October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 61 days remaining until the end of the year. Falling on a Thursday in the 44th week, October 31 is most widely known as Halloween, but it’s also filled with 9 national and international celebrations. From encouraging literacy and promoting savings to honoring magic and caramel apples, this day has much more than just costumes and candy to offer.
Here’s a closer look at the special days happening on October 31, each with a brief explanation.
Books For Treats Day: This non-profit movement encourages people to give gently read children’s books instead of candy on Halloween. Books feed children’s minds, inspiring them to read and explore new worlds, while also creating opportunities for parents to engage in reading with their kids. This special treat offers a lasting gift that encourages literacy and imagination.
Explore the complete list of bookish celebrations.
Girl Scout Founder’s Day: Celebrating the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low, born on October 31, 1860, this day honors the founder of the Girl Scouts in the U.S. Low’s dedication to youth empowerment and leadership has inspired generations of girls through the organization she started in 1912. Girl Scout Founder’s Day recognizes her legacy and the ongoing impact of Girl Scouts around the world.
Halloween: A day known for costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky celebrations, Halloween is rooted in ancient traditions marking the end of the harvest and the coming of winter. Today, it’s one of the most widely celebrated holidays in many countries, filled with fun, creativity, and a dash of fright!
Magic Day: This day commemorates the legendary magician Harry Houdini, who passed away on October 31, 1926. Houdini was known for his escape acts and showmanship, and his legacy continues to influence modern-day magic. National Magic Day honors both Houdini’s life and the art of magic itself.
National Caramel Apple Day: This day celebrates the delicious fall tradition of caramel apples, a beloved treat often associated with Halloween festivities. Whether enjoyed at a fair, carnival, or made at home, caramel apples bring a sense of nostalgia and sweetness to the season. The National Confectioner’s Association founded this day to highlight this time-honored favorite.
National Doorbell Day: Recognizing the humble doorbell, this day highlights the countless rings that echo throughout neighborhoods, especially on Halloween. Doorbell chimes alert us to visitors, whether trick-or-treaters or friends, making October 31 the busiest day for doorbells across the country.
National Knock Knock Joke Day: Get ready for a day of laughter and light-hearted fun! National Knock Knock Joke Day is a celebration of the classic, simple jokes that bring smiles to people of all ages. It’s the perfect way to add some humor to Halloween.
World Cities Day: First celebrated in 2014, this United Nations observance promotes awareness of sustainable urbanization. Each year, a different host city is selected to focus on improving cities globally, making them more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous places for everyone.
World Savings Day: Also known as World Thrift Day, this day was established in 1924 to promote the importance of saving money. Encouraging financial responsibility, the day emphasizes how savings can benefit both individuals and the economy. It’s a reminder of the value of thrift in securing a stable future.
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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
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➡️  Complete list of all November National Days, Weeks and Months
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➡️  Curious to see more national and international celebrations? We have dozens of national days lists curated for you!
