April 17 National Days

April 17 is the 107th day of the year (108th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 258 days remaining until the end of the year. On this day, we observe 22 national and international celebrations that cover everything from historic events and iconic foods to conservation, culture, and heartfelt awareness efforts.

National and International Days on April 17

2A Day / Second Amendment Day: This day was created in 2019 by Deborah Lane to celebrate the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The day is marked by events promoting gun rights, safety, and education. Gun ranges, stores, and advocacy groups often host discussions and promotional events, encouraging reflection on the balance between individual freedoms and public safety.

Blah Blah Blah Day: Started in 2006 by Ruth and Thomas Roy of Wellcat Holidays, this humorous holiday reminds people to finally tackle the tasks others keep nagging them about. From starting a new hobby to getting organized or finally quitting that bad habit, the day encourages action instead of more talk.

College Student Grief Awareness Day* (Third Thursday in April): Created by the Actively Moving Forward (AMF) program, this day highlights the mental health struggles of grieving college students. Limited support and peer understanding can make grief especially isolating. This awareness day calls for more empathy, resources, and conversation on college campuses across the nation.

D.A.R.E. Day* (Third Thursday in April): D.A.R.E.—Drug Abuse Resistance Education—was launched in 1983 and proclaimed a national observance in 1988 by President Reagan. This school-based program teaches children to resist drugs and violence while now incorporating modern topics like bullying and internet safety. The day reminds us of the lasting impact of early education on healthy decision-making.

Espresso Italiano Day 🇮🇹: This day pays tribute to espresso, one of Italy’s greatest gifts to the world. Italians honor it in cafés and kitchens alike, often standing at counters for a quick yet meaningful moment of connection and caffeine.

Get to Know Your Customers Day* (Third Thursday of each quarter): This quarterly observance encourages businesses to deepen relationships with their customers. Building trust and understanding customer needs helps companies better serve their communities and improve loyalty in today’s fast-paced marketplace.

Herbalist Day: Established in 2014 by Marlene Adelmann, founder of the Herbal Academy, this day began as “Thank an Herbalist Day.” It honors the contributions of herbalists and the wisdom of plant-based healing traditions. The day encourages learning about herbs and acknowledging the positive impact herbalists make in personal and community wellness.

International Bat Appreciation Day: Bat Conservation International created this day to highlight the vital role bats play in our ecosystems. One bat can eat thousands of insects in a single night, making them essential for natural pest control. Celebrated as bats emerge from hibernation, the day encourages conservation efforts and dispels common myths.

International Day of Mastering Conversations That Matter: This modern observance emphasizes the value of meaningful communication. From family relationships to global diplomacy, effective conversations are key to progress and understanding. The day encourages open dialogue, active listening, and the courage to tackle difficult topics.

International Pizza Cake Day* (Third Thursday in April): First introduced in 2014 by Boston Pizza as part of their “Pizza Game Changers” campaign, this playful food holiday celebrates the decadent creation of layered pizzas baked like a cake. Whether you build one from scratch or stack slices from your favorite pizzeria, it’s all about having fun with flavor.

Malbec World Day: Held annually since 2011, this international celebration was launched by Wines of Argentina to spotlight Malbec wine. April 17 was chosen to honor the date in 1853 when Argentina began transforming its wine industry. Today, Malbec is the country’s flagship grape, and the day brings global attention to the richness of Argentine winemaking.

National Auctioneers Day* (Third Thursday in April): Founded in 1996 by the National Auctioneers Association, this day recognizes the fast-talking professionals behind auctions. Many auctioneers use the day to volunteer their services for community fundraisers and charity events, demonstrating their skills while supporting good causes.

National Cheeseball Day: This kitschy American appetizer first gained popularity in the 1940s and has seen a quirky resurgence thanks to pop culture and entertainers like Amy Sedaris. Made with cream cheese and coated in nuts or herbs, cheeseballs are often the life of the party—and have a day all their own.

National Crawfish Day: Launched in 2020 by Shell Shack, this day celebrates one of Louisiana’s most beloved foods. With most U.S. crawfish harvested in the Bayou State, the day encourages people to attend crawfish boils and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with cracking shells and dipping tails.

National Ellis Island Family History Day: Declared in 2001, this day commemorates the role Ellis Island played in shaping the U.S. as a nation of immigrants. With the digital launch of immigration records, descendants can now trace their roots and appreciate the courage and hope their ancestors carried when arriving in America.

National Haiku Poetry Day: Celebrated each April 17 since 2007, this day invites everyone to explore the art of haiku—a minimalist form of Japanese poetry often focused on nature, emotion, or a fleeting moment. With a 5-7-5 syllable pattern and no need for rhyme, haiku encourages mindfulness, clarity, and creativity. The Haiku Foundation officially implemented the day as a project in 2012 to promote and preserve this literary tradition.

National High Five Day* (Third Thursday in April): This cheerful observance started in 2002 at the University of Virginia, thanks to students Conor Lastowka, Sam Miotke, and Wynn Walent. Inspired by the iconic gesture, the day encourages spontaneous positivity. Whether it’s for a personal win or a random act of kindness, it’s the perfect excuse to raise your hand and celebrate human connection.

National Kickball Day: Established in 2014 by WAKA (World Adult Kickball Association), this day brings people of all ages together to celebrate the beloved playground sport. Kickball has roots going back to 1917, and its mix of fun, teamwork, and nostalgia makes it a springtime favorite for schoolyards and community leagues alike.

Nothing Like a Dame Day: This day celebrates the strength and wisdom of women, borrowing its name from the Rodgers and Hammerstein song from South Pacific. While the phrase dates back to medieval titles for female knights or noblewomen, the holiday also draws inspiration from modern tributes like the documentary Tea with the Dames. It’s a day to recognize women who have made a lasting impression—on stage, in history, or in our lives.

National Mustang Day: April 17 marks the anniversary of the 1964 debut of the Ford Mustang, and the day has become a celebration for enthusiasts everywhere. Created in 2015, National Mustang Day invites drivers to hit the road in their Pony Cars and share in the legacy of one of America’s most iconic automobiles. Enthusiast clubs around the country organize events and parades to show off their rides and their passion for the brand.

World Circus Day: First celebrated in 2010 by the World Circus Federation, this day honors the circus performers. From acrobats and clowns to jugglers and animal trainers, World Circus Day shines a spotlight on the community that brings joy and wonder to audiences around the globe. It also serves as a platform for promoting circus arts and supporting artists in this ever-evolving field.

World Hemophilia Day: Created in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia, this global observance brings attention to bleeding disorders, including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. April 17 was chosen in honor of WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday. The day focuses on raising awareness, advocating for better access to treatment, and supporting those affected by these rare conditions.