October 17, 2026, is the 290th day of the year, with 75 days remaining, and it falls on a Saturday in the forty-second week of the year. It’s also the third Saturday of October, which brings eight moving observances onto the same date, including Sweetest Day, Bridge Day, and International Repair Day.
With 22 national and international days on the calendar, October 17 is a day of sweet gestures, daring leaps, and fresh starts. Sweetest Day began in Cleveland in 1921 as a day for small acts of kindness, Bridge Day opens West Virginia’s New River Gorge Bridge to BASE jumpers, and World Poverty Day recalls the 1987 gathering in Paris that inspired the United Nations observance.
Black Poetry Day honors the Black poets who shaped American literature, Spreadsheet Day marks the 1979 release of VisiCalc, and National Pasta Day brings comfort to the table.
National Days on October 17
All national & international days celebrated today
22 celebrations on this day Day 290 of 365 · 75 days left · week 42 · Libra season · 🌒 waxing crescentNational Sweetest Day
Began in Cleveland in 1921, when ad executive Herbert Birch Kingston and local candy makers promoted a day of kindness and treats.
Bridge Day
Once a year, West Virginia’s New River Gorge Bridge closes to cars and opens to pedestrians and BASE jumpers, a tradition since 1980.
World Poverty Day
Traces to a 1987 gathering of about 100,000 people in Paris, and was designated by the UN General Assembly in 1992.
Spreadsheet Day
Marks October 17, 1979, when VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers, was released for the Apple II.
Here’s the story behind every celebration on October 17, from a Paris plaza to a plate of pasta.
National & International Days on October 17
Below is a list of all national and international days observed on October 17, each with a brief explanation.
Black Poetry Day
Black Poetry Day celebrates the voices and contributions of Black poets throughout history. The date honors Jupiter Hammon, born on October 17, 1711, who became the first published Black poet in the United States with his 1761 poem “An Evening Thought.” The observance was first proposed in 1970 and officially established in 1985, recognizing the role of African American writers in shaping American literature and culture. Oregon remains the only state to officially recognize it as a state holiday.
Explore the complete list of bookish national days.
Bridge Day
Bridge Day* (Third Saturday in October) is West Virginia’s largest single-day festival and one of the world’s most renowned extreme sports events. Held in Fayetteville, it celebrates the 1977 completion of the New River Gorge Bridge—a structure that transformed local travel and became an icon of American engineering. The first official Bridge Day took place in 1980 after Burton Ervin’s daring 1979 BASE jump inspired organizers to create a sanctioned annual event. Each year, the bridge closes to vehicles and opens to tens of thousands of spectators who watch hundreds of certified BASE jumpers and rappellers descend into the gorge.
Edge Day
Edge Day honors the straight edge lifestyle that began in the early 1980s punk scene. The idea came from the 1981 song “Straight Edge” by the band Minor Threat, which inspired people to live without alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Many who follow this lifestyle also choose vegan or vegetarian diets, avoid casual sex, and value self-control as a way to rebel through discipline. The well-known “X” symbol—originally drawn on underage fans’ hands to stop them from buying alcohol—became the sign of the movement. The first Edge Day took place in 1999 in Boston during the final show of the band Ten Yard Fight. Today, people celebrate by going to punk concerts, promoting sober living, and supporting a clear, self-respecting way of life.
Forgive an Ex Day
Forgive an Ex Day is about finding peace by letting go of past relationship pain. Created in 2018 by Mark Anthony, the day reminds people that forgiveness is for their own healing, not about getting back together. It encourages releasing anger and resentment to feel lighter and happier. Forgiving helps calm the mind, improve emotional health, and make room for personal growth. Many people observe the day by journaling, reflecting, or doing something kind for themselves.
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day* (Third Saturday of October) is an annual celebration organized by the Archaeological Institute of America, held on the third Saturday of October, which falls on October 17 this year. Museums, universities, historical societies, and other groups around the world host hands-on events like excavation demonstrations, lab tours, artifact identification sessions, and lectures. The goal is to spark public interest in archaeology and help people understand how studying the past connects to our shared human heritage.
International Sawfish Day
International Sawfish Day raises awareness about the critically endangered sawfish and the urgent need to protect its shrinking habitats. Established in 2017 by the Sawfish Conservation Society, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), with support from the Save Our Seas Foundation, the day celebrates one of the ocean’s most extraordinary species. Recognizable by its long, tooth-lined snout, the sawfish uses this “saw” to sense and catch prey, making it both unique and ecologically important. All five known species are now critically endangered, largely due to habitat loss and fishing bycatch. On this day, aquariums, conservation groups, and ocean enthusiasts share facts, host educational events, and promote ways to protect marine ecosystems so future generations can continue to marvel at this remarkable fish.
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day* (Third Saturday in October) raises awareness about sloths and the need to protect their habitats. Founded in 2010 by the Colombian non-profit AIUNAU Foundation, the observance celebrates the remarkable biology of these slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammals and highlights the threats they face from deforestation, illegal trade, and irresponsible tourism. The day encourages conservation efforts and public education to ensure sloths continue to thrive in their natural environments.
National Fetch Day
National Fetch Day* (Third Saturday in October) celebrates the game of fetch and the strong connection it builds between dogs and their owners. Established in 2018 by the pet brand Chuckit!, the day highlights how active play supports a dog’s physical health and emotional well-being. It also reminds owners that regular exercise and shared outdoor time are essential parts of responsible pet care. The fall timing makes it ideal for enjoying cooler weather while strengthening the bond between people and their pets.
Be sure to check out all the dog-related national days, weeks, and months we’ve put together for you on one page!
National Mulligan Day
National Mulligan Day celebrates the idea of getting a fresh start or a second chance. The term “mulligan” comes from golf, where it means taking another shot without penalty. Its origin isn’t certain, but many believe it began with Canadian golfer David Mulligan in the 1920s, who once replayed a bad shot and called it a “correction.” Another story credits John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a New Jersey golfer known for his good-natured do-overs. Today, the day reminds people that everyone makes mistakes and that forgiveness, both for ourselves and others, helps us grow and move forward.
National Pay Back a Friend Day
National Pay Back a Friend Day reminds people to repay borrowed money and protect their friendships from financial strain. Founded in 2017 by Bank of America, the day was inspired by the Friends Again Report, which revealed that over half of surveyed adults had ended a friendship because of unpaid debts. The observance promotes responsibility and honesty in financial relationships while highlighting how easy digital payment apps make settling up. It’s a simple reminder that paying back what you owe helps maintain trust, respect, and harmony between friends.
National Pasta Day
National Pasta Day honors one of the world’s most beloved foods—pasta. From spaghetti and penne to lasagna and ravioli, the day invites everyone to enjoy their favorite pasta dishes in all their delicious forms. Food enthusiasts can also look forward to World Pasta Day on October 25, which further honors this popular food.
Check out also the complete list of pasta & noodles national days.
National Playing Card Collection Day
National Playing Card Collection Day celebrates the growing hobby of collecting playing cards as a form of design and craftsmanship. Founded in 2016 by designer Alex Chin, the observance also marks the launch of Portfolio52, a free online database that helps collectors organize and display their decks. The day highlights how playing cards have evolved from simple gaming tools into collectible art pieces—each deck reflecting a theme, story, or artistic vision. Collectors celebrate by sharing their favorite decks online, adding new ones to their shelves, and supporting Chin’s annual limited-edition NPCCD releases that help keep Portfolio52 free for the community.
National Sweetest Day
National Sweetest Day* (Third Saturday in October) is about showing kindness and appreciation to others. The day encourages people to do something thoughtful for friends, family members, neighbors, or anyone who could use a little joy. It began in the early 20th century in the American Midwest as a way to bring happiness to those who were often forgotten, such as children in orphanages or people in hospitals. Today, it continues to promote the simple idea that small acts of kindness—like giving candy, writing a card, or offering help—can make a meaningful difference.
National Whole Hog Barbecue Day
National Whole Hog Barbecue Day* (Third Saturday in October) honors one of the oldest traditions in Southern cooking. The observance recognizes the art of slow-roasting an entire hog over low heat—a practice deeply rooted in the culture of the Carolinas and other parts of the American South. This method, which requires time, patience, and skill, has long served as a centerpiece for community gatherings known as “pig pickin’s.” Established in 2022 by The Pit Authentic Barbecue, the day celebrates both the craftsmanship behind this cooking style and the sense of togetherness it inspires.
Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day
Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day* (Third Saturday in October) celebrates traditional cheeses made from unpasteurized milk and the craftsmanship behind them. Founded in 2015 by the Oldways Cheese Coalition, the observance aims to preserve centuries-old cheesemaking methods that capture the true “taste of place,” or terroir, reflecting local environments and farming traditions. The day also raises awareness about the skill, care, and safety involved in producing these cheeses, supporting farmers and artisans who keep these practices alive despite modern challenges and regulations.
Spreadsheet Day
Spreadsheet Day celebrates the release of VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers, launched on October 17, 1979. Developed by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston for the Apple II, VisiCalc revolutionized the way people organized and analyzed data, replacing paper ledgers with efficient digital tools. The day was founded in 2010 by Debra Dalgleish of Contextures to recognize the spreadsheet’s influence on productivity, business, and everyday life. From VisiCalc’s early grids to today’s Excel and Google Sheets, this innovation remains a cornerstone of modern data management and decision-making.
Wear Something Gaudy Day
Wear Something Gaudy Day is a cheerful reminder that fashion doesn’t always have to be serious. It’s a day to express joy, confidence, and individuality through bold colors, glitter, and clashing patterns. The word “gaudy” describes something showy or extravagant, and this observance turns that idea into a celebration of self-expression. The concept began as a joke in the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company, when the character Larry Dallas suggested such a day for people to wear their flashiest clothes. Over time, the playful idea caught on and became a real observance. Today, it stands for more than just quirky outfits—it’s about embracing the fun side of life, letting go of self-consciousness, and finding joy in being unapologetically yourself.
World Poverty Day
World Poverty Day, formally known as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, highlights the global commitment to end poverty and promote human dignity for all. The day began in 1987, when Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World, gathered over 100,000 people at the Trocadéro in Paris to honor victims of poverty, hunger, and violence. A commemorative stone unveiled that day bore Wresinski’s words: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.” In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
World Trauma Day
World Trauma Day brings attention to the devastating effects of physical and emotional trauma and highlights the life-saving power of quick medical care. Founded in 2011 by the Trauma Association of India in New Delhi, the observance began in response to the alarming rise in road accidents and preventable injuries. The day focuses on trauma prevention, first aid, and emergency preparedness, stressing the importance of the “golden hour”—the first 60 minutes after an injury, when prompt treatment can make the difference between life and death. Supported by global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), World Trauma Day encourages everyone to learn basic first aid, promote road safety, and show compassion toward survivors rebuilding their lives.
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