April 1 National Days

April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years), with 274 days remaining. It’s a day known for pranks and light-hearted fun, but also for meaningful awareness campaigns and creative celebrations. This date features 18 national and international days, ranging from historic observances to cultural spotlights.

Here’s a look at the national and international days celebrated on April 1.

National and International Days on April 1

April Fools’ Day: This long-standing tradition is all about good-natured tricks and practical jokes. While the origin remains debated, some link it to the changing of calendars in Europe or earlier festivals like Hilaria in ancient Rome. Today, both individuals and organizations participate with pranks meant to surprise, confuse, and amuse.

April Fools’ Day is thematically linked to other observations celebrated on April 1st such as Fossil Fools Day, Reading is Funny Day, International Fun at Work Day, and National Tom Foolerys Day, all of which celebrate humor, wit, and playfulness.

Boomer Bonus Day: This unofficial holiday appreciates the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) for their lasting impact on society. Businesses sometimes mark the day with special deals or acknowledgments, recognizing boomers’ roles in shaping modern culture, industry, and family life.

Edible Book Day / Edible Book Festival: This creative observance brings together literature and culinary arts. Participants prepare edible items inspired by books—often puns on book titles—and then eat them. It honors both storytelling and food while commemorating gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s birthday.

Fossil Fools Day: With a name that plays on “fossil fuels” and “April Fools,” this day was created in 2004 by environmental activists to draws attention to the dangers of fossil fuel dependence and promotes clean energy alternatives. Protests, pranks, and educational campaigns are used to raise awareness of climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable living.

Harmonize Your Health Day: Founded by wellness brand Somavedic, this day encourages physical, mental, and emotional balance through natural health practices. The emphasis is on sleep, stress reduction, and holistic well-being using frequency-based technologies and lifestyle awareness.

International Fun at Work Day* (April 1, but first Thursday of April if it lands on a weekend): Founded by the company Playfair in 1996, this observance promotes the value of fun in the workplace. It aligns with April Fools’ Day but with a focus on improving morale, teamwork, and creativity in professional environments.

International Tatting Day: This day celebrates tatting, a form of lace-making using knots and loops. It honors the skill, patience, and creativity of those who continue this traditional fiber art. Tatting has roots in the 19th century and has similarities with ropework used by sailors.

Library Snapshot Day* (Date varies; April 1 in some states): Started in New Jersey in 2007, this event documents a “day in the life” of libraries through photos, data, and stories. It showcases the vital services libraries offer—such as literacy support, internet access, and community programs—and helps advocate for their continued funding and support.

Lupus Alert Day: Founded by the Lupus Foundation of America, this awareness day educates the public about lupus, an autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women. It promotes early detection, research, and support for those affected, especially women between ages 15 and 44.

National Greeting Card Day: First observed in 2021 by Lovepop, this day honors the timeless tradition of sending cards. Whether handmade or store-bought, greeting cards are a simple way to express emotion, mark milestones, and stay connected with others across time and distance.

💌 National Greeting Card Day has thematic siblings like Hug a Greeting Card Writer Day on September 18th and World Card Making Day on first Saturday in October.

National One Cent Day: This day commemorates the history of the U.S. one-cent coin, starting with Benjamin Franklin’s 1787 “Fugio cent.” Over time, the penny evolved in design, material, and symbolism. It reminds us of the value of small things—both in currency and in everyday life.

National Sourdough Bread Day: Celebrating one of the oldest known breads, this day recognizes the science and tradition behind sourdough. Natural fermentation gives sourdough its distinct tangy flavor and extended shelf life. It also reflects a deeper connection between food, culture, and history.

National Tom Foolerys Day: Created in 2024 by Kalahari Resorts, this new holiday celebrates silliness and play through the story of Tom Foolery, a character from a comic book series and the namesake of Kalahari’s indoor adventure parks. Expect harmless pranks and a celebration of fun for all ages.

National Trombone Players Day: This music-themed day highlights the trombone and those who play it. Known for its distinctive slide, the trombone has been essential to jazz, classical, and marching band music. Since its creation in 2010, this day encourages appreciation and learning of this expressive instrument.

Nickelodeon Anniversary Celebration Day: On April 1, 1979, Nickelodeon became the first cable channel for children. This observance, founded in 2021, honors decades of innovative kids’ programming—from Rugrats and Hey Arnold! to Paw Patrol. It’s a celebration of fun, nostalgia, and the evolution of children’s entertainment.

Reading is Funny Day: Intended to get children excited about reading, this day combines humor with literacy. Funny books, jokes, and silly stories make reading enjoyable and help kids build positive associations with books at a young age.

📚 I’ve put together some free reading trackers for kids—perfect if you’re looking for a fun and cute way to keep little ones motivated to read more!

Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action* (Date varies): Originally launched as Kick Butts Day in 1995 and rebranded in 2020, this youth-led movement challenges the influence of Big Tobacco. It educates teens about the risks of smoking and vaping and advocates for stronger policies to prevent youth addiction and support tobacco-free living.

👉 I have a free 30-day No Smoking Challenge Tracker you can use to support your tobacco-free journey.

U.S. Air Force Academy Day: On April 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation establishing the U.S. Air Force Academy. Initially located in Denver, the Academy moved to its permanent site in Colorado Springs in 1958. The day marks the beginning of a new era in military education and leadership development.