of Elizabethan English.
Pet Tech CPR Day
Pet Tech CPR Day was created by the international training organization Pet Tech to promote awareness about pet safety, CPR, and first aid—especially for dogs and cats. Recognized on April 23 during National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, this observance encourages pet owners to learn life-saving techniques that could make a difference in an emergency.
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day* (Fourth Tuesday in April): This day honors the dedication and responsibility of school bus drivers who transport millions of students safely to and from school each day. First established in 1981, School Bus Driver Appreciation Day recognizes these essential workers for their daily commitment to student safety and punctuality. Celebrated on the fourth Tuesday in April, the day serves as a reminder to thank those who ensure our children travel securely and reliably throughout the school year.
🚌 Similar appreciation days are also observed in February and March in some states, but this April date remains most commonly recognized.
Slay a Dragon Day
Slay a Dragon Day was inspired by the legend of Saint George and his epic battle with a dragon. This symbolic holiday encourages people to face their fears and conquer personal obstacles. While the legend is centuries old, the message remains timeless—use courage, strength, and persistence to tackle life’s challenges and emerge victorious.
Spanish Language Day
Spanish Language Day was established in 2010 by the United Nations. This day celebrates the Spanish language and its vast cultural contributions. April 23 was chosen to honor the death of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. The day promotes the equal use of Spanish alongside the other five official UN languages and encourages appreciation of its rich literary and historical heritage.
World Book Day
World Book Day was established by UNESCO in 1995 to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. April 23 was chosen to commemorate the deaths of Cervantes and Shakespeare. Each year, the designated World Book Capital City hosts special events to celebrate literature and the joy of reading. It complements World Book Night, which focuses on adult readers.
World Book Night
World Book Night was launched in 2011 by Jamie Byng of Canongate Publishing. It focuses on adult literacy and encourages reading by distributing free books to underserved communities. The celebration moved to April 23 to align with World Book Day and is now supported by The Reading Agency in the UK and beyond.
World Laboratory Day
World Laboratory Day honors the scientists, researchers, and technicians who work behind the scenes to advance medicine, technology, and science. Laboratories are where some of the most significant breakthroughs—like vaccines, antibiotics, and spacecraft—are developed. World Laboratory Day encourages curiosity, discovery, and innovation.
World Table Tennis Day
World Table Tennis Day was founded in 2015 by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to promote the inclusivity and joy of table tennis. Held on April 23 in honor of Ivor Montagu, the founder of ITTF and organizer of the first world championship, the day brings communities together through non-competitive, social play.
