October 2 National Days

October 2 is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 90 days left until the close of the year. In 2025 it falls on a Thursday in the 40th week, bringing 14 national and international celebrations that span health, history, and culture.

Among the most widely engaging observances are the International Day of Non-Violence, honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and his enduring philosophy of peaceful resistance; World No Alcohol Day, which raises awareness of alcohol-related harm and encourages a sober lifestyle, even if just for one day; and National Smarties Day, celebrating both a beloved candy and its founder’s inspiring story.

Below is a list of all 14 national and international days taking place on October 2, each with a brief explanation.

National and International Days on October 2

Audiophile Day, founded in 2016, celebrates the pursuit of high-fidelity sound and the art of attentive listening. Recognized in Chase’s Calendar of Events, the day honors the global community of audiophiles who value both the music and the craftsmanship of the equipment that reproduces it—turntables, amplifiers, headphones, speakers, and digital converters. Hi-Fi (“high fidelity”) refers to sound reproduction that aims to match the original recording as closely as possible, a standard that has driven decades of innovation in audio technology. The observance invites enthusiasts to share knowledge, test their setups, and reflect on how dedicated listening enriches the experience of music and connects people worldwide through the universal language of sound.

We have a dedicated list of all music-related national days that you might enjoy.

Batik Day was inaugurated in 2009, the same year UNESCO recognized Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This observance celebrates the centuries-old wax-resist dyeing method that creates intricate, layered designs. Each region—such as Yogyakarta, Solo, Pekalongan, and Cirebon—developed its own motifs, carrying unique symbolism and meaning. Beyond being a textile, batik represents identity, philosophy, and tradition, worn for ceremonies, official occasions, and daily life.

Bring Your Bible to School Day* (First Thursday in October) was founded in 2014 by the Christian organization Focus on the Family to affirm religious freedom and encourage young people to engage openly with Scripture. It underscores students’ First Amendment rights in the United States, showing that bringing a Bible or discussing faith in school is protected as long as classroom instruction is not disrupted. The day encourages both personal expression and community through prayer circles, youth group events, and social media campaigns using #BringYourBible.

Canine Companion Day, founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and animal advocate Colleen Paige, celebrates the bond between humans and dogs. Paige, inspired by her connection with rescue dogs, created the day to promote adoption and recognize dogs as true family members. Beyond wagging tails and playful barks, dogs offer comfort, loyalty, and even healing—whether they accompany us on adventures or simply rest quietly at our side. Today, the observance is embraced worldwide by pet owners, trainers, and animal welfare groups as a reminder to honor the companionship and joy that dogs bring into our lives.

International Day of Non-Violence marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of peaceful resistance transformed modern history. Established by the United Nations in 2007 following India’s proposal, the day underscores the global importance of nonviolence as a force for justice, compassion, and social change. It honors Gandhi’s legacy while urging societies to choose dialogue and empathy over conflict in both political struggles and everyday life. Around the world, the observance includes peace marches, educational programs, conflict-resolution workshops, and awareness campaigns that share stories of positive change, emphasizing that nonviolence is an active path to a more just and humane world.

National Custodian Day / National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day honors the essential work of custodial staff who maintain clean, safe, and functional environments in schools, hospitals, workplaces, and public spaces. The observance began gaining attention in the early 2000s through grassroots appreciation efforts and was later supported by groups such as the International Custodial Workers Association, established in 1969. This day highlights custodians’ vital role in protecting public health, a responsibility that became especially visible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities are encouraged to show gratitude—through personal thanks, workplace recognition, or public acknowledgment—reminding us that hygienic and well-kept surroundings rely on the dedication of these often overlooked professionals.

National Fried Scallops Day opens National Seafood Month by celebrating one of the ocean’s most prized delicacies. Scallops belong to the Pectinidae family and are valued worldwide for their tender texture, subtly sweet flavor, and fan-shaped shells that have long symbolized beauty and abundance. Although the exact origins of this food holiday are unknown, it highlights a favorite preparation method—frying scallops until golden, whether breaded, battered, or pan-seared. The day invites seafood lovers to try new recipes, learn about sustainable sourcing and appreciate both bay scallops and sea scallops.

National Name Your Car Day invites drivers to give their vehicles names and see them as more than just machines. The origins of the day are uncertain, but it gained popularity through car enthusiast groups, lifestyle blogs, and social media where people shared the stories behind their car names. Naming a car often draws on its color, style, or personality—examples include “Rusty,” “Black Beauty,” or “Betty the Beetle.” This playful tradition transforms an everyday object into a trusted companion, reminding us that cars carry not only passengers but also memories of daily life and milestone moments.

National Poetry Day 🇬🇧* (First Thursday in October) began in 1994, founded by publisher and philanthropist William Sieghart with the aim of making poetry accessible and woven into daily life. The event is coordinated by the Forward Arts Foundation, also known for organizing the Forward Prizes for Poetry. Millions across the United Kingdom take part through readings, workshops, broadcasts, and community gatherings. With poems shared in classrooms, libraries, public spaces, and even train stations, the day highlights that poetry is not confined to academia but belongs to everyone.

National Produce Misting Day highlights the essential technology that keeps supermarket fruits and vegetables fresh and visually appealing. Created by Prodew Inc., a company specializing in misting and humidity control systems, the observance emphasizes how proper hydration helps maintain crispness, slow spoilage, and reduce food waste. The day reminds us that behind-the-scenes innovations in grocery stores play a vital role in preserving both quality and nutrition.

National Report Long-Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day was established in 2017 by Joel D. Hesch, a former Department of Justice attorney who helped recover over $1.5 billion in Medicare fraud cases. The observance draws attention to fraud in Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACHs), which serve patients needing extended hospital stays. Common abuses include overbilling Medicare, falsifying the length of patient stays, and performing unnecessary procedures—practices that waste public funds and endanger patients. The day encourages whistleblowers by providing resources and legal support, promotes accountability in healthcare, and stresses the need to safeguard both patient safety and taxpayer trust.

National Smarties Day, first celebrated in 2022, takes place each year on October 2 to honor the enduring popularity of Smarties candy and the values it represents. The day highlights themes of curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning—qualities symbolized by the colorful rolls enjoyed across generations. Today, Smarties Candy Company remains a family-run business led by Edward Dee’s granddaughters, producing billions of Smarties rolls each year in facilities in the United States and Canada.

World Farm Animals Day, founded in 1983 by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), highlights the suffering of billions of animals in industrial agriculture and urges greater compassion in food production and consumption. The date marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, whose principle of ahimsa (nonviolence) calls for respect toward all living beings. The day is observed globally through vigils, marches, educational events, and plant-based initiatives, encouraging people to support humane farming and adopt more sustainable diets.

🥗 See also our complete list of vegan & vegetarian themed national days.

World No Alcohol Day was created in 2008, initiated by India and later endorsed by Southeast Asian nations and the World Health Organization. The date aligns with Gandhi Jayanti, a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s values of non-violence and abstinence. The day highlights the health, social, and economic harms linked to alcohol, promotes even one day of sobriety as a step toward better well-being, and supports people in recovery.

🖨️ This observance is an opportunity to participate in a no-alcohol challenge. You can use my 23 free sobriety trackers and discover 13 other national sobriety-themed days that can motivate and strengthen your journey.

National Days in October

October 1 | October 2 | October 3 | October 4 | October 5 | October 6 | October 7 | October 8 | October 9 | October 10 | October 11 | October 12 | October 13 | October 14 | October 15 | October 16 | October 17 | October 18 | October 19 | October 20 | October 21 | October 22 | October 23 | October 24 | October 25 | October 26 | October 27 | October 28 | October 29 | October 30 | October 31