October 18 National Days 

October 18, 2025, is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 74 days until the year’s end. Falling on a Saturday in the 42nd week, the date combines meaningful health awareness themes with comforting food and fun lifestyle observances.

World Menopause Day encourages open discussion and education about women’s health; International Legging Day celebrates comfort and confidence in modern fashion; National Chocolate Cupcake Day adds sweetness to the season; and National Mashed Potato Day honors one of the most beloved comfort foods.

Below is a list of 18 national and international days taking place on October 18, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 18

Alaska Day commemorates the 1867 transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. The historic ceremony took place in Sitka, where the Russian flag was lowered and the U.S. flag was raised at Castle Hill, marking the formal handover of the territory. The United States purchased Alaska for $7.2 million, a deal often mocked at the time as “Seward’s Folly” after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the treaty. Fifty years later, in 1917, Alaska’s territorial legislature established Alaska Day as an official holiday to honor this pivotal moment in the state’s history.

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.

International Legging Day celebrates one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing in modern fashion. First introduced in 2016 by the activewear brand Terez, the observance was later expanded into an international celebration in 2019 by Fabletics, co-founded by actress Kate Hudson. Originally designed for soldiers and dancers, they evolved into a global fashion essential that combines practicality, style, and ease of movement.

International Repair Day* (Third Saturday in October) promotes the culture of fixing and reusing rather than discarding. Established in 2017 by the Open Repair Alliance, the day highlights the global Right to Repair movement, which calls for better access to repair information, spare parts, and durable product design. Each year’s theme sheds light on different aspects of sustainability—from linking repair to climate action in 2019 to focusing on software obsolescence in 2025, when many devices become unusable due to discontinued updates. The observance encourages individuals and communities to extend the life of their belongings through initiatives like Repair Cafés and Restart Parties, reducing waste, saving money, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.

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 Chocolate Cupcake Day honors one of the most popular individual desserts in American baking. This day celebrates the classic chocolate cupcake known for its rich flavor, soft texture, and creamy frosting that has delighted generations at birthdays, parties, and everyday moments alike.

Explore the complete list of 75+ chocolate-related national days.

National Exascale Day recognizes the remarkable progress of supercomputing and the experts who make it possible. The date itself—10/18—symbolizes 10¹⁸, or one quintillion, which represents the immense speed of exascale computers capable of performing a quintillion calculations every second. Established in 2019 by Cray, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, together with the U.S. Department of Energy, this observance highlights how advanced computing drives innovation in science and technology. Exascale systems help researchers address major global challenges, from developing new medicines and improving energy efficiency to understanding climate change and strengthening national security.

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 Mashed Potato Day celebrates a dish so familiar it hardly needs an introduction. Mashed potatoes have earned their place as a global comfort food, enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike. The day, possibly established by the Idaho Potato Commission, encourages people to enjoy it in any form—from the classic buttery kind to creative versions with garlic, herbs, or cheese. More than anything, it’s a reminder that simple foods often bring the greatest comfort.

National Necktie Day, also called International Necktie Day or Cravat Day, honors the necktie as both a fashion accessory and a symbol of Croatian heritage. The tradition dates back to the 1600s, when Croatian soldiers in France wore knotted scarves that caught the attention of the French, who called them “cravats” after the word Croate (Croat). The style became popular among the French nobility thanks to King Louis XIV and later spread across Europe. Today, Croatia celebrates this legacy officially each year on October 18—a date established by its Parliament in 2008 to recognize the necktie’s Croatian origins and cultural significance.

National No Beard Day is a lighthearted yet purposeful reminder that personal style can take many forms. It encourages people to set aside the growing popularity of beards for a day and experience the clean-shaven look instead. The observance also aligns with a practical goal—it takes place two weeks before Movember and No-Shave November, giving participants a fresh starting point for these global campaigns that raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day encourages people to stand up and speak out for those affected by sexual abuse. It promotes education and awareness, while urging communities to support survivors and work toward ending abuse.

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* (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.

Rakija Day* (October 18 but sometimes changes) honors one of the most traditional and culturally significant drinks of the Balkans. Rakija is a strong fruit brandy made from fermented fruits like plums, grapes, or apricots, and it holds an important place across countries such as Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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.

World Okapi Day raises awareness about the endangered okapi, a unique animal found only in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Often called the “forest giraffe,” the okapi is the giraffe’s closest living relative, recognizable by its velvety dark coat and zebra-like stripes. Established by the Okapi Conservation Project, the day highlights the importance of protecting both the species and its fragile rainforest habitat. Conservation efforts focus on stopping poaching and deforestation while supporting local communities through education and sustainable livelihoods, showing how protecting the okapi also helps preserve one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.

World Menopause Day raises awareness about menopause as a natural stage in every woman’s life and promotes understanding of the physical and emotional changes it brings. Established in 2009 by the International Menopause Society and the World Health Organization, the day highlights the importance of education, open discussion, and access to care. The observance encourages women to seek reliable information and support to maintain long-term health and well-being during and after this transition.

National Days in October

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