September 20 National Days

September 20 is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years), leaving 102 days until the year’s end.

September 20 is one of the busiest dates of the year for observances, with a whopping 26 national and international celebrations.

National Days on September 20th — September 20 National Days

The day highlights everything from global initiatives like International Coastal Cleanup Day and World Paella Day, to pop-culture favorites such as Batman Day and food-centric celebrations including National Pepperoni Pizza Day, National Fried Rice Day, and National Queso Day.

Here’s a closer look at the 26 national and international days celebrated on September 20.

National and International Days on September 20

🦇 Batman Day* (Third Saturday in September) honors one of the most enduring and influential superheroes in popular culture. First celebrated on July 23, 2014, during San Diego Comic-Con, the day was launched by DC Comics and Warner Bros. to mark the 75th anniversary of Batman’s debut in Detective Comics #27 (1939). It was later standardized to the third Saturday in September, where it continues today. Fans worldwide celebrate the “Caped Crusader” through comic book readings, cosplay, film screenings, and charity events. Beyond entertainment, Batman Day highlights the character’s cultural legacy as a symbol of resilience, justice, and the power of human determination without superpowers.

Batman Day

🐟 Big Whopper Liar Day* (Third Saturday in September) began in 1988 in New Harmony, Indiana, when local realtor Aubry Robison Jr. launched a community storytelling contest. The goal was simple: invite people to create the most outrageous, unbelievable tall tales possible, sparking laughter and camaraderie. The word “whopper” has long been used to describe an extravagant lie, with origins dating back to the 17th century, and Robison used this playful tradition to bring his community together. The event quickly became an annual gathering that celebrates the art of storytelling, the humor in exaggeration, and the joy of not taking oneself too seriously.

👧👦 Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids* (Third Saturday in September) was founded in 2001 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to strengthen bonds between children and adults through quality time and positive engagement. The day features activities, workshops, and community events that encourage healthy lifestyles, academic growth, and strong character development. It underscores the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs to provide safe spaces and mentorship for young people, especially in underserved communities. The observance serves as a reminder that investing in children today creates healthier, more successful generations tomorrow.

🏝️ International Coastal Cleanup Day* (Third Saturday in September): Founded in 1986 by Ocean Conservancy staff Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara, International Coastal Cleanup Day began with 2,800 volunteers cleaning Texas beaches while documenting the debris collected. That data-driven approach made it more than a cleanup—it became the world’s largest citizen-science effort focused on marine litter. Today, millions in over 100 countries participate annually, removing trash, recording findings, and influencing policies to curb plastic pollution. The observance underscores how individual action contributes to global ocean health and biodiversity.

🍎 International Eat an Apple Day* (Third Saturday in September) is a global celebration of apples. Apples originated in Central Asia and spread along trade routes to Europe and beyond, becoming one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world. This day, observed on the third Saturday in September, encourages people to enjoy apples in their many forms—fresh, baked, or pressed into cider—and to appreciate their health benefits, such as fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. The celebration also highlights apples in folklore and tradition, from their role in Greek mythology to the proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Unlike the UK’s National Apple Day on October 21, founded in 1990 by Common Ground to spotlight local varieties, this international version emphasizes the fruit’s universal significance.

⛹️‍♀️ International Day of University Sport (IDUS): Endorsed by UNESCO in 2015, the International Day of University Sport falls on September 20 to honor the role of sports in higher education. The date connects to the first Student World Championships in Warsaw in 1924 and the academic year’s beginning in many countries. Coordinated by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the day promotes physical activity, social inclusion, and healthy lifestyles among students, while strengthening the ties between universities and their local communities through sporting events.

🛑 International Red Panda Day* (Third Saturday in September)

Launched in 2010 by the Red Panda Network, this observance draws attention to the critically declining population of red pandas—small mammals native to the Eastern Himalayas. With fewer than 2,500 believed to remain in the wild, red pandas face habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. The day emphasizes conservation education and community engagement, especially in Nepal and India, to protect red panda habitats and their ecosystems. Red pandas play a vital role in maintaining the health of Himalayan forests, making their survival crucial for biodiversity.

📍 Locate an Old Friend Day* (Third Saturday in September): Created in 1965 by C.J. Mullen, this day encourages people to pause from busy routines and reconnect with friends from the past. It’s a reminder that friendships enrich life, and rekindling old bonds can strengthen emotional well-being. The day promotes writing letters, making calls, or using modern tools like social media to find and reach out to long-lost friends. At its heart, Locate an Old Friend Day is about cherishing shared memories and renewing the connections that bring joy and a sense of belonging.

👶 National Care for Kids Day was launched in 2021 by the Designetics Cares Foundation to draw attention to children’s needs, especially those in underserved communities. Observed annually on September 20, the day calls on individuals and organizations to support initiatives that address childhood poverty, education, health care, and safety. It emphasizes the idea that even small actions—volunteering, donating, mentoring—can contribute to lasting improvements in children’s lives. The observance also encourages collective responsibility, reminding us that a community’s future is shaped by how it nurtures its youngest members.

🧹 National CleanUp Day* (Third Saturday in September) began in 2017, founded by Steve Jewett and Bill Willoughby, hikers who grew frustrated by litter along their trails. What started as a personal initiative evolved into a nationwide effort through the non-profit Clean Trails. The observance encourages individuals, schools, and organizations to participate in community cleanups of parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. The day emphasizes the idea that if everyone picked up just one piece of trash, it would create a significant impact. Today, it is part of the World CleanUp Day movement, highlighting environmental responsibility and the collective power of small actions.

🕵️‍♂️ National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day: Established in 2021 by the Florida Crime & Intelligence Analyst Association (FCIAA), this day honors professionals who work behind the scenes to support law enforcement. Crime and intelligence analysts sift through data, identify patterns, and provide crucial insights that help prevent crime, solve cases, and keep communities safe. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is foundational to public safety. By dedicating a day to them, the observance ensures recognition of their expertise and dedication.

💃 National Dance Day* (Third Saturday in September): Created in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of So You Think You Can Dance, in partnership with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, this day celebrates dance as both art and exercise. Backed by the American Dance Movement, the initiative spotlights the benefits of dance for physical health, mental well-being, and self-expression. Communities across the United States host workshops, flash mobs, and performances, inviting people of all ages and abilities to embrace movement. Dance is recognized not only as creative expression but also as an accessible way to build healthier lifestyles.

🍚 National Fried Rice Day: Founded in 2018 by the restaurant chain Benihana, National Fried Rice Day honors the global popularity of this versatile dish. The inaugural event featured a Guinness World Record attempt, with chefs cooking fried rice for over 42 hours and donating the food to charities like Feeding America. Fried rice originated in China over 1,000 years ago as a way to use leftover rice and ingredients, but today it has countless regional and cultural variations worldwide. The observance highlights fried rice as both comfort food and a culinary tradition that crosses cultures.

National Fried Rice Day

🤸 National Gymnastics Day* (Third Saturday in September): Launched in the late 1990s by USA Gymnastics, this observance promotes participation in gymnastics and raises awareness of its many benefits. Gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, balance, and discipline, making it a foundation for lifelong fitness. Local clubs and organizations mark the day with open houses, demonstrations, and community events, encouraging children and adults to try the sport. Beyond athletic performance, gymnastics fosters confidence, focus, and teamwork, showing its value far beyond competition.

💊 National Multivitamin Day* (Third Saturday in September): Established in 2024 by GNC, this day highlights the role of multivitamins in complementing a healthy diet and lifestyle. While food should remain the primary source of nutrients, multivitamins can help address dietary gaps and support immunity, energy, and mental clarity. The observance educates consumers about choosing quality supplements and emphasizes that they work best when combined with balanced meals, exercise, and healthy habits. It also reflects a broader cultural interest in preventive health and wellness.

🍕 National Pepperoni Pizza Day celebrates the United States’ favorite pizza topping. Pepperoni became a hallmark of American-style pizza in the early 20th century, particularly with Italian-American communities in cities like New York. Today, pepperoni pizza is the most popular variety nationwide, enjoyed in countless homes, restaurants, and pizzerias. The day often includes promotions and specials, but it also offers a chance to reflect on the blending of immigrant culinary traditions that shaped iconic American foods.

National Pizza Days

🍷 National Punch Day pays tribute to the centuries-old beverage originally developed in British India. The word “punch” comes from the Hindi panch, meaning “five,” a reference to the drink’s five traditional ingredients: spirits, sugar, citrus, water, and spices. Sailors and traders introduced punch to Europe in the 1600s, and it soon became a fixture at social gatherings in both Europe and the American colonies. Although it declined in popularity during the Victorian era, punch has experienced a modern revival in craft cocktail culture, celebrated today as both nostalgic and innovative.

🐶 National Puppy Mill Awareness Day* (Third Saturday in September): Created in 2004 by animal welfare activists, including Last Chance for Animals, this day shines a spotlight on the cruelty of puppy mills—large-scale breeding operations that often prioritize profit over animal welfare. Dogs in puppy mills are typically kept in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions without proper veterinary care or socialization. The observance urges people to adopt from shelters and rescues rather than buy from pet stores or online, helping to break the cycle of demand that sustains puppy mills. Events across the country include adoption drives, protests, and educational campaigns.

🧵 National Sew a Jelly Roll Day* (Third Saturday in September): Launched in 2017 by Moda Fabrics, National Sew a Jelly Roll Day encourages quilters to use their pre-cut bundles of fabric strips, known as “Jelly Rolls,” instead of letting them sit unused. A Jelly Roll typically contains 40–42 strips, each 2.5 inches wide and 42–44 inches long, perfect for quilts and other sewing projects. Moda coined the term “Jelly Roll” in 2006, and it quickly became popular with quilting enthusiasts. The observance invites people to tap into creativity, connect with quilting traditions, and share handmade items that preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainability through fabric use.

🧀 National String Cheese Day: Established in 2017 by Galbani Cheese, this observance celebrates string cheese, a snack beloved by children and adults alike. The invention of string cheese is credited to Frank Baker of Baker Cheese in Wisconsin, who began selling mozzarella twisted into ropes in 1976 as a fun, convenient snack. Its popularity grew further with individual packaging, making it a staple in school lunches and family picnics. National String Cheese Day recognizes not only its playful, peelable texture but also its nutritional value as a portable, protein-rich food. It’s a day to enjoy a snack that has become part of American food culture.

🧀 National Queso Day celebrates queso, the melted cheese dip beloved in Tex-Mex cuisine. Its origins trace back to Mexican queso fundido, but the version popular in the United States took shape in the early 20th century, with recipes like “chiles verdes con queso” appearing in 1896. By the mid-1900s, restaurants in Texas, such as El Fenix, were serving queso as a signature dish. Its mainstream popularity exploded in the 1960s and 70s thanks to processed cheese brands like Velveeta and Ro-Tel. Today, queso is a cultural staple, enjoyed at parties, restaurants, and sporting events.

💻 NFT Day marks the publication of the ERC-721 standard in 2017 by Dieter Shirley, CTO of Dapper Labs. This technical milestone introduced the term “non-fungible token” and set the foundation for today’s NFT ecosystem. The first official NFT Day was celebrated in 2022, bringing together Web3 companies, creators, and collectors to recognize the growth of blockchain-based digital assets. The day not only honors NFTs as an innovation in art, gaming, and digital ownership but also promotes education about their technology, economic impact, and potential for shaping the future of digital culture.

International NFT Day

🐕 Responsible Dog Ownership Day* (Third Saturday in September): Launched in 2003 by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Responsible Dog Ownership Day is part of a larger campaign to promote healthy and respectful relationships between people and their pets. The day features events hosted by AKC clubs across the U.S., including dog training demonstrations, health clinics, and educational sessions. Observed on the third Saturday in September, it aligns with Responsible Dog Ownership Month and encourages owners to commit to proper care, training, and community etiquette. The observance underscores that owning a dog is a lifelong responsibility involving compassion, time, and effort.

🖥️ Software Freedom Day (SFD)* (Third Saturday in September): First organized in 2004 by Matt Oquist, Henrik Omma, and Phil Harper, and now coordinated by the Digital Freedom Foundation, Software Freedom Day promotes awareness and use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Originally held in August, it was moved in 2006 to the third Saturday of September to foster global participation. The day celebrates the freedoms associated with FOSS: the right to run, study, modify, and share software. Local events around the world—workshops, conferences, and coding sessions—highlight how open-source technologies support innovation, education, and digital equity.

🧬 Usher Syndrome Awareness Day* (Third Saturday in September): Established in 2015 by the Usher Syndrome Coalition. This day raises awareness of Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes combined hearing loss and progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. The date—on or near the autumnal equinox—was chosen symbolically, as the shift toward longer nights reflects the gradual vision loss experienced by people with the condition. The day emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, research funding, and community support. It also builds solidarity among families and individuals affected by Usher syndrome while advocating for treatments and eventual cures.

🥘 World Paella Day honors one of Spain’s most iconic dishes, originating from Valencia. The date aligns with the rice harvest season, reinforcing the dish’s agricultural roots. Established by the Valencia tourism board, the celebration invites people worldwide to cook, share, and enjoy paella in its many varieties—from traditional Valencian recipes with rabbit and snails to seafood-rich coastal versions. Beyond its culinary appeal, paella represents community and togetherness, as it is traditionally cooked in large pans and shared among family and friends.