March 16, 2026, is the 75th day of the year, with 290 days remaining, and it falls on a Monday — the third Monday in March — in the eleventh week of the year.
With 11 national and international days on the calendar, March 16 is a day that balances the serious and the joyful — from celebrating giant pandas and the legacy of the Black press to embracing a positive attitude and putting the phone down for No Selfies Day.
National Days on March 16
All national & international days celebrated today
11 celebrations on this dayNational Panda Day
A day to celebrate one of the world’s most beloved and endangered animals — and raise awareness of giant panda conservation efforts globally.
Act Happy Day
A reminder that choosing a positive attitude — even on a Monday — can genuinely shift your mood and the energy around you.
Black Press Day
Marking the anniversary of the first Black newspaper in the US — Freedom’s Journal, founded on March 16, 1827 — and celebrating the enduring legacy of Black journalism.
National Freedom of Information Day
Celebrated on James Madison’s birthday, this day honours the principle of government transparency and the public’s right to access information.
Here’s every observance celebrated on March 16, 2026.
National & International Days on March 16
Whether you’re an animal lover, a history buff, or simply someone who needs a nudge to act happy on a Monday morning, there’s something on this list for everyone. Here’s the story behind each of these March 16 celebrations.
Act Happy Day
Act Happy Day* (Third Monday in March) was founded in 2004 by Dr. Dale Anderson around the principle that acting happy, even when you don’t feel that way, can make you genuinely happier. The day encourages people to smile, laugh, and engage in joyful activities, as a reminder that happiness is something you can actively choose, with real benefits for both mental and physical health.
National Everything You Do Is Right Day
National Everything You Do Is Right Day is an unofficial holiday meant to encourage confidence and a positive mindset, reminding people to trust their instincts, celebrate small wins, and move through the day without second-guessing themselves. It falls the day after National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, and is meant to act as an antidote to that observance.
National Lips Appreciation Day
National Lips Appreciation Day encourages people to both care for and appreciate their lips. Unlike most skin, lips have no sweat or oil glands, which makes them especially prone to drying out and damage from the sun. The observance was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays.
Black Press Day
Black Press Day celebrates the vital role Black-owned newspapers have played in American life. Since the founding of Freedom’s Journalon that date in 1827, the first newspaper published by Black Americans, the Black press has given voice to communities that mainstream media ignored or misrepresented, driving the fight for civil rights and keeping those stories alive for nearly two centuries.
National Artichoke Hearts Day
National Artichoke Hearts Day is a chance to appreciate the artichoke, a flower bud from a thistle-like plant native to the Mediterranean. Artichokes are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, fiber, calcium, and protein, while being low in calories, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. The tender heart at the center is the most prized part, and can be enjoyed steamed, grilled, baked, or found jarred and ready to add to salads, dips, pizzas, soups, and more.
National Curl Crush Day
National Curl Crush Day was created by Carol’s Daughter in 2021 in response to research showing that 82% of Black women had experienced curl envy, wishing their hair looked like someone else’s. The day encourages people with curly, coily, and wavy hair to appreciate and celebrate their own unique texture.
National Freedom of Information Day
National Freedom of Information Day is observed every year on March 16, the birthday of President James Madison, who believed that citizens have the right to know what their government is doing. The day promotes open and transparent government and reminds the public of their legal right to access government records.
Driving Instructor Day
Driving Instructor Day honors driving instructors and marks the anniversary of the first driving test ever passed in the UK, which took place on that date in 1935. The day recognizes the important role instructors play in teaching new drivers the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and responsibly.
National Panda Day
National Panda Day celebrates the giant panda and support efforts to protect it. Native to China, giant pandas are vulnerable to extinction, mainly due to habitat loss. The day encourages people to learn about and contribute to the conservation work that helps keep this beloved species alive in the wild.
No Selfies Day
No Selfies Day encourages people to take a break from taking selfies and seeking social media validation for one day. The idea is to be more present in the moment and engage with the world around you instead of documenting yourself in it.
Wellderly Day
Wellderly Day* (Third Monday in March) encourages older adults and those approaching that stage of life to focus on living actively, joyfully, and in good health rather than simply living longer. Founded by Dr. Dale Anderson, the day promotes the idea that a positive attitude, physical activity, and humor are key ingredients for aging well.
