March 11, 2026, is the 70th day of the year, with 295 days remaining, and it falls on a Wednesday in the eleventh week of the year.
March 11 carries particular weight as the anniversary of the WHO’s COVID-19 pandemic declaration, and several of today’s 20 observances — including National COVID-19 Day, National Immune System Day, and National Wash Your Nose Day — are directly influenced by that moment.
On a lighter note, the day also honors Johnny Appleseed, celebrates the creativity of high school promposals, and gives tool enthusiasts a reason to clean out the garage or hobby room.
National & International Days on March 11
Below is a list of all 20 national and international days observed on March 11, each explained briefly.
Debunking Day
Debunking Day was established by American astrologer and author Rob Brezsny to encourage people to question unverified claims and seek out factual evidence over myths and misinformation. The day highlights that critical thinking is the best defense against false narratives and fake news.
Eat Your Noodles Day
Eat Your Noodles Day, celebrated during National Noodle Month, is a simple invitation to cook or order your favorite noodle dish, whether that means ramen, pasta, a stir-fry, or anything in between.
Key Deer Awareness Day
Key Deer Awareness Day marks the 1967 listing of the Key deer as an endangered species. Found only in the Florida Keys, these miniature white-tailed deer were nearly wiped out in the 1950s when unregulated hunting and habitat loss reduced their population to fewer than 50. Today, decades of conservation efforts have helped numbers recover to an estimated 600 to 1,000.
National 311 Day
National 311 Day was created in 2020 through a collaboration between Google.org and several U.S. cities to highlight the importance of the 311 non-emergency phone system. Designed to ease pressure on 911 operators, 311 allows residents to report everyday issues, access city services, and free up emergency lines for life-threatening situations. Today, over 200 cities across the U.S. and Canada use the system.
National COVID-19 Day
National COVID-19 Day marks March 11, 2020, the day the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It is a day to remember those who lost their lives, thank the doctors, nurses, and essential workers who kept things going, and reflect on how much has changed since.
National Dream Day
National Dream Day, also known as World Dream Day, was established in 2012 by strategist and transformation expert Ozioma Egwuonwu to encourage people to move beyond dreaming and take concrete steps toward their goals. Now observed in over 75 countries, the day celebrates the power of ideas and the potential for positive change when people declare their dreams and support one another.
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day
National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day honors the professionals who guide families through one of life’s most difficult moments with care and compassion. Officially designated by the U.S. Senate in 2008 and supported by the National Funeral Directors Association, the day recognizes the nearly 20,000 funeral homes across the United States and the people who staff them.
National Immune System Day
National Immune System Day was established by Better Way Health to raise awareness about immune health and promote habits like proper nutrition and exercise that strengthen the body’s natural defenses. Observed on March 11 to mark the anniversary of the WHO’s COVID-19 pandemic declaration, the day serves as a reminder of just how much we depend on our immune system’s around-the-clock protection.
National Johnny Appleseed Day
National Johnny Appleseed Day* (celebrated twice a year), observed on March 11, celebrates the life of John Chapman, the legendary American pioneer who spent decades planting apple trees across the Midwest during the 18th and 19th centuries. A second observance on September 26 marks his birthday and coincides with the autumn apple harvest. His legacy includes conservation, kindness, and a love of nature.
National No-Code Day
National No-Code Day was established in 2022 by Zapier to celebrate the growing movement of people who build software, automate workflows, and solve problems without writing a single line of code. The day champions the idea that visual, drag-and-drop tools can democratize technology, making it accessible to anyone regardless of technical background.
National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day celebrates a heartier, more nutritious take on the classic waffle, swapping refined flour for whole grain oats and adding the crunch of chopped nuts — a simple upgrade that turns breakfast into a more wholesome start to the day.
🧇 Fans of the classic waffle can also celebrate National Waffle Day on August 24.
National Payton Slaymaker Day
National Payton Slaymaker Day was established in 2021 by Scott Mix and the Slaymaker family to honor the courage of Payton Slaymaker, who was diagnosed at age 8 with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (D.I.P.G.), an aggressive and inoperable form of brain cancer. Given 13 months to live, she fought for 21, continuing to attend school and dance classes before passing away at age 10. The day raises awareness for DIPG, one of the most underfunded childhood cancers, which currently has no known cure.
National Promposal Day
National Promposal Day was founded in 2016 by Men’s Wearhouse to celebrate the creative and often elaborate art of asking someone to prom. A blend of the words prom and proposal, the promposal has grown from a sweet high school tradition into a major social media moment, with students competing to outdo each other with inventive and memorable invitations.
National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day* (Second Wednesday in March), observed since 2008 during National Nutrition Month, recognizes the expertise of registered dietitian nutritionists as the leading providers of food and nutrition guidance. These professionals work across hospitals, schools, sports facilities, and community programs to help people maintain healthy lifestyles through evidence-based dietary advice.
National Sofrito Day
National Sofrito Day honors the aromatic cooking base that forms the heart of Spanish, Caribbean, Latin American, and Mediterranean cuisine. Made from a mix of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, sofrito adds depth and flavor to countless traditional dishes, from stews and rice to beans.
National Wash Your Nose Day
National Wash Your Nose Day was established in 2021 by Xlear, a natural sinus care company, to promote nasal hygiene as an essential daily habit, much like brushing teeth or washing hands. Observed on the anniversary of the WHO’s COVID-19 pandemic declaration, the day educates the public that the nose is the body’s first line of defense against airborne allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
National Worship of Tools Day
National Worship of Tools Day is a celebration for DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals to use their tools and take time to clean, organize, and maintain them. The day honors the role that quality, well-kept tools play in building, repairing, and creating.
No Smoking Day
No Smoking Day 🇬🇧* (Second Wednesday in March) was established in 1984 to educate people about the dangers of smoking and promotes quitting support. The observance has evolved over the years with different themes and awareness campaigns encouraging people to break free from tobacco addiction.
🚬 Download my free 30-day No Smoking Challenge to support you or someone you know on this transformative journey.
World Plumbing Day
World Plumbing Day was established by the World Plumbing Council in 2010 to recognize the critical role of plumbing in public health and sanitation. It raises awareness about global access to clean water and proper sanitation systems.
Young Carers Action Day
Young Carers Action Day 🇬🇧* (Date Varies) is an annual UK event organized by the Carers Trust to raise awareness of the challenges faced by young people who care for family members. The day celebrates their often overlooked contributions while calling for better support and equal opportunities for young carers and their families.
