October 5 National Days

October 5 is the 278th day of the year (279th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 87 days until the year’s end. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday in the 40th week.

The date features 17 national and international observances that range from lighthearted celebrations of food and pop culture to meaningful awareness campaigns. Key themes of the day include education, marked by World Teachers’ Day, health advocacy, highlighted by World Meningitis Day, and culture and entertainment, celebrated through Global James Bond Day and Chic Spy Day.

Below is a list of all national and international days observed on October 5, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 5

Change a Light Day* (First Sunday in October) was established in 2005 by the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, which urged Governor Ernie Fletcher and the First Lady to promote replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives. Early observances involved students and groups like Energy Star to raise awareness. The day emphasizes how a simple switch in lighting can lower energy use, reduce household expenses, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Charge Your Car Day, founded by the vehicle charging company CTEK, is observed annually on October 5 to remind drivers about the importance of car battery care. The 12-volt starter battery powers essential systems in nearly every vehicle, yet it is often neglected until problems arise. Regular charging and maintenance can extend a battery’s life by several years, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and save money on repairs. The day encourages drivers to build habits that keep their cars reliable and ready to go, underscoring how small steps in maintenance can prevent major inconveniences.

Chic Spy Day was launched in 2015 by Mignon Gould, creator of The Chic Spy website, to honor the timeless style of fictional spies. The date marks the 1962 release of Dr. No, the first James Bond movie, which introduced Sean Connery’s sleek portrayal of 007. The day celebrates the way spy characters combine fashion, charm, and intrigue, and it falls on the same day as Global James Bond Day.

Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day celebrates the welcoming atmosphere of inns and B&Bs, where guests enjoy personal hospitality, home-style comfort, and a relaxed pace compared to larger hotels. Although the observance is fairly new, it reflects a long tradition of offering travelers a cozy place to stay and a hearty breakfast. The day invites people to appreciate these unique getaways that provide a more personal travel experience and a closer connection to local communities.

Global James Bond Day was introduced in 2012 by EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. No (1962), the first James Bond film. The day recognizes the worldwide influence of Ian Fleming’s character, whose stories have shaped spy fiction and blockbuster cinema. Celebrations often include film marathons, exhibitions of Bond memorabilia, and music tributes, reflecting the franchise’s lasting mark on popular culture.

International Day of No Prostitution (IDNP) began in 2002 with events in the San Francisco Bay Area and Melbourne, Australia. Created by advocacy groups, the day raises awareness about human trafficking and exploitation linked to prostitution. Activities often include discussions, vigils, and debates organized by groups such as the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. Supporters call for stronger protections for vulnerable populations and ongoing attention to the social, legal, and human rights issues tied to commercial sex.

National Above the Bus Day, created in 2021 by Evan Wildstein, is about giving others the recognition they deserve. It encourages people to notice and celebrate both everyday kindness and big accomplishments, showing appreciation through a message, a post, or even a simple thank you. By taking a moment to lift others “above the bus,” the day reminds us that sharing praise not only makes someone feel valued but also helps create stronger, more caring communities.

National Apple Betty Day honors the classic American dessert better known as the Brown Betty. Made by layering sliced apples with sweetened, buttered bread crumbs, it became a favorite way to use everyday ingredients and highlight autumn apples. The dish was first mentioned in print in 1864, and some stories suggest it was named after a cook called Betty.

National Do Something Nice Day encourages people to brighten the lives of others through thoughtful and generous actions. The holiday’s origins are uncertain, but it belongs to a family of observances that promote kindness, such as Random Acts of Kindness Day in February and National Say Something Nice Day in June. While the date may differ, the message remains clear: small gestures—like holding a door, offering encouragement, or helping a neighbor—create ripples of positivity that strengthen communities.

National Get Funky Day was founded in 2017 by Funkytown Fitness in St. Augustine, Florida. The idea grew out of the community spirit that followed Hurricane Matthew in 2016, when neighbors came together to support one another and uplift spirits. The day invites people to step outside routine, embrace playful expression, and spread joy through music, dance, and color.

National Get Out N Drive Day* (First Sunday in October), created in 2020 by Joann Meyer of the Get Out N Drive Podcast, invites Americans to embrace the joy of the open road. Family outings, road trips with friends, and solo drives filled with music all reflect how driving shapes milestones like first licenses and memorable vacations. The day serves as a reminder that time spent behind the wheel offers more than transportation—it creates freedom, connection, and lasting memories.

National GOE Day* (Sunday of the first full weekend in October), established in 2015 by the My CARE Initiative, supports survivors of trauma and abuse by promoting healing, resilience, and community through art. The acronym “GOE” stands for Growth, Overcome, Empower, reflecting the day’s mission to inspire strength and hope. The observance encourages participation from artists, museums, and libraries, offering creative outlets that foster connection, education, and empowerment for those on the journey of recovery.

National Kiss a Wrestler Day is a lighthearted, internet-inspired holiday with unclear origins. Some link it to a short-lived 2000 collaboration between the rock band KISS and World Championship Wrestling, when a performer called The Demon appeared in full KISS-style makeup. While the connection remains speculative, the observance has taken on a playful meaning for fans, serving as a chance to celebrate the athleticism, showmanship, and over-the-top personalities that make professional wrestling a defining part of American sports entertainment.

National Military Podcast Day was established in 2021 by Marine veterans Shane Cunningham and Nick Nickerson, founders of Broken Jarhead, LLC and The Broken Podcast. The observance underscores the value of podcasts as a supportive space where veterans can discuss mental health, substance use, and other challenges without stigma. Timed with the annual Veteran Podcast Awards, it recognizes the voices and stories of service members while promoting open dialogue, healing, and community among veterans.

National Rhode Island Day was established in 2017 to honor the 13th state to join the Union. Rhode Island holds a distinctive place in U.S. history: founded by Roger Williams as a refuge for religious freedom and the separation of church and state, it later became the first colony to renounce loyalty to King George III in May 1776—two months before the Declaration of Independence. Yet, in a striking contrast, Rhode Island was also the last of the original colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution, finally doing so on May 29, 1790.

World Meningitis Day was established in 2009 by groups including the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO) and the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) to raise global awareness of this serious disease. Originally held in April, it later moved to October to increase participation. The day emphasizes recognizing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck, as well as the critical role of vaccines in prevention. Backed by the World Health Organization, it supports the worldwide goal of defeating meningitis by 2030 through prevention, faster diagnosis, and better access to care.

World Teachers’ Day was created by UNESCO in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. It highlights the essential role teachers play in shaping societies by promoting literacy, critical thinking, and equal access to education. Schools and communities use the day to honor educators’ contributions, address challenges such as teacher shortages and working conditions, and advocate for stronger support of the teaching profession worldwide.

National Days in October

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