October 11 National Days

October 11 is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 81 days remaining until the end of the year. Falling on a Friday in the 41st week, this date combines celebrations of youth empowerment, compassion, and community care.

Prominent observances include International Day of the Girl, which champions girls’ rights and education worldwide; Southern Food Heritage Day, honoring the traditions of the American South; and National Coming Out Day, honoring courage, authenticity, and inclusivity. Together, these observances encourage awareness, connection, and appreciation of both human and cultural diversity.

Below is a list of all national and international days taking place on October 11, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 11

Bookshop Day* (Second Saturday in October, UK 🇬🇧) was launched in 2016 by the Booksellers Association in the UK as part of the Books Are My Bag campaign. It was designed to highlight the role of independent bookshops in keeping local culture alive and giving authors a place to reach new readers. The day also underscores how bookshops support literacy by offering access to diverse stories and knowledgeable staff who guide discovery. Readers join in by visiting their neighborhood shops, attending special events, and sharing recommendations that keep the book community thriving.

Black Girl Day Off, founded in 2020 by Tomeka Casanova, encourages Black women to take a day for mental rest and self-care. Observed right after World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it draws attention to the specific pressures Black women experience from racial and gender bias—factors that can contribute to long-term health challenges such as heart disease and breast cancer. The day promotes rest, reflection, and community connection, reminding women that taking time for themselves is not a luxury but a vital part of well-being.

I Love Yarn Day* (Second Saturday in October) was created in 2011 by the Craft Yarn Council to bring yarn enthusiasts together and highlight the value of fiber arts. It invites knitters, crocheters, and DIY makers to share their work, inspire new crafters, and keep traditional skills alive. The day also raises awareness of the mental and social benefits of yarn crafts, encouraging participation through workshops, community events, and online sharing.

International African Penguin Awareness Day* (Second Saturday in October), established in 2010—the same year African penguins were added to the U.S. Endangered Species list—draws attention to the serious challenges facing this warm-climate penguin species. Found along the southern coast of Africa, their numbers have fallen sharply because of overfishing, climate change, oil spills, and shrinking habitats. The observance promotes conservation through education, fundraising, and events such as South Africa’s Penguin Festival, helping protect these charismatic birds and preserve global biodiversity.

International Day of the Girl Child highlights the rights, challenges, and potential of girls worldwide. First celebrated in 2012, it was established by a United Nations resolution sponsored by Canada after a campaign by Plan International through its “Because I Am a Girl” initiative. The day draws attention to issues such as access to education, protection from violence, ending child marriage, and ensuring equal opportunities in health and work. It also emphasizes the benefits of empowering girls: stronger economies, healthier communities, and fairer societies. By recognizing girls as active participants in shaping their future, the observance calls on families, communities, and governments to invest in equality and give every girl the chance to thrive.

International Newspaper Carrier Day* (Saturday of the first full week in October) is observed on the Saturday of National Newspaper Week* (First full week of October). Created by the Newspaper Association of America, it recognizes the important role carriers play in bringing news to households. Newspapers in the United States and Canada mark the day through ads, community events, or acknowledgments of their delivery staff. The observance highlights the often-overlooked contribution of carriers, reminding us that the flow of reliable information depends not only on reporters and editors but also on those who ensure newspapers reach their readers.

📪 A similar day, Newspaper Carrier Day takes place on September 4.

It’s My Party Day is a fun, unofficial holiday that invites people to celebrate for no particular reason. Inspired by Lesley Gore’s 1963 hit song “It’s My Party,” the day captures the spirit of spontaneity and self-expression. It encourages everyone to take a break from daily routines, gather friends or family, and enjoy the moment—whether with cake, music, or laughter—simply because life itself is worth celebrating.

Love Your Bookshop Day* (Second Saturday in October, Australia 🇦🇺) is an annual event in Australia that celebrates the importance of local bookstores. Started by the Australian Booksellers Association, it recognizes bookshops as places where people connect, discover new ideas, and share a love of reading. The day encourages everyone to visit their favorite shop, meet authors, join events, and support independent booksellers who keep communities creative and inspired. For 2025, readers are also invited to share personal stories about how a visit to a bookshop brought joy, comfort, or a life-changing discovery.

National Chess Day* (Second Saturday in October), established in 1976 by U.S. President Gerald Ford, highlights the game’s role in sharpening memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills while fostering patience and strategy. Schools, clubs, and communities often mark the day with tournaments, lessons for beginners, and public events that show how chess continues to bridge generations and inspire lifelong learning.

National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 by psychologist Robert Eichberg and activist Jean O’Leary to mark the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The observance emphasizes the importance of visibility, encouraging people to share their identity or show support as allies. By fostering openness and personal storytelling, it helps reduce stigma, strengthen community bonds, and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. The day reminds us that visibility is not only a personal milestone but also a powerful step toward greater equality and acceptance.

National Costume Swap Day* (Second Saturday in October) was launched in 2010 by Green Halloween and Swap.com. It encourages families to trade Halloween costumes instead of purchasing new ones. The observance promotes sustainability by cutting down on waste and supports affordability by helping families save money during the holiday season. Costume swaps also spark creativity and give children and adults the chance to reinvent characters and explore new looks.

National Motorcycle Ride Day* (Second Saturday in October) was created in 2015 by the Dunlop Tire Company to honor John Boyd Dunlop, inventor of the first practical pneumatic tire. The day invites riders across the country to enjoy the open road while recognizing the innovation that made modern motorcycles possible. It highlights the sense of freedom and community that riding brings, encourages safe practices, and gives enthusiasts a chance to connect before the riding season slows for many parts of the country.

National Peyronie’s Disease Awareness Day, established in 2018 by GAINSWave, raises awareness about Peyronie’s disease—a condition in which scar tissue causes curved and sometimes painful erections. Affecting about one in ten men, the condition can bring physical discomfort and emotional strain, yet many avoid talking about it due to stigma. This observance encourages open discussion, early diagnosis, and education about available treatments, helping men feel supported and informed about their health.

National Sausage Pizza Day highlights one of the most popular pizza combinations: flavorful sausage paired with melted cheese on a crisp crust. While the origins of the observance are not well documented, it reflects the broader rise of food-themed days that honor favorite dishes and bring people together through shared tastes. The day invites pizza fans to enjoy a slice at home or from their local pizzeria, try new sausage styles from spicy Italian to plant-based alternatives.

🍕 See also our complete list of national pizza days.

National Spread Joy Day, founded in 2018 by Laura Jennings, CEO of the Seattle-based gifting company Knack, promotes kindness and positivity in response to growing negativity in news and social media. The day encourages people to share joy through actions like giving a small gift, sending a kind message, or treating someone to coffee. It’s a reminder that happiness spreads easily and that even small gestures can lift spirits, strengthen connections, and make communities brighter.

Southern Food Heritage Day honors the flavors and traditions that define cuisine in the American South. Southern cooking developed from a blend of African, Native American, European, and Caribbean influences, each leaving a lasting mark on its ingredients and techniques. Signature dishes such as fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens, gumbo, biscuits, and barbecue reflect the region’s use of staple foods like corn, rice, and sweet potatoes, creating a cuisine known for comfort, depth, and cultural history.

Universal Music Day* (Second Saturday in October), founded in 2007 by Susan Patricia Golden, honors music as a shared human experience. The observance promotes music as a bridge across cultures and generations, reminding people of its ability to heal, inspire, and build understanding. It invites everyone—musicians and listeners alike—to connect through sound by playing an instrument, singing, dancing, or simply appreciating melodies that move the heart and mind.

Urban Wildlife Conservation Day* (Second Saturday in October)celebrates the role of urban national wildlife refuges and conservation partnerships in connecting city residents with nature. Established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of its Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, the day highlights how nature flourishes in cities as well as in remote wilderness. With 80% of Americans living in or near urban areas, these refuges provide vital access to green spaces that support health, recreation, and local economies. Across the country, more than 100 urban refuges—from Philadelphia and Detroit to Portland and San Diego—and 30 community partnerships bring opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and conservation close to home. The observance reminds everyone that wildlife belongs not only in national parks but also in neighborhoods, wetlands, and city parks, where it enriches daily life and fosters environmental stewardship.

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day* (Second Saturday in October), established in 2005 by the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance, raises global awareness about the importance of compassionate support for people living with life-limiting illnesses. Evolving from the “Voices for Hospice” concert movement, it has become a worldwide advocacy campaign emphasizing the need for fair access to pain relief, emotional care, and dignity at the end of life. Each year’s theme addresses common misconceptions and encourages health systems around the world to make palliative care accessible to everyone, especially in underserved communities.

National Days in October

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