October 10 National Days

October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 82 days remaining until year’s end. Falling on a Friday in the 41st week of 2025, this date features 21 national and international observances.

Highlights include World Mental Health Day, which promotes global awareness and support for mental well-being, World Homeless Day, calling attention to the needs of unhoused people and community solutions, and World Porridge Day, which raises funds to feed children in developing countries.

Below is a list of all national and international days observed on October 10, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 10

Inclusion Day / World Inclusion Day, is observed on October 10 to celebrate diversity and promote a culture of belonging. Founded in 2020 by Taylor Gardner Chaney of The Garden Foundation, the observance encourages people to embrace differences in ability, culture, background, and identity. The day highlights respect, acceptance, and unity as essential values, reminding communities that inclusion benefits everyone by creating spaces where all people feel valued and supported.

International Jumping Spider Day shines a light on one of the most fascinating groups of spiders. Jumping spiders are known for their big eyes, quick leaps, and surprisingly curious behavior, which often makes them less intimidating than other spiders. Fans describe them as colorful, intelligent, and even a little “cute.” The day encourages people to look closer, learn more, and appreciate how these tiny creatures play an important role in nature by controlling pests and showing the diversity of the spider world.

International Stage Management Day honors the vital role of stage managers in theater and live performance. First launched in 2013 by the UK’s Stage Management Association, the observance quickly spread worldwide and gained its international title in 2014. The day highlights the skill, organization, and leadership that stage managers bring to productions, ensuring that every performance runs seamlessly from rehearsal to curtain call.

National Angel Food Cake Day celebrates a dessert known for its light, airy texture. First popularized in the late 19th century, angel food cake is made by whipping egg whites with sugar and flour to create a fat-free sponge that rises without butter or oil. Its cloud-like consistency and sweetness earned it the name “angel food.” Often served with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream, the cake remains a symbol of American baking and a reminder that desserts can be both indulgent and light.

National Cake Decorating Day highlights cake decorating as both a craft and an art form. While the holiday itself is modern, the tradition of adorning cakes began in 17th-century Europe, when elaborate confections became symbols of wealth and celebration. Today, cake decorating is accessible to everyone, from professional bakers creating intricate designs to home bakers experimenting with frosting, fondant, and sprinkles. The day celebrates creativity and the joy of transforming a simple cake into something memorable and expressive.

National Formalwear Day is all about enjoying the chance to dress up. Even without a clear origin story, the day reminds us that formal clothing—whether a tuxedo, suit, or elegant gown—adds a special touch to life’s big moments. Weddings, galas, and celebrations feel different when people arrive in their best attire, and even trying on something formal at home can bring a sense of confidence and fun. The observance encourages everyone to appreciate the role of style and occasion in making memories.

National Handbag Day was founded in 2013 by PurseBlog. This day celebrates handbags as everyday essentials that also express personal style. Beyond being fashion items, handbags carry the things people need most—phones, wallets, keys, and daily necessities—making them both useful and symbolic. The observance invites people to appreciate the mix of function and design, whether through a favorite tote for work, a backpack for convenience, or a designer piece for special occasions.

National Hug a Drummer Day was founded in 2013 by Glen of Drumming.Co to recognize percussionists and their essential role in music. Drummers keep rhythm, set energy, and shape the sound of every band, yet they often receive less attention than singers or guitarists. This day gives them well-deserved appreciation, reminding us that behind every great song is a steady beat driving it forward.

National Metric Day: Coinciding with National Metric Week* (Sunday, October 5th to Saturday, October 11th), this day emphasizes the value of the metric system as a global standard for measurement. The date 10/10 was chosen to reflect the system’s base in powers of ten, making it simple, consistent, and widely applicable. The observance connects to the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, which encouraged the United States to align with international practice, and to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ efforts in the late 1970s to promote metric education. The day highlights how a shared measurement system supports science, trade, and everyday life worldwide.

National Tic Tac Day honors the iconic mints created by the Italian company Ferrero. First launched in 1969 as “Refreshing Mints,” they were renamed Tic Tac in 1970 after the sound the candies make in their box. The day is a lighthearted celebration of this pocket-sized treat, often marked by simply enjoying a pack—or even by special events, like college pop-ups handing out free Tic Tacs.

National Walk to a Park Day was founded in 2021 by The Trust for Public Land to promote its 10-Minute Walk Campaign. The day encourages people to walk to nearby parks and highlights the need for every community to have safe, accessible green spaces within a short distance from home. By taking part, individuals not only enjoy the health benefits of exercise and stress relief but also strengthen community ties and foster a deeper connection to nature.

SHIFT10 Day: Since 2016, this day has encouraged people to direct 10% of their daily spending toward local businesses. Supporting small shops not only boosts local economies but also helps communities thrive. The initiative is linked to Independent Retailer Month and reminds us to #keepitlocal by choosing purchases that make a lasting, positive impact.

Vet Nurse Day* (Second Friday in October) shines a light on the dedication of veterinary nurses who care for animals every day. Established in 2008 by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia, the observance honors the compassion, expertise, and behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. From comforting pets during treatment to supporting families through difficult moments, veterinary nurses play a vital role in animal health and well-being. The day encourages gratitude for these professionals whose care strengthens the bond between people and their animals.

🐱 See also the complete list of pet & veterinary national days.

World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day was founded by the UK-based group Cats Matter to highlight the growing problem of animals injured or killed on roads. The day encourages drivers to stay alert, support safety measures such as wildlife crossings, and know how to respond if an accident occurs. It also serves as a moment of remembrance for pets and wildlife lost to road incidents, while pushing for stronger policies and public awareness to reduce future tragedies.

World Day Against the Death Penalty was launched in 2003 by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty to advocate for the abolition of capital punishment worldwide. The day highlights the human rights violations linked to executions, draws attention to the conditions faced by prisoners on death row, and calls on governments to end death penalty laws. Supported by organizations such as Amnesty International, the European Union, and the Council of Europe, it strengthens the global movement toward justice that upholds life and human dignity.

World Egg Day* (Second Friday in October) was created in 1996 by the International Egg Commission. The day highlights eggs as one of the most affordable and nutritious foods, packed with protein and essential vitamins. Around the world, people mark the occasion with recipes and educational events that show how eggs can fight hunger, support health, and remain a staple in many cultures.

World Gulab Jamun Day celebrates one of South Asia’s favorite desserts. Gulab jamun are soft, deep-fried dumplings made from milk solids and soaked in sweet syrup flavored with rose and cardamom. The treat has roots in Persian and Mughal cooking and has become a beloved part of Indian food culture, often served at festivals, weddings, and family gatherings.

World Homeless Day began in 2010 after international activists connected online to create a global response to homelessness. The date 10/10/10 was chosen for its impact and symbolism, and communities worldwide have marked it ever since. The day raises awareness about the challenges faced by unhoused people, encourages compassion, and supports both local action and long-term solutions. Because it is a grassroots initiative, each community can adapt the observance to highlight local needs while contributing to a shared global message.

World Mental Health Day raises awareness and encourages open conversation about mental health. It was first established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health and is now recognized worldwide. Each year has a theme that highlights an important issue, such as improving support, reducing stigma, or promoting everyday well-being. The day reminds us that mental health affects everyone and that caring for it is key to building healthier and more supportive communities.

World Plant-Based Burger Day was created in 2020 by Veganburg, the world’s first all plant-based burger joint. The day encourages people to try meat-free burgers and recognize their positive impact on both health and the environment. By highlighting how plant-based choices can reduce water use, energy demand, and harmful emissions, the observance connects food decisions with sustainability. A similar celebration, National Veggie Burger Day, takes place annually on June 5, showing that interest in plant-based burgers continues to grow worldwide.

🥗 Explore our complete list of vegan & vegetarian national days below.

World Porridge Day was started in 2009 by the charity Mary’s Meals. The idea came from seeing how a daily bowl of porridge in Malawi could give hungry children the strength to attend school and learn. The day raises money and awareness to help feed children in poor countries, showing how a simple meal can change lives. It also connects with the World Porridge Making Championship in Scotland, adding a fun food tradition to a meaningful cause.

National Days in October

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