September 27 National Days

September 27 is the 270th day of the year (271st in leap years), with 95 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 27th updated — September 27 National Days

This is another remarkably full date on the calendar, with 23 national and international observances. The themes range from snacking on corn tortillas, enjoying chocolate milk, and celebrating tourism to promoting self-awareness, world rivers, and environmental health. The day also recognizes cultural icons, professional contributions, and global movements for sustainability and well-being.

Here’s a look at the 23 national and international days celebrated on September 27.

National and International Days on September 27

Ancestor Appreciation Day is a day to honor and reflect on the contributions of ancestors. This day encourages people to learn about their family history, preserve genealogical records, and celebrate the traditions and stories passed down through generations.

Astronomy Day* (celebrated twice a year in Autumn and Spring) was founded in 1973 by Doug Berger, president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, to bring astronomy out of observatories and directly to the public. Berger’s idea was simple but transformative: set up telescopes in busy urban locations like parks, shopping centers, and city streets so people could spontaneously look at the Moon, planets, and stars. The first Astronomy Day was held in spring, near the first-quarter moon between mid-April and mid-May, a timing that provided optimal evening views. In 2007, a second autumn celebration was added, scheduled between mid-September and mid-October, also near the first-quarter moon. Since its beginnings in California, the observance has grown into a global tradition, with planetariums, schools, museums, and amateur astronomy clubs inviting the public to explore the night sky. The day promotes education, curiosity, and wonder, reminding people that astronomy belongs to everyone—not just scientists and observatories.

Family Health and Fitness Day* (Last Saturday in September and last Saturday in June) was founded in 1996 by the Health Information Resource Center to encourage families to be active together and adopt healthier lifestyles. The day highlights the importance of shared physical activity as a way to strengthen both health and family bonds. Since 2018, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has also promoted a related initiative under the same name, focusing on the role of parks and recreation in building active, healthy communities.

Fish Amnesty Day* (Fourth Saturday in September) was introduced in 1997 by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to challenge the misconception that fish are insentient and unfeeling. Scientific research has shown that fish experience pain, form memories, and display individual personalities, yet they remain among the most exploited animals through industrial fishing, aquaculture, and experimentation. The observance calls attention to their suffering, encourages compassion toward aquatic life, and promotes plant-based alternatives as part of a broader vision of animal rights that includes the often-overlooked lives beneath the water.

International Lace Day* (Last Saturday in September) was founded in 2015 by Dutch lace maker June Patricia Salmon, who proposed on Facebook that lacemakers worldwide showcase their craft in public to prove that lacemaking was still a living art. The idea quickly spread, with 200 participants from 19 countries joining the inaugural celebration, supported by enthusiasts in Italy and Spain. Lace itself dates back to the early 16th century, with the first pattern books appearing in Europe and the textile soon becoming a symbol of wealth and refinement. Though originally a simple cord used to fasten garments, lace evolved into decorative fabrics treasured in fashion, home décor, and cultural traditions across the world.

Morning Show Hosts Day recognizes the broadcasters who bring a mix of news, interviews, and entertainment into homes at the start of the day. The tradition of morning television began locally with Three to Get Ready in Philadelphia (1950–1952), hosted by Ernie Kovacs, and reached a national audience with NBC’s TODAY on January 14, 1952. Conceived by NBC president Pat Weaver, TODAY blended serious news with lighter lifestyle features, designed as “background noise” for people preparing for work. Its success set the template for rival programs such as ABC’s Good Morning America and CBS’s This Morning. Morning Show Hosts Day honors the personalities who guide viewers through daily routines while shaping one of television’s most enduring formats.

National Alpaca Farm Days* (Last Weekend in September) is an annual event organized by the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) to promote awareness of alpacas and the alpaca industry. On this weekend, farms across North America open their gates to the public, inviting families to meet alpacas up close, learn about their gentle nature, and explore how they are raised and bred. Visitors can feel the softness of alpaca fleece, watch fiber demonstrations, and shop for yarn, clothing, and other alpaca products. First launched nearly two decades ago, the event has grown into a widespread celebration of these unique animals and the communities that care for them, blending education, agriculture, and hands-on experiences. In 2025, the 19th annual National Alpaca Farm Days will take place on September 27–28.

National Bunny Day / International Rabbit Day / World Rabbit Day* (Fourth Saturday in September) was founded in 1998 by The Rabbit Charity in the United Kingdom to raise awareness about the welfare of both domestic and wild rabbits. Although the founding group is no longer active, the observance has spread worldwide through organizations such as the House Rabbit Society in the United States. Events include adoption drives, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns that promote responsible care, discourage neglect, and highlight conservation issues. Rabbits are among the most frequently abandoned and misunderstood pets, and this day emphasizes their special needs, encourages adoption from shelters, and calls attention to protecting wild rabbit populations.

National Bunny Day

National Chocolate Milk Day is celebrated on September 27 to honor the history and enduring popularity of this beloved drink. While the holiday itself was first noted in the United States in 2006, the beverage has a much deeper story. Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs prepared chocolate drinks with water, spices, and sometimes milk, often reserved for nobility. In the late 17th century, Irish physician Sir Hans Sloane encountered a bitter cocoa-and-water drink in Jamaica and mixed it with milk, creating a more palatable version that he brought back to Europe as a medicinal tonic. Over time, chocolate milk shed its medicinal image and became a treat enjoyed worldwide by children and adults alike.

🍫 See all 75+ chocolate-related national days on one page.

National Corned Beef Hash Day celebrates a dish rooted in frugality and tradition. The word “hash” comes from the French hacher, meaning “to chop,” reflecting its origins as a way to stretch leftovers into hearty meals. Irish-American families popularized corned beef hash by reusing corned beef and cabbage from festive dinners, while World War II rationing cemented its place as a practical comfort food when fresh meat was scarce. Though companies like Hormel began canning hash in the mid-20th century, recipes had circulated since the 19th century, making it both a cultural staple and a reminder of resourcefulness in the kitchen.

National Crush a Can Day / National Crush Day promotes recycling and sustainability by encouraging people to crush and recycle aluminum cans. While its exact origins are unclear, the day reflects the broader recycling movement that gained momentum after the first Earth Day in 1970. Aluminum cans are especially significant because they are endlessly recyclable, saving up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new ones. From the invention of canning in the early 1800s to the rise of aluminum soft drink cans in the 20th century, this innovation has transformed food storage and consumer habits. The observance reminds us that small actions, like recycling a single can, contribute to conserving resources and protecting the environment.

National Day of Forgiveness was founded in 2021 by author and motivational speaker Melissa Reese, known as the “Pursuit Guru,” to promote a practical approach to forgiveness. The observance emphasizes that forgiveness is not just a lofty ideal but a realistic practice that supports mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By letting go of toxic emotions, individuals create space for healing, love, and personal growth. Research also links forgiveness to reduced stress, improved heart health, and greater overall resilience. The day serves as a reminder of forgiveness’s transformative power in fostering unity, understanding, and emotional freedom.

📝 Similar observances: Global Forgiveness Day (originally National Forgiveness Day, celebrated on July 7) and International Forgiveness Day (June 26).

National Ghost Hunting Day* (Last Saturday in September) was founded in 2016 by the website Haunted Travels to spark public interest in the paranormal and mark the start of the haunted attractions season. The observance is tied to the annual World’s Largest Ghost Hunt, an international event where paranormal enthusiasts investigate reputedly haunted locations around the globe. Beyond thrill-seeking, many participating groups raise funds for local charities, often animal shelters, combining community support with the exploration of ghost lore.

National Ghost Hunting Day

National Hunting and Fishing Day* (Fourth Saturday in September) was officially established in 1972 after years of grassroots advocacy. The idea originated in the 1960s with Ira Joffe, a Pennsylvania gun shop owner, who wanted to recognize the contributions of hunters and anglers to wildlife conservation. Pennsylvania Governor Raymond Shafer first proclaimed “Outdoor Sportsman’s Day” in 1970, and Senator Thomas McIntyre introduced the resolution in Congress the following year. With unanimous support, President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation on May 2, 1972. The day highlights the essential role of sportsmen in funding conservation programs through licenses and fees, restoring habitats, and protecting endangered species. Celebrated nationwide on the fourth Saturday of September, it promotes outdoor traditions while encouraging responsible stewardship of natural resources.

National Hunting and Fishing Day

National No Excuses Day was founded in Canada by the organization SCENE to encourage people to set aside daily stresses and make time for joy, friendship, and connection. Observed annually on September 27, the day promotes the idea of letting go of excuses and prioritizing meaningful experiences with loved ones. By focusing on fun and shared memories, it serves as a reminder that relationships and well-being are strengthened when people pause from routine obligations to spend time together.

National Public Lands Day (NPLD)* (Fourth Saturday in September) began in 1994 as “Public Lands Appreciation Day,” organized by Times Mirror Magazine and coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). What started with 700 volunteers and a single federal agency has grown into the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States. Each year, hundreds of thousands of participants join projects such as litter cleanup, tree planting, and habitat restoration, supporting conservation and stewardship nationwide. NPLD is also recognized as a Fee-Free Day, when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other federally managed sites. The observance highlights the shared responsibility of caring for public lands and fosters a stronger connection between communities and the natural world.

National Scarf Day was founded in 2018 by the fashion brand Echo New York to celebrate scarves as timeless accessories that blend function and style. While the observance is modern, scarves themselves have a history stretching back thousands of years: Queen Nefertiti wore head wraps in ancient Egypt, Roman soldiers used the sudarium as a practical garment, and European nobility turned scarves into symbols of wealth and refinement during the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, textile innovations made scarves widely accessible, and they remain expressions of personal style, cultural identity, and creativity today.

National Scarf Day

National Seat Check Saturday* (Final Saturday of Child Passenger Safety Week-September 21-27, 2025) is a nationwide initiative in the United States that provides parents and caregivers with free guidance on installing and using child car seats correctly. Organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and certified technicians, the day raises awareness of the critical role car seats, booster seats, and seat belts play in protecting children in vehicles. Families are encouraged to visit inspection stations, attend events, and learn about age- and size-appropriate safety practices, ensuring that every child rides securely.

National Self-Awareness Day* (Fourth Saturday in September) serves as a reminder of the importance of reflecting on one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. While the idea of self-awareness stretches back to ancient philosophy—embodied in the Greek aphorism “Know thyself”—modern psychology gave it new structure when Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund introduced their theory of objective self-awareness in 1972. The concept gained formal recognition in 2017, when the U.S. Senate acknowledged the value of self-awareness for personal growth and emotional intelligence. The day encourages practices such as journaling, mindfulness, and honest self-reflection, which research shows can increase happiness, improve relationships, and foster alignment between values and actions. By pausing to examine how we affect ourselves and those around us, the observance highlights self-awareness as a pathway to resilience and meaningful change.

National Singles Day* (Saturday of the third full week in September) in the United States is observed on the Saturday of National Singles Week each September, celebrating independence, self-love, and the contributions of single people to society. Its roots stretch back to 1984, when the Buckeye Singles Council of Columbus, Ohio, founded National Singles Week to bring visibility to the growing number of Americans living single lives. In 2017, the Saturday of that week was designated as National Singles Day.

📝 Related traditions exist worldwide: in 2001, American student Dustin Barns created Singles Awareness Day on February 15 as an alternative to Valentine’s Day, while in 1993 students at Nanjing University in China established Singles’ Day on November 11 (11/11) for its symbolic association with “bare branches,” a colloquial term for single people. Alibaba later commercialized the Chinese observance into the largest shopping event in the world. Together, these holidays affirm that singleness can be a time of pride, independence, and personal growth. There is also U.K.’s National Singles Day on March 11.

Save Your Photos Day* (Last Saturday in September) was launched in 2014 by The Photo Managers (formerly the Association of Personal Photo Organizers) after natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy highlighted the heartbreak of families losing irreplaceable photo collections. Initially a single-day event, it expanded into Save Your Photos Month in 2016, offering free resources, workshops, and community events each September. The observance raises awareness about the importance of safeguarding both printed and digital photographs—organizing, digitizing, and backing them up—to preserve family history and protect cherished memories from loss, damage, or technological failure.

The World’s Largest Pet Walk* (Last Saturday in September) was launched by Pet Partners, formerly the Delta Society, as part of its mission to highlight the profound benefits of the human–animal bond. Rooted in research from the 1970s that established this bond as a legitimate field of study, the event grew into a nationwide walk celebrating pets and their role in human well-being. It later evolved into a key fundraiser supporting Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program, which trains and registers volunteer teams that bring comfort and healing to hospitals, schools, and communities. The annual walk, held anywhere and at any pace, invites people and their pets to get active together while supporting therapy animals that improve lives.

World Tourism Day was established in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to highlight tourism’s role in global development. The date, September 27, marks the anniversary of the UNWTO Statutes’ adoption in 1970, a turning point in international tourism cooperation. The observance raises awareness of how tourism shapes societies—not only by driving economic growth but also by fostering cultural exchange, peace, and mutual understanding among nations. Each year, a new theme spotlights tourism’s evolving contributions and challenges, from sustainability to innovation.