September 28 National Days

September 28 is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years), with 94 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 28th — September 28 National Days

This date is marked by 15 national and international observances, with highlights including World Rabies Day, National Sons Day, and International Access to Information Day. These observances draw attention to global health, family bonds, and the right to knowledge, alongside lighter celebrations that bring people together over food and community traditions.

National and International Days on September 28

Ask a Stupid Question Day* (celebrated on September 28, or on the last school day of September if that date falls on a weekend, September 30, 2025) began in U.S. classrooms during the 1980s, when teachers introduced it as a way to break down students’ fear of embarrassment and encourage participation. By designating a day when no question was too silly, educators promoted curiosity, open dialogue, and the idea that asking questions is essential to learning. The observance reflects a broader effort to foster a growth mindset, where mistakes and uncertainties are viewed as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Over time, the tradition spread internationally, with schools in places like the UK and India adopting it as a lighthearted but meaningful reminder that curiosity should always be welcomed.

Confucius Day honors the life and legacy of Confucius (551–479 BCE), the Chinese philosopher whose teachings shaped East Asian culture, education, and governance for centuries. The observance traces its roots to the Han Dynasty, when emperors held rituals and offered sacrifices at Confucius’s temple on his birthday, traditionally the 27th day of the eighth lunar month. Revered as the “first teacher,” Confucius symbolizes the pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and the belief that education should be accessible to all who wish to learn.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day* (Last Sunday in September) honors the families of U.S. military service members who lost their lives in combat. The tradition traces back to World War I, when families displayed service flags with a blue star for each relative serving; if a loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold one to symbolize sacrifice and remembrance. After losing her son George in France during the war, Grace Darling Seibold founded American Gold Star Mothers in 1918 to support grieving families. The observance was officially recognized by Congress in 1936 as Gold Star Mother’s Day, and in 2011 President Barack Obama expanded it to include all families of the fallen. Today, it serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of war and the nation’s gratitude, while organizations and military programs provide ongoing support for Gold Star families.

International Day for Universal Access to Information affirms the right of every person to seek, receive, and share information. Its roots trace back to 2002, when civil society organizations first marked the date as International Right to Know Day to promote transparency. UNESCO formally declared it an international day in 2015, and in 2019 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed September 28 as the official observance. The day underscores access to information as a cornerstone of democracy, accountability, and human rights. It also encourages governments to adopt and strengthen information laws, while fostering knowledge societies where citizens can make informed decisions and participate fully in public life.

International Poke Day honors poke, the Hawaiian raw fish dish whose history stretches back to ancient Polynesian fishermen who seasoned their catch with sea salt and seaweed. The word poke means “to slice” in Hawaiian, reflecting its simple preparation. In the 1970s, Japanese culinary influences, especially soy sauce and sesame oil, reshaped poke into the modern style that later evolved into poke bowls. What began as a fisherman’s snack became a fusion dish blending Hawaiian tradition with Asian flavors, and by the 2010s poke bowls had spread from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland and beyond as a global food trend.

National Drink Beer Day is celebrated annually on September 28 as a modern tribute to one of the world’s oldest and most widely enjoyed beverages. While its exact origins are unclear, some connect the date to the birthday of Arthur Guinness, who founded the famed Guinness Brewery in 1759. Falling near the close of Germany’s Oktoberfest season, the observance invites people to sample different styles of beer (stouts, lagers, ales, and IPAs).

🍺 National Beer Day is celebrated in the United States every year on April 7. See also all drinking holidays gathered on one page.

National Drinking Days

National Good Neighbor Day was founded in the early 1970s by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana, who wanted to strengthen neighborhood ties at a time when modern life seemed to be creating social disconnection. Inspired in part by her elderly mother’s loneliness, Mattson worked to promote the idea of a day devoted to building community spirit. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter issued Proclamation 4601, officially recognizing the observance and encouraging Americans to mark it with activities that fostered kindness and mutual understanding. Originally held on the fourth Sunday of September, the date was changed in 2003 to September 28, where it continues to highlight the importance of friendship, cooperation, and support among neighbors.

National North Carolina Day was established in 2017 as part of a series honoring each U.S. state in the order it joined the Union. North Carolina, the 12th state to ratify the Constitution in 1789, is celebrated for its history and remarkable landscapes. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, the state offers natural beauty that has inspired writers, artists, and explorers. It holds a special place in history as the site of the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, a milestone in human achievement. Today, North Carolina is also known for its strong universities, thriving biotechnology and finance sectors.

National Sons Day is observed annually on September 28, though a second official date also exists on March 4. The holiday was founded in 2018 by Jill Nico to encourage parents to reflect on the importance of raising boys with love, guidance, and open communication. While March 4 remains the original date, a parallel celebration emerged on September 28, popularized through social media and embraced by many families and influencers. The day is marked by expressions of pride and encouragement for sons of all ages, whether through heartfelt conversations, shared activities, or public tributes.

Fun fact: National Sons Fay is in the top-5 most popular national days.

National Sons Day

National Strawberry Cream Pie Day is celebrated each year on September 28, though its exact origins remain unclear, with the earliest known mention appearing in newspapers in 2004. The dessert itself has deep roots: strawberries were first cultivated in France in the 1750s and became widely popular in the United States during the 19th century, often served with cream as a simple but delicious treat. By the late 1800s, variations of strawberry cream pie began appearing, and by the 1970s it had become a staple on restaurant menus. The observance may have been timed to coincide with the close of strawberry season, offering a sweet farewell to summer’s bounty.

Priesthood Sunday* (Last Sunday in September) was established by the U.S. Council of Serra International, a lay Catholic organization dedicated to promoting vocations. The observance highlights the vital role priests play in the sacramental and spiritual life of the Church, while also encouraging prayers and support for future vocations. Celebrated annually on the last Sunday of September, it is a parish-centered event that invites the faithful to express gratitude through personal gestures—such as cards, meals, or Spiritual Bouquets—as well as through prayer.

World Deaf Day* (Last Sunday in September) was first celebrated in 1958, established by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) to raise awareness of the Deaf community and advocate for their rights. Originally known as the International Day of the Deaf, it later expanded into the International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf), observed annually during the last full week of September. The observance commemorates the founding of the WFD in 1951 and highlights the culture, achievements, and challenges of Deaf people worldwide. Central to the day is the promotion of sign language as an essential means of communication and cultural identity. By encouraging public awareness, World Deaf Day calls for inclusivity, accessible education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, while recognizing the contributions of Deaf individuals to society.

World Marmite Day is celebrated by fans of the iconic yeast extract spread, though its exact date varies—some sources recognize September 28, while others mark it in October. Marmite traces its origins to the late 19th century, when German scientist Justus Liebig discovered that brewer’s yeast could be concentrated into an edible paste. The Marmite Food Company was founded in Burton-upon-Trent, England, in 1902 to commercialize the product, taking advantage of the region’s thriving brewing industry. Named after the French word for a large cooking pot (marmite), the spread was first sold in earthenware jars and quickly gained recognition for its rich B vitamin content. By World War I, Marmite had become a nutritional staple for British soldiers, cementing its role in the national diet. Today, World Marmite Day celebrates the product’s legacy—and the strong “love it or hate it” reactions it continues to inspire.

World Rabies Day was launched in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), in partnership with the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other international health bodies. The date honors the death of Louis Pasteur, the French scientist who developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885. The day raises awareness about rabies prevention, promotes responsible pet vaccination, and fosters global cooperation toward eliminating human rabies deaths—a disease that still claims tens of thousands of lives each year, mostly in regions with limited access to vaccines. Since its inception, the campaign has educated hundreds of millions of people worldwide and led to millions of animal vaccinations, making it a cornerstone in the global fight against rabies.

World Rivers Day* (Fourth Sunday in September) began in 2005 as a global extension of BC Rivers Day, which was founded in 1980 by Canadian environmentalist Mark Angelo. The observance grew out of the United Nations’ “Water for Life Decade” initiative, reflecting the need to raise awareness of the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of rivers. Celebrated by millions in more than 100 countries, the day inspires stewardship through river cleanups, educational programs, and community events. It highlights rivers as vital lifelines for fresh water, food, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, while calling on individuals and societies to protect and restore these ecosystems for future generations.