October 26 National Days

October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 66 days remaining until the end of the year. Falling on a Sunday in 2025, the date combines heartfelt family tributes with festive seasonal themes.

National Mother-in-Law Day honors the important role mothers-in-law play within families, while National Pumpkin Day celebrates one of autumn’s most beloved symbols. Alongside these, 14 other national and international observances highlight causes related to health, history, and community awareness.

Below is a list of all national days observed on October 26, each briefly explained.

National & International Days on October 26

Howl At The Moon Day celebrates both the playful and meaningful sides of human connection with wolves. Founded in 2009 by author and animator Johnny DePalma, the observance began as a humorous social media experiment called The Planet Wide Moon Howl Event. Over time, it evolved into a recognized day that encourages people to appreciate the mystery of the moon, the beauty of wild nature, and the importance of wolf conservation. The observance reminds us that wolves howl not at the moon itself but as a way to communicate with their pack — a behavior that symbolizes unity and belonging.

Intersex Awareness Day raises awareness about the experiences and rights of intersex people—individuals born with physical traits that do not fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. The day highlights the importance of bodily autonomy, informed consent, and respect for human diversity. It also calls attention to the medical and social challenges intersex people face, including unnecessary surgeries performed without consent and widespread stigma or discrimination. The observance began in 1996, marking the first public intersex demonstration in the United States, organized by the Intersex Society of North America outside the American Academy of Pediatrics conference in Boston.

National Chicken Fried Steak Day honors one of America’s most comforting and distinctly Southern dishes. Despite its name, chicken-fried steak contains no chicken — it’s made from a tenderized cut of beef, usually cube steak, that’s coated in seasoned flour and fried until crisp, much like fried chicken. The dish traces its roots to German and Austrian immigrants who brought recipes for breaded meat cutlets such as schnitzel to the American South in the 19th century. Over time, it evolved into a hearty staple of Southern cuisine, typically served with creamy white gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

National Day of the Deployed honors members of the United States Armed Forces who serve away from home, recognizing both their courage and the sacrifices made by their families. The observance began in 2006 when Shelle Michaeles Aberle from North Dakota proposed the idea to honor her cousin, Lieutenant Colonel David Hosna, who was deployed to Iraq. Her initiative led to statewide recognition and, in 2011, the U.S. Senate officially designated the day to acknowledge the dedication, resilience, and service of deployed military personnel around the world.

National Financial Crime Fighter Day honors the professionals who safeguard the global financial system from crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and terrorist financing. Established in 2018 by Abrigo, a company specializing in risk management solutions for financial institutions. Financial crime fighters—often Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) specialists—analyze transactions, detect suspicious activity, and ensure compliance with complex regulations that keep financial networks secure. Their work helps prevent the flow of illegal funds and supports the stability and integrity of the financial system.

National Jamaican Jerk Day* (Fourth Sunday of October) celebrates a famous cooking style from Jamaica known as “jerk.” Jerk refers to both the spicy seasoning and the method of slow-grilling meat over pimento wood. The technique began with the Jamaican Maroons—descendants of Africans who escaped slavery—who mixed African and Indigenous Taino cooking traditions to preserve food in the mountains. Over time, this method developed into a bold, smoky, and flavorful cuisine centered on ingredients like allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme.

National Microneedling Day raises awareness about micro-needling, a cosmetic procedure that encourages the skin to renew itself naturally. The observance was founded in 2020 by Aesthetics Biomedical®, the company behind the Vivace® Microneedling treatment, to educate the public and recognize professionals in the field. Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin’s surface. These tiny “micro-injuries” stimulate the body’s healing response, leading to new collagen and elastin production—key proteins that keep the skin firm and smooth. The method can improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven texture, offering a minimally invasive path to healthier-looking skin.

National Mother-in-Law Day* (Fourth Sunday in October) honors the mothers of one’s spouse and recognizes the special place they hold within families. The observance began in 1934 when Gene Howe, editor of the Amarillo Globe-News in Texas, created it to make amends after publishing a joke that offended his own mother-in-law. What started as a personal gesture of apology became a broader reminder to appreciate family ties and the guidance, wisdom, and support that mothers-in-law often provide. In the 1970s, the American Society of Florists adopted the idea and set the date for the last Sunday in October, helping the day gain national recognition.

National Mincemeat Day honors a traditional pie filling. Mincemeat began in medieval England as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration. Early recipes blended minced meat, suet, dried fruits, and spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon—ingredients brought to Europe by returning Crusaders. Over the centuries, the recipe changed, and by the Victorian era it had become a sweet mixture made mostly of fruit, sugar, and spirits like brandy. Today, mincemeat represents a bridge between old preservation methods and modern holiday baking traditions, showing how cultural tastes and cooking practices evolve over time.

National Mule Day honors one of history’s most dependable working animals—the mule, a hybrid born from a male donkey and a female horse. The observance recognizes how mules shaped American life through their strength, endurance, and intelligence. They carried settlers westward, powered farms, hauled military supplies, and helped build major infrastructure like railroads and canals. The day also marks George Washington’s introduction of mule breeding to the United States in 1785, when King Charles III of Spain gifted him a prized donkey known as the “Royal Gift.” Washington used it to establish a breeding program that improved agricultural productivity across the country. The modern form of National Mule Day began in the 1980s, continuing a tradition of mule celebrations that dates back to the 1840s in Columbia, Tennessee—known as the “Mule Capital of the World.”

National Pension Tracing Day 🇬🇧* (Last Sunday in October, UK) raises awareness about unclaimed or forgotten pension funds that people may have accumulated through past jobs. The observance highlights how easy it is to lose track of old pension accounts when moving homes or changing employers, and it encourages everyone to check their records and reclaim what belongs to them. Supported by financial organizations and campaigns such as Pension Attention, the initiative helps people take practical steps toward securing their financial future. It also promotes the UK government’s free Pension Tracing Service, which assists individuals in locating contact details for former pension providers.

National Pumpkin Day honors one of autumn’s most recognizable symbols—the pumpkin. This day highlights the pumpkin’s deep roots in both agriculture and culture. Native to North America, pumpkins were grown by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago as an important food source rich in nutrients. Over time, the pumpkin became woven into harvest traditions, art, and seasonal foods. From its role in early American farming to its modern presence in pies, soups, and decorations, the pumpkin represents abundance, change, and the cozy spirit of fall.

National Tennessee Day honors the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Volunteer State. The observance highlights Tennessee’s role in shaping American music, from the country roots of Nashville to the blues and rock and roll born in Memphis. It also reflects on the state’s nickname, earned during the War of 1812 when Tennesseans volunteered in great numbers for military service. Beyond music and history, the day recognizes Tennessee’s breathtaking landscapes—most notably the Great Smoky Mountains—and its culinary heritage, including barbecue and Nashville hot chicken.

National Tight Ends Day* (Fourth Sunday of October) honors the players who take on one of football’s most demanding positions—tight ends. These athletes must combine the strength of linemen with the agility of receivers, making them key contributors on the field. The day began in 2018 when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo jokingly called it “National Tight Ends Day” after teammate Garrett Celek scored a touchdown. Tight end George Kittle turned the moment into an annual celebration, and by 2019, the NFL officially recognized it.

Visit a Cemetery Day* (Last Sunday in October) encourages people to spend time in cemeteries to honor those who have passed away and to reflect on the history preserved in these quiet spaces. The observance highlights cemeteries as places of remembrance, art, and heritage rather than fear or superstition. Visiting a cemetery offers an opportunity to reconnect with family roots, appreciate historical gravestones, and recognize how these sites tell the story of communities over generations. The day also reminds people that cemeteries serve as peaceful spaces for reflection and respect, especially as autumn marks a natural time of remembrance and change.

World Run Day* (Dates change, October 26 in 2025) was founded in 1999 by American runner and event organizer Bill McDermott, who is also credited as the originator of the virtual run concept. His goal was to unite runners worldwide through a shared celebration of health, community, and charitable giving. Instead of gathering in one place, participants register online and complete their runs wherever they are, donating directly to causes they care about. The event promotes the joy of running while emphasizing that even small, individual efforts—like a simple 5K—can make a meaningful impact when multiplied across the globe.

National Days in October

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