A lot of people love October. Cooler weather settles in, days get shorter, and routines feel more structured again. The month also brings a large number (over 300!) of national and international observances, covering everything from seasonal foods like pumpkin spice and apple cider to creative celebrations such as National Handmade Day and awareness events like World Mental Health Day. It’s a practical, busy stretch of the year that blends everyday comfort with plenty of reasons to learn, celebrate, and participate.
Some of the October national days are more popular than others; some are weird, and others are simply fun. But most importantly, there is something here for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a social media influencer, blogger, or run a company – there is something for you in this meticulously compiled, unique list.
Need to know what to celebrate today, tomorrow or maybe what you missed out on yesterday? Check out our dedicated pages:
➤➤➤ Before going through our list of national days, check out my National Days printable calendar! Print it out and you can celebrate a unique national day for every day of the year. 📅✨
On this page you will find:
- The Top 10 Most Popular National Days & Observances in October
- A day-by-day rundown of all October holidays
- National & international weeks celebrated in October
- National & international months recognized in October
10 Most Popular October National Days on Instagram
Since our last update, some national days have gained popularity whereas others seem to have stalled. National Cat Day was overtaken by World Mental Health Day, which is now our new number 1 on this list. A surprise was also International Coffee Day and World Animal Day both overtaking National Coming Out Day on Instagram. Finally, World Food Day has gotten much bigger, overtaking both Spirit Day and World Smile Day and gaining tens of thousands of posts since last year.
The popularity of the holidays listed below is determined by how often their main hashtag was used on Instagram. Please note that this count is exclusive to Instagram and does not factor in other platforms. The information is current as of November 25, 2025.
| Rank | Holiday Name | Hashtag | # Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | World Mental Health Day | #WorldMentalHealthDay | 1,600,000 |
| 2 | National Cat Day | #NationalCatDay | 1,200,000 |
| 3 | National Boyfriend Day | #NationalBoyfriendDay | 1,000,000 |
| 4 | International Coffee Day | #InternationalCoffeeDay | 430,000 |
| 5 | World Animal Day | #WorldAnimalDay | 392,000 |
| 6 | National Coming Out Day | #NationalComingOutDay | 370,000 |
| 7 | World Food Day | #WorldFoodDay | 320,000 |
| 8 | Spirit Day | #SpiritDay | 281,000 |
| 9 | World Smile Day | #WorldSmileDay | 275,000 |
| 10 | National Taco Day | #NationalTacoDay | 234,000 |
National & International Days in October 2026
There are over 300 national and awareness days in October. Some are celebrated on fixed dates, while others follow a recurring schedule, like the first Monday in October.
Many of the important October national days actually follow a rule and are, thus, seldom celebrated on the same date two years in a row. Examples include Global Champagne Day* (Fourth Friday in October) and National Sweetest Day* (Third Saturday in October).
October 1
The first day of October stands out as one of the busiest of the year, with 29 national and international observances.
- Balloons Around the World Day
- Bring Your Bible to School Day* (First Thursday of October)
- CD Player Day
- International Coffee Day
☕️ See also the complete list of all coffee-related days on one page. - International Day of Older Persons
- International Ethical Hacker’s Day
- International Gaucher Day
- International Music Day
🎶 A similar day, World Music Day, is observed in June. See also the full list of music-related national days. - International Raccoon Appreciation Day
- International Walk to School Day
- Model T Day
- National Black Dog Day
- National Fire Pup Day
- National Green City Day
- National Hair Day
- National Homemade Cookies Day
- National “JIFFY” Mix Day
- National Lace Day
- National Poetry Day 🇬🇧🇮🇪* (First Thursday in October)
- National Pumpkin Spice Day
- National Sausage Day
- Sober October
🖨️ If you are participating, you can download my free sober October trackers. - Willy Wonka Day
- World Bluegrass Day
- World Postcard Day
- World Sake Day
- World Vegetarian Day
🥗 See also the complete list of vegetarian and vegan-related national days.
October 2
There are 14 national and international celebrations on October 2 that span health, history, and culture.
- Audiophile Day
- Batik Day
- Canine Companion Day
- International Day of Non-Violence
- Kids Music Day* (First Friday in October)
- National Body Language Day* (First Friday in October)
- National Custodian Day / Custodial Worker Recognition Day
- National Fried Scallops Day
- National Manufacturing Day / MFG Day* (First Friday in October)
- National Name Your Car Day
- National Produce Misting Day
- National Report Long-Term Acute Care Hospital Fraud Day
- National Smarties Day
- Plaidurday* (First Friday in October)
- World College Radio Day* (First Friday in October)
- World Farm Animals Day
- World No Alcohol Day
- World Smile Day* (First Friday in October)
October 3
October 3 is marked by 21 national and international celebrations that highlight themes ranging from relationships to nature and culture.
- Buy British Day 🇬🇧
- British Carrot Awareness Day 🇬🇧
- Global Smoothie Day
- International Crumhorn Day
- International Frugal Fun Day* (First Saturday in October)
- International Off-Road Day* (First Saturday in October)
- Mean Girls Day
- National Boyfriend Day
- National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day
- National Caramel Custard Day
- National Family TV Show Day
- National No Sugar Day. Download free no-sugar challenge trackers.
- National Techies Day
- Virus Appreciation Day
- World Alcohol-Free Day. This day is different from World No Alcohol Day, celebrated on October 2.
- World Card Making Day* (First Saturday in October)
- World Romance Scam Prevention Day
- World Temperance Day
October 4
There are 12 national and international observances celebrated on October 4.
- Change A Light Day* (First Sunday in October)
- Country Inn, Bed & Breakfast Day* (First Sunday in October)
- Improve Your Office Day
- National Cinnamon Roll Day
- National Get Out N Drive Day* (First Sunday in October)
- National GOE Day / National Growth. Overcome. Empower. Day* (Sunday of the first full weekend in October)
- National Good Buddy Day
- National Golf Lover’s Day
- National Truckers Day / National Truckers Appreciation Day
- National Vodka Day
🍹 Discover all drinking national days we’ve gathered on one page. - No Disposable Cup Day
- Ship in A Bottle Day
- World Animal Day
October 5
October 5 features 17 national and international observances that range from lighthearted celebrations of food and pop culture to meaningful awareness campaigns.
- Charge Your Car Day
- Chic Spy Day
- Global James Bond Day
- International Day of No Prostitution (IDNP)
- National Above the Bus Day
- National Apple Betty Day
- National Child Health Day* (First Monday in October)
- National Consignment Day* (First Monday in October)
- National Do Something Nice Day
- National Get Funky Day
- National Kiss a Wrestler Day
- National Military Podcast Day
- National Rhode Island Day
- World Architecture Day* (First Monday in October)
- World Day of Bullying Prevention* (First Monday in October)
- World Habitat Day* (First Monday in October)
- World Meningitis Day
- World Teachers’ Day
October 6
October 6 highlights wildlife awareness, health advocacy, sustainable living, and professional recognition through 17 national and international observances.
- Inbox Zero Day
- National Badger Day
- National Coaches Day
- National Energy Geek Day
- National Fruit at Work Day* (First Tuesday in October)
- National German-American Day
- National Mad Hatter Day
- National Noodle Day
🍝 See all 12 national pasta & noodles days gathered in one place. - National Orange Wine Day
🍷 Complete calendar with wine-related national days. - National Physician Assistant Day 🇺🇸. Do not confuse this day with National Physician Assistant (PA) Day in Canada 🇨🇦, which takes place on November 27.
- National Plus Size Appreciation Day
- National Taco Day* (First Tuesday in October)
🌮 A similar celebration is International Taco Day, observed every year on March 31. - National Transfer Money to Your Daughter Day
- World Cerebral Palsy Day
October 7
October 7 observances invite reflection on the connection between human rights, economic justice, and environmental responsibility.
- Canadian Beer Day 🇨🇦* (Wednesday before Canadian Thanksgiving)
- International Day of Peaceful Communication
- International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day
- National Bathtub Day
- National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day
- National Coffee with a Cop Day* (First Wednesday in October)
☕️ Discover all coffee-related national days gathered on one page. - National Forgiveness and Happiness Day
- National Frappé Day
- National Inner Beauty Day
- National Kale Day* (First Wednesday in October)
- National LED Light Day
- National Propane Day
- National Pumpkin Seed Day* (First Wednesday in October)
- Random Acts of Poetry Day* (First Wednesday in October)
- Walk & Roll to School Day* (dates change)
- World Cotton Day
- World Day for Decent Work
- You Matter To Me Day
Between October 8 and October 15 this year we have national days such as the anti-bullying National Stop Bullying Day (Second Wednesday in October), the awareness-raising Global Handwashing Day and the National Coming Out Day, which is especially important for the LGBTQ community.
October 8
October 8 day highlights important themes such as digital freedom, food traditions and education and innovation with events honoring science and technology.
- American Touch Tag Day
- International Birth Registration Day
- International Podiatry Day
- National Cowboy Boot Day / National Day of the Cowboy Boot
- National Depression Screening Day* (Thursday of the first full week in October)
- National Fluffernutter Day
- National Harbormaster Appreciation Day
- National Hero Day
- National Pierogi Day
- National Salmon Day
- World Dyslexia Awareness Day
- World Octopus Day
- World Sight Day* (Second Thursday in October)
October 9
October 9 highlights National Depression Screening Day, which promotes mental health awareness and resources, Curious Events Day, inviting reflection on life’s mysteries, and International Beer and Pizza Day, celebrating one of the world’s favorite food pairings.
- Curious Events Day
- Fire Prevention Day
- Harry Potter Book Day* (date changes every year, 2026 date not announced yet)
- International Beer and Pizza Day
- National C60 Day
- National Digitool Day
- National Digitool Day
- National Moldy Cheese Day
- National Pro-Life Cupcake Day
- National Sneakers Day
- PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day
- Scrubs Day
- Vet Nurse Day* (Second Friday in October). See the complete list of pet & veterinary national days.
- World Egg Day* (Second Friday in October)
- World Post Day
October 10
October 10 highlights include World Mental Health Day, which promotes global awareness and support for mental well-being, World Homeless Day, calling attention to the needs of unhoused people and community solutions, and World Porridge Day, which raises funds to feed children in developing countries.
- Bookshop Day* (Second Saturday in October, UK 🇬🇧) #LoveYourBookshop
- I Love Yarn Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- Inclusion Day / World Inclusion Day
- International African Penguin Awareness Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- International Jumping Spider Day
- International Newspaper Carrier Day* (Saturday of the first full week in October)
- International Stage Management Day
- Love Your Bookshop Day* (Second Saturday in October, Australia 🇦🇺)
- National Angel Food Cake Day
- National Cake Decorating Day
- National Chess Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- National Costume Swap Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- National Formalwear Day
- National Handbag Day
- National Hug a Drummer Day
- National Metric Day
- National Motorcycle Ride Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- National Tic Tac Day
- National Walk to a Park Day
- SHIFT10 Day
- Universal Music Day* (Second Saturday in October)
🎶 See also the complete list of music-related national days. - Urban Wildlife Conservation Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day
- World Day Against the Death Penalty
- World Gulab Jamun Day
- World Homeless Day
- World Hospice and Palliative Care Day* (Second Saturday in October)
- World Mental Health Day
- World Plant-Based Burger Day. See also our complete list of vegan & vegetarian national days.
- World Porridge Day
October 11
October 11 combines celebrations of youth empowerment, compassion, and community care.
- Black Girl Day Off
- International Day of the Girl Child
- It’s My Party Day
- National Coming Out Day (NCOD)
- National Peyronie’s Disease Awareness Day
- National Sausage Pizza Day
🍕 See also our complete list of national pizza days. - National Spread Joy Day
- Pastor Appreciation Day / Clergy Appreciation Day* (Second Sunday in October)
- Southern Food Heritage Day
October 12
Among the key observances on October 12, National Pulled Pork Day celebrates a beloved Southern barbecue tradition, National Savings Day promotes good financial habits and money management, and World Arthritis Day increases global awareness of joint health and chronic pain.
- Canadian Thanksgiving* (Second Monday in October)
- Columbus Day* (Second Monday in October)
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day* (Second Monday in October)
- International Moment of Frustration Scream Day
- National Farmers Day
- National Freethought Day
- National Gumbo Day
- National Kick Butt Day* (Second Monday in October). If you’re looking to start a new habit or challenge today, be sure to check out the printables I share on DigitalHygge.
- National Online Bank Day* (Second Monday in October)
- National Pulled Pork Day
- National Savings Day
- National Vermont Day
- Native American Day* (Second Monday in October)
- World Arthritis Day
October 13
Discover all the national days celebrated on October 13! Click on the link to see the full list with short explanations for each day.
- Ada Lovelace Day* (Second Tuesday in October)
- International Day for Failure
- International Skeptics Day
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
- National Face Your Fears Day* (Second Tuesday in October)
- National Herpes Awareness Day
- National M&M Day. Explore our complete list of national chocolate days.
- National No Bra Day
- National Train Your Brain Day
- National Transfer Money to Your Son Day celebrated after National Transfer Money to Your Daughter Day that took place on October 6
- National Yorkshire Pudding Day
- Own Business Day / I Own My Own Business Day* (Second Tuesday in October)
- World Thrombosis Day
October 14
October 14 notable observances include International E-Waste Day, which raises awareness about responsible recycling of electronic devices; Own Business Day, celebrating small business owners and their contributions to local communities; and National Dessert Day, a favorite among food lovers who take the opportunity to enjoy their sweetest treats.
- Be Bald and Be Free Day
- National Curves Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- International E-Waste Day
- International Top Spinning Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- National Chocolate-Covered Insect Day
- National Dessert Day
- National Emergency Nurses Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- National Fossil Day* (Wednesday of Second Full Week in October)
- National I Love You Day
- National Pet Obesity Awareness Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- National Real Sugar Day
- National Stop Bullying Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day* (Second Wednesday in October)
- World Standards Day
October 15
October 15 highlights a mix of meaningful themes, from global handwashing and breast health awareness to celebrations of classic entertainment like I Love Lucy.
- Conflict Resolution Day* (Third Thursday in October)
- Get to Know Your Customers Day* (Third Thursday of each quarter)
- Global Handwashing Day
- International Day of Rural Women
- International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
- National Esthetician Day / National Aesthetician Day
- National Chicken Cacciatore Day
- National Cheese Curd Day
- International Credit Union Day* (Third Thursday in October)
- National Get Smart About Credit Day* (Third Thursday in October)
- National Grouch Day
- National HSA Awareness Day
- National I Love Lucy Day
- National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
- National Lemon Bar Day
- National Mushroom Day. Don’t confuse this day with Day of the Mushroom on April 16th. Explore all six mushroom-related national days.
- National Roast Pheasant Day
- National Shawarma Day
- Spirit Day* (Third Thursday in October)
- White Cane Safety Day
- World Values Day* (Third Thursday in October)
Not sure what to post between October 16 and October 23? No worries, I’ve got you covered. Back to the Future Day on October 21 is a must among movie buffs and National Color Day on October 22 gives you the perfect opportunity to bond with your audience around something we all can relate to: our favorite colors.
October 16
There are 18 national and international days on October 16. Among the most notable are Boss’s Day, which recognizes leadership and teamwork in the workplace; National Dictionary Day, honoring the legacy of Noah Webster and the importance of language; National Sports Day (U.S.), celebrating the unifying power of athletics; and World Food Day, promoting global efforts to end hunger.
- Boss’s Day* (October 16th or nearest working day)
- Department Store Day
- Global Cat Day / formerly known as National Feral Cat Day
- International ShakeOut Day / Great ShakeOut
- National Dictionary Day
- National Liqueur Day
- National Sports Day
- National Veterans BBQ Day
- Steve Jobs Day
- World Food Day
- World Spine Day
October 17
October 17 is a meaningful day that emphasizes health, compassion, and cultural appreciation through its wide range of observances.
- Black Poetry Day. Explore the complete list of national days for book nerds.
- Bridge Day* (Third Saturday in October)
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Day* (Third Friday in October)
- Edge Day
- Forgive an Ex Day
- International Repair Day* (Third Saturday in October)
- International Sawfish Day
- International Sloth Day* (Third Saturday in October)
- National Fetch Day* (Third Saturday in October). Be sure to check out all the dog-related national days, weeks, and months we’ve put together for you on one page!
- National Mammography Day* (Third Friday in October)
- National Mulligan Day
- National Pay Back a Friend Day
- National Pasta Day. Not to confuse with World Pasta Day on October 25th.
Check out also the complete list of pasta & noodles national days. - National Playing Card Collection Day
- National Sweetest Day* (Third Saturday in October)
- National Whole Hog Barbecue Day* (Third Saturday in October)
- Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day* (Third Saturday in October)
- Spreadsheet Day
- Wear Something Gaudy Day
- World Poverty Day formally known as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
- World Trauma Day
October 18
October 18 combines meaningful health awareness themes with comforting food and fun lifestyle observances.
- Alaska Day
- International Legging Day
- National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Explore the complete list of 75+ chocolate-related national days.
- National Exascale Day
- National Mashed Potato Day
- National Necktie Day / International Necktie Day / Cravat Day
- National No Beard Day
- National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day
- Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day* (Third Sunday in October)
- World Okapi Day
- World Menopause Day
- World Toy Camera Day* (Third Sunday in October)
October 19
October 19 observances capture the balance between introspection and enjoyment that defines this mid-October weekend.
- Evaluate Your Life Day. Be sure to check out all of DigitalHygge’s free printables, including the Wheel of Life templates, habit trackers, and challenges to help you live the life you’ve always wanted.
- International Gin & Tonic Day
- LGBT Center Awareness Day
- National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day* (Third Monday in October)
- National Kentucky Day
- National New Friends Day
- National Seafood Bisque Day
- NBA Jersey Day* (Dates change)
- World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day
October 20
October 20 focuses on the theme of information and awareness.
- Community Media Day
- Information Overload Day
- International Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Diseases Awareness Day / MCAS Day
- International Chefs Day
- International Day of the Air Traffic Controller
- National Brandied Fruit Day
- National Call-In Day for Health Reform
- National Chicken and Waffles Day
- National Day on Writing
- National Pharmacy Technician Day* (Third Tuesday in October)
- National Sasquatch Awareness Day / Bigfoot Day
- National Share the Warmth Day* (Third Tuesday in October)
- National Suspenders Day
- National Youth Confidence Day
- Office Chocolate Day
- Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity* (Third Tuesday in October)
- Talent Transformation Day
- World CRISPR Day
- World Osteoporosis Day
Every five years:
- World Statistics Day* (celebrated every five years: 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045)
October 21
October 21 combines food-themed celebrations like International Day of the Nacho and National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day with health-focused reminders such as National Check Your Meds Day, along with cultural and awareness events from around the world.
- Back to the Future Day
- BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- Celebration of the Mind Day
- Count Your Buttons Day
- Everyone Writes Day
- Global Dignity Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- Global Ethics Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- Hagfish Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- International Day of the Nacho
- International Pronouns Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- Medical Assistants Recognition Day* (Wednesday of the third business week in October)
- Missouri Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- National Apple Day 🇬🇧
- National Check Your Meds Day
- National Honey Day 🇬🇧
🍯 In the U.S., National Honey Bee Day takes place on the third Saturday of August - National Pets for Veterans Day
- National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
- National Reptile Awareness Day
- National Witch Hazel Day (plant)
- SUDEP Action Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day* (Third Wednesday in October)
- Weet-Bix Day* 🇦🇺 🇳🇿(Third Wednesday in October)
- World Iodine Deficiency Day / Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day
October 22
October 22 features 11 observances that highlight creativity, awareness, and appreciation.
- Smart is Cool Day
- International Caps Lock Day (Celebrated twice a year: October 22 and June 28)
- International Stuttering Awareness Day / International Stammering Awareness Day
- International Wombat Day
- Leave a Review Day
- National Color Day
- National Make A Dog’s Day. Explore the complete list of national days for dog lovers.
- National Nut Day
- National Scar Appreciation Day
- National Tavern-Style Pizza Day
October 23
October 23 combines lighthearted fun with cultural appreciation, featuring observances that range from National Boston Cream Pie Day and National Croc Day to National Horror Movie Day 👻
- Event Organizers Day
- Global Champagne Day / Champagne Day* (Fourth Friday in October)* (Fourth Friday in October). Don’t confuse this day with National Champagne Day, celebrated on December 31!
- International Snow Leopard Day
- Mole Day (Note: not the animal, chemistry!)
- National Boston Cream Pie Day
- National Croc Day. Do not confuse this day with World Croc Day celebrated on June 17.
- National Horror Movie Day
- National iPod Day
- National Paralegal Day* (since 2024, officially celebrated on August 6)
- National Pharmacy Buyer Day* (Friday of the last full week in October)
- National Slap Your Annoying / Irritating Coworker Day. Note! While this one is meant to be taken lightly, it’s important to note that we don’t advocate for any physical slaps!
- National TV Talk Show Host Day
Are there any other big social media holidays than Halloween in October? Yes, yes and yes! Towards the end of October everyone in the States might be focused on Halloween. And perhaps, rightfully so. But, when others are focusing on Halloween and competing with each other, you can offer your readers a much-needed break by bringing their attention to, say, World Pasta Day or National Chocolate Day. So why don’t you focus on something lighter, while not forgetting about the carved pumpkins and fun costumes? And if socializing isn’t you thing, why not observe #NationalHermitDay on October 29?
October 24
With just a week remaining until Halloween 🎃, October 24 invites both celebration and reflection through its wide range of 15 national and international observances.
- My Best Winter Skin (MBWS) Day
- National Bologna Day
- National Food Day. Celebrated just after World Food Day on October 16.
- National Kangaroo Awareness Day. There is another Kangaroo Awareness Day observed in Australia on May 15.
- National Make A Difference Day* (Fourth Saturday in October)
- National One United Race Day* (Fourth Saturday in October)
- National Senior UTI Awareness Day
- Take Back Your Time Day
💡 If you’re looking for a simple way to reflect on how you spend your time, try using one of my 18 free Wheel of Life templates to visualize balance across work, family, and personal well-being. - United Nations Day
- Wear It Pink Day 🇬🇧 (fundraising event)
- World Development Information Day
- World Kangaroo Day
- World Origami Days (October 24 – November 11, ending with World Origami Day)
- World Polio Day
- World Tripe Day
October 25
October 25 celebrates creativity, culture, and connection through global observances like International Artist Day, World Opera Day, and World Pasta Day, as well as other meaningful celebrations you can see below.
- Chucky, the Notorious Killer Doll Day / National Chucky Day
- Crisp Sandwich Day
- International Artist Day
- National Fine Art Appreciation Day
- National Greasy Foods Day
- National I Care About You Day
- National Jamaican Jerk Day* (Fourth Sunday in October)
- National Merri Music Day
- National Mother-in-Law Day* (Fourth Sunday in October)
- National Pension Tracing Day 🇬🇧* (Last Sunday in October, UK)
- National Tight End Day* (Fourth Sunday in October)
- Punk for a Day Day
- Sourest Day. It’s a playful nod to balance in life—since Sweetest Day is also in October.
- Visit a Cemetery Day* (Last Sunday in October)
- World Opera Day
- World Pasta Day. Explore the full list of pasta-related national days.
October 26
October 26 combines heartfelt family tributes with festive seasonal themes. On this date there are 16 national and international observances highlighting causes related to health, history, and community awareness.
- Howl At The Moon Day
- Intersex Awareness Day
- National Chicken Fried Steak Day
- National Day of the Deployed
- National Financial Crime Fighter Day
- National Microneedling Day
- National Mincemeat Day
- National Mule Day
- National Pumpkin Day
- National Tennessee Day
October 27
October 27 arrives just a few days before Halloween — a time when black cats, pumpkins, and spooky fun begin to fill the air.
- Cranky Co-Workers Day
- National American Beer Day. Don’t confuse this day with National Beer Day on April 7!
- National Black Cat Day
- National Civics Day
- National Henry C. Ramos Day
- National Mentoring Day
- National Parmigiano Reggiano Day
- Navy Day
- World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
October 28
October 28 opens Halloween week 🎃👻 with a lighter calendar than earlier in the month, as many themes now turn toward fall and spooky-season celebrations instead of national days.
- International Animation Day
- National Chocolate Day
🍫 Don’t forget to explore the wide range of chocolate-based national days throughout the year. - National First Responders Day
- National Immigrants Day
- National Internal Medicine Day
- Plush Animal Lover’s Day
- Wild Foods Day
October 29
October 29 balances care for personal well-being with appreciation for everyday joys, reminding us how global and local actions can both make a difference.
- International Day of Care and Support
- National Bandanna Day 🇦🇺🇳🇿* (Last Thursday of October, Australia and New Zealand)
- National Cat Day
- National Hermit Day
- National Internet Day
🛜 A similar observance, World Internet Day, takes place on May 17 - National Oatmeal Day
- World Psoriasis Day
- World Stroke Day
October 30
October 30 arrives just one day before Halloween 🎃—a time when many observances take on eerie, mysterious, or reflective themes.
- Adoptee Remembrance Day
- Create a Great Funeral Day / National Plan a Funeral Day
- Haunted Refrigerator Night. Don’t forget, there’s a similar holiday called National Clean Out Your Fridge Day on November 15th, which provides another chance to tackle any lingering fridge horrors!
- Mine Rescue Day
- Mischief Night, also known as Devil’s Night or Hell Night
- National Breadstick Day* (Last Friday of October)
- National Candy Corn Day
- National Checklist Day. This day is also a great opportunity to explore all the free printables available on DigitalHygge.
- National Frankenstein Friday* (Last Friday of October)
- National Publicist Day
- National Speak Up For Service Day
- National Text Your Ex Day
- National Treat Your Pet Day
- National UPlift Someone Day
- National Wicked Day
- Nevada Day* (Last Friday of October)
- World Audio Drama Day
- World Lemur Day* (Last Friday of October)
October 31
October 31 is best known as Halloween 🎃, yet it holds much more than spooky fun and candy. In addition to Halloween, there are 14 other national and international observances celebrated on this day.
- Books For Treats Day
- Girl Scout Founder’s Day
- Halloween 🎃
- Hug A Sheep Day* (Last Saturday of October)
- Lutefisk Day
- Magic Day
- Muddy Dog Day* (Last Saturday of October)
- National Caramel Apple Day
- National Doorbell Day
- National Increase Your Psychic Powers Day
- National Knock Knock Joke Day
- National Magic Day
- National Pitbull Awareness Day* (Last Saturday of October)
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day* (Last Saturday of April and October)
- National Trick or Treat Day* (Last Saturday of October)
- World Cities Day
- World Savings Day also known as World Thrift Day
🖨️ Looking for savings trackers or fun challenges? I’ve designed over 100 free printable savings trackers that you can easily download on DigitalHygge!
National and International Weeks in October
October includes a wide variety of weekly observances. These highlight themes of health, safety, science, food, education, and cultural appreciation. Among the most recognized are World Space Week, National Fire Prevention Week, and National Pharmacy Week.
Below is the full list of October weekly observances.
First week in October
- Active Aging Week (Begins October 1)
- International Postcard Week
- National Chili Week
- National Mental Illness Awareness Week
- National Midwifery Week (Dates vary annually)
- Spinning and Weaving Week
First full week in October
- Mystery Series Week
- National Newspaper Week
- World Space Week
- National Curry Week
- Customer Service Week
- National Carry A Tune Week (Week of October 7)
- Emergency Nurses Week (Week of Emergency Nurses Day, October 8)
- National Fire Prevention Week (Week of October 9)
- National Metric Week (Week of October 10)
Second full week in October
- Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
- Healthcare Security and Safety Week
- National School Lunch Week
- National Snow Blower Maintenance Week
- National Work From Home Week
- UK Coffee Week
- National Baking Week
Third full week in October
- Free Speech Week
- National Business Women’s Week
- National Chemistry Week (Week of October 23)
- National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
- National Construction Appreciation Week
- National Food Bank Week (Week of October 16)
- National Forest Products Week (Begins October 19, third Sunday)
- National Friends of Libraries Week
- National Healthcare Quality Week
- National Kraut Sandwich Week
- National Nuclear Science Week
- National Pharmacy Week
- National Retirement Security Week
- National School Bus Safety Week
- National Security Awareness / Teen Driver Safety Week
- National Veterinary Technician Week
- National Wolf Awareness Week
- Pastoral Care Week
- YWCA Week Without Violence
- International Infection Prevention Week
- Medical Assistants Recognition Week (Third business week in October)
- Respiratory Care Week
Last week in October
- Disarmament Week
- National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
- National Red Ribbon Week
National & International Months in October
October features 94 national and international month-long observances, covering everything from seasonal foods and cultural heritage to health, education, and community awareness. Several stand out for their wide recognition and impact:
- Pinktober / Breast Cancer Awareness Month, one of the most visible health campaigns worldwide.
- National Book Month, celebrating reading and literature. See also the complete list of books-related national days.
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, promoting online safety in an increasingly digital world.
- World Menopause Month, raising awareness about women’s health.
- National Apple Month, honoring one of autumn’s most iconic harvests.
- National Arts and Humanities Month, highlighting creative expression and cultural contributions.
Below are the October national and international months grouped into themed lists for easier browsing.
Food & Drink
October is packed with tasty celebrations, starting with National Chili Month—perfect for whipping up some spicy chili recipes. It’s also National Caramel Month, so you can treat yourself to all kinds of sweet caramel goodies. Don’t forget it’s National Cookbook Month and National Apple Month too, great for trying new recipes and enjoying the best of the apple harvest.
Which ones will you be celebrating this year?
- Eat Better, Eat Together Month
- National Apple Month
- National Caramel Month
- National Chili Month
- National Cookbook Month
- National Cookie Month
- National Dessert Month
- National Non-GMO Month
- National Pasta Month
- National Pescatarian Month
- National Pickled Peppers Month
- National Pizza Month
- National Pretzel Month
- National Sausage Month
- National Seafood Month
- Pear and Pineapple Month
- Rhubarb Month
- Rhizomes and Persimmons Month
- Spinach Lovers Month
- Vegetarian Month
Pets & Animals
- Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
- Bat Appreciation Month
- National Pet CBD Month
- National Pet Wellness Month
- National Pitbull Awareness Month
- Raptor Month
- Squirrel Awareness Month
- Wishbones for Pets Month
- World Animal Month
Health & Medical Awareness
In October, we raise awareness and foster well-being through several health-focused observances. It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to support survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and contribute to ongoing research for a cure. We also, for instance, observe World Mental Health Day, reminding us to take care of our mental well-being and support those around us in their mental health journeys.
- AIDS Awareness Month
- Blindness Awareness Month
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month
- Contact Lens Safety Month
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- Dysautonomia Awareness Month
- Dyslexia Awareness Month
- Emotional Wellness Month
- Healthy Lung Month
- International Walk to School Month
- National ADHD Awareness Month
- National Chiropractic Month
- National Dental Hygiene Month
- National Depression Education and Awareness Month
- National Orthodontic Health Month
- National Physical Therapy Month
- National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
- National Sensory Processing Awareness Month
- National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
- National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
- National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
- National RSV Awareness Month
- Organize Your Medical Information Month
- Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
- Sober October
- Talk About Prescriptions Month
- World Autism Month
- World Menopause Month
Arts, Culture & Heritage
- Black Speculative Fiction Month
- Celebrate the Bilingual Child Month
- Country Music Month
- Croctober (celebrates Crocs footwear)
- Filipino American History Month
- LGBTQ+ History Month
- Museums and Galleries Month
- National Arts and Humanities Month
- National Book Month
- Polish American Heritage Month
- The Big Draw
Education, Learning & Professional Life
- Economic Education Month
- Head Start Awareness Month
- Health Literacy Month
- I’m Just Me Because Month
- National Dropout Prevention Month
- National Ergonomics Month
- National Learning and Development Month
- National Principals Month
- National Women in AI Month
- National Women’s Small Business Month
- Right Brainers Rule Month
- Self-Promotion Month
- Workplace Politics Awareness Month
Family, Safety & Community
- Fair Trade Month
- Family History Month
- Financial Planning Month
- Halloween Safety Month
- National Bullying Prevention Month
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- National Fire Prevention Month
- National Work and Family Month
- National Window Covering Safety Month
- National Toilet Tank Repair Month
- Photographer Appreciation Month
- Positive Attitude Month
- Tackling Hunger Month
That was our list of October national days, or social media holidays, this year. Quite a bunch of national days to observe, don’t you think?
