April 20, 2026, is the 110th day of the year, with 255 days remaining, and it falls on a Monday — the third Monday in April — in the seventeenth week of the year.
With 13 national and international days on the calendar, April 20 is one of the most culturally layered dates of the month, combining the world’s most famous countercultural holiday with the world’s oldest annual marathon, a day honoring volunteers and death doulas, climate fiction, lima beans, and the pizza delivery drivers.
National Days on April 20
All national & international days celebrated today
13 celebrations on this dayNational Cheddar Fries Day
Crispy fries, melted cheddar, and endless topping possibilities — today is the day to load up a plate and get creative. Founded by Snuffer’s Restaurant and Bar in Dallas, which has been serving legendary cast-iron cheddar fries since 1978, this food holiday needs no further justification.
Boston Marathon Day / Patriot’s Day
The Boston Marathon — the world’s oldest annual marathon, first run in 1897 — takes place each Patriot’s Day in Massachusetts, which commemorates the opening battles of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord in 1775. In 2026 both fall on April 20.
National Volunteer Recognition Day
A day to express gratitude to the volunteers who give their time, skills, and energy to make communities stronger — from food banks and animal shelters to hospitals, schools, and disaster relief. Volunteering is one of the most well-evidenced contributors to both community and personal wellbeing.
National Death Doula Day
Raising awareness of death doulas — non-medical professionals who provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to dying people and their families. A growing field, death doulas help ensure that the end of life can be as peaceful, dignified, and personal as possible.
Here’s every observance celebrated on April 20, 2026.
National & International Days on April 20
Whether you’re cheering on runners at the Boston Marathon, tipping your pizza driver generously, baking a pineapple upside-down cake, appreciating a volunteer, or finally giving lima beans the respect they deserve, here’s the story behind each of these April 20 celebrations.
420 Day / National Marijuana Day
420 Day / National Marijuana Day began with a group of teenagers in 1971 at San Rafael High School in California, who used “420” as a code for smoking marijuana after school. One of the teens, Dave Reddix, later became a roadie for the Grateful Dead, helping spread the phrase. By 1990, Deadheads in Oakland were distributing flyers promoting April 20th at 4:20 PM as a time to light up, and High Times magazine helped popularize it further. Today, 420 Day has become a symbol of cannabis culture and a rallying point for legalization advocates around the world.
Boston Marathon Day
The Boston Marathon* (Third Monday of April) was the brainchild of John Graham, a Boston Athletic Association member and inaugural U.S. Olympic team manager, who drew inspiration from the marathon at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. First held on April 19, 1897, it takes place every year on Patriots’ Day and has continued without interruption ever since, making it the world’s oldest annual marathon. On this day, roughly 500,000 spectators line the 26.2-mile course each year, and tens of thousands of runners from around the world take part, making it New England’s most widely watched sporting event.
International Cli-Fi Day
International Cli-Fi Day was founded by Dan Bloom in 2011 to shine a spotlight on climate change fiction—stories that deal directly with environmental issues and the future of our planet. The genre raises awareness and provokes thought, often achieving what data and journalism cannot. The day aims to inspire readers, writers, and viewers to engage with global climate challenges through storytelling.
National Cheddar Fries Day
National Cheddar Fries Day was founded in 2016 by Snuffer’s Restaurant and Bar to honor French fries topped with cheddar cheese. From jalapeños and bacon to ranch and onions, cheddar fries are the canvas for countless topping combinations. The celebration encourages everyone to dig in and get creative with their loaded fry creations.
National Death Doula Day
National Death Doula Day recognizes the compassionate work of death doulas—non-medical professionals who support individuals and their families during end-of-life transitions. The day raises awareness about this growing field, emphasizing the importance of emotional, spiritual, and physical support during a deeply personal time.
National Lima Bean Respect Day
National Lima Bean Respect Day: Also called “butter beans” for their creamy texture, lima beans have been cultivated for centuries, with roots in Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations. They reached Europe and the Americas through colonial trade routes. This day encourages a new appreciation for the humble legume, packed with protein, iron, and fiber.
National Look-Alike Day
National Look-Alike Day started in the 1980s when Pittsburgh reporter Jack Etzel spotted a Humphrey Bogart look-alike on the street. Inspired, he and his photographer asked others who they resembled, and the story idea stuck. The day now celebrates doppelgängers of all kinds—from celebrities to family resemblances—and the joy of looking just like someone else.
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day: Dating back to the 1920s, this springtime favorite gained popularity after Dole’s pineapple recipe contest, which received over 2,500 submissions. The classic cake, made by layering pineapple rings and cherries under buttery batter, is inverted after baking to reveal its signature glazed topping. It remains a retro dessert staple.
National Volunteer Recognition Day
National Volunteer Recognition Day acknowledges the efforts of volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and care to help others. Whether they work with animals, assist the elderly, tutor students, or clean up local parks, volunteers play a vital role in building stronger, more compassionate communities. National Volunteer Recognition Day reminds us to express gratitude and to support those who selflessly make a difference.
Patriot’s Day
Patriot’s Day* (Third Monday of April) is a special observance day in eight U.S. states (Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, Wisconsin, Connecticut, North Dakota, Tennessee and Utah), commemorating the battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy, the inaugural battles of the American Revolutionary War. The holiday occurs annually on the third Monday in April in four states and on April 19 in four, with celebrations including battle reenactments and the Boston Marathon.
Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day
Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day highlights the often-overlooked efforts of pizza delivery drivers, who navigate all types of weather and traffic—and face safety risks—to bring hot meals to customers. As one of the most dangerous delivery jobs in the U.S., pizza delivery deserves special recognition. The day is a chance to tip generously, offer a thank-you, and show appreciation for their hard work.
UN Chinese Language Day
UN Chinese Language Day was created by the United Nations in 2010 to promote multilingualism and honors one of the six official UN languages. April 20 was chosen to align with Guyu, a traditional solar term in East Asian calendars linked to Cangjie, the mythical inventor of Chinese characters. According to legend, Cangjie’s invention caused the sky to rain millet and moved the spirits. Chinese Language Day pays tribute to this heritage while celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.
World Orphans Day (WOC version)
World Orphans Day (WOC version) is led by the Worldwide Organization for Charity (WOC) to bring attention to the millions of children who have lost one or both parents. The goal is to inspire communities to support orphans through education, healthcare, and emotional support. It shares a similar mission with another World Orphans Day held in November, both aiming to raise awareness and spark global action.
