Home > Calendar > October 2026
←

October Awareness Days 2026 (UK) and National Days

There are 231 awareness days, weeks and months in October 2026. The ones people look up most: Halloween (31 October), Wear It Pink (23 October), National Black Cat Day (27 October), National No Bra Day (13 October) and Boss’s Day (16 October).

Updated 29 October 2026

→
169
Single-day events
26
Awareness weeks
36
Awareness months
231
Total events
Get the full 2027 calendar, £39/yearThe key October dates in Excel, Google Sheets, PDF and iCal

Want your organisation on this page? Sponsor the October hub

Key October 2026 awareness days

  1. : National Boyfriend Day (US)
  2. : World Dyslexia Awareness Day (International)
  3. : National No Bra Day (UK)
  4. : Global Wave Of Light (UK)
  5. : Boss’s Day (US)
  6. : Wear It Pink (International)
  7. : National Black Cat Day (International)
  8. : Halloween (Australia)
3 Oct3 OctSaturdayFun & QuirkyUSNational Boyfriend Day 2026US · Sat 3 Oct8 Oct8 OctThursdayDisability AwarenessInternationalWorld Dyslexia Awareness Day 2026International · Thu 8 Oct13 Oct13 OctTuesdayHealth & WellbeingUKNational No Bra Day 2026UK · Tue 13 Oct15 Oct15 OctThursdayHealth & WellbeingUKGlobal Wave Of Light 2026UK · Thu 15 Oct16 Oct16 OctFridayOctober Awareness DaysUSBoss’s Day 2027US · Fri 16 Oct23 Oct23 OctFridayCancerInternationalWear It Pink 2026International · Fri 23 Oct27 Oct27 OctTuesdayAnimals & WildlifeInternationalNational Black Cat Day 2026International · Tue 27 Oct31 Oct31 OctSaturdaySeasonalAustraliaHalloweenAustralia · Sat 31 Oct

Awareness Months in October 202636

Seed Gathering Season 2026ADHD Awareness Month 2026Black History MonthBreast Cancer Awareness Month 2026Eye Injury Prevention Month 2026Menopause Awareness Month 2026National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026The Big Draw 2026CMT Awareness Month 2026Go Sober For October 2026International School Library Month 2026International Walk to School MonthNational Cholesterol Month 2026National Home Security Month 2026Pituitary Awareness Month 2026Domestic Violence Awareness MonthNational Book MonthNational Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness MonthEmotional Wellness Month 2026National Fire Prevention MonthDyslexia Awareness MonthLGBTQ+ History MonthBlindness Awareness MonthGlobal Diversity Awareness Month 2026National Physical Therapy MonthPear and Pineapple Month 2026Black Cat Awareness Month 2026Liver Awareness MonthEczema Awareness MonthNational Protect Your Hearing MonthDown Syndrome Awareness MonthMental Health Month 2026 (Australia)Stoptober 2026National Coupon Awareness Month UK 2026Family Learning Festival 2026

All October 2026 Awareness Days by Date

All 231 October 2026 dates as a list
  1. : Seed Gathering Season (International)
  2. : ADHD Awareness Month (International)
  3. : Black History Month (UK)
  4. : Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Australia)
  5. : Eye Injury Prevention Month (US)
  6. : Menopause Awareness Month (International)
  7. : National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (US)
  8. : National Disability Employment Awareness Month (US)
  9. : The Big Draw (International)
  10. : CMT Awareness Month (UK)
  11. : Go Sober For October (UK)
  12. : International School Library Month (Australia)
  13. : International Walk to School Month (International)
  14. : National Cholesterol Month (UK)
  15. : National Home Security Month (UK)
  16. : Pituitary Awareness Month (International)
  17. : Domestic Violence Awareness Month (US)
  18. : National Book Month (US)
  19. : National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month (US)
  20. : Emotional Wellness Month (US)
  21. : National Fire Prevention Month (US)
  22. : Dyslexia Awareness Month (International)
  23. : LGBTQ+ History Month (International)
  24. : Blindness Awareness Month (International)
  25. : Global Diversity Awareness Month (International)
  26. : National Physical Therapy Month (US)
  27. : Pear and Pineapple Month (US)
  28. : Black Cat Awareness Month (US)
  29. : Liver Awareness Month (US)
  30. : Eczema Awareness Month (US)
  31. : National Protect Your Hearing Month (US)
  32. : Down Syndrome Awareness Month (US)
  33. : Mental Health Month (Australia) (Australia)
  34. : Stoptober (UK)
  35. : National Coupon Awareness Month UK (International)
  36. : Family Learning Festival (UK)
  37. : Nigeria — Independence Day (International)
  38. : Palau — Independence Day (International)
  39. : Tuvalu — Independence Day (International)
  40. : World Vegetarian Day (Australia)
  41. : International Day of Older Persons (International)
  42. : National Poetry Day (UK)
  43. : International Coffee Day (Australia)
  44. : National Longevity Day (Australia)
  45. : National Pumpkin Spice Day (US)
  46. : National Hair Day (US)
  47. : International Music Day (International)
  48. : Cyprus Independence Day (International)
  49. : International Raccoon Appreciation Day (International)
  50. : China, People’s Republic of – National Day (International)
  51. : Bring Your Bible to School Day (US)
  52. : International Babywearing Week (Australia)
  53. : National Vegetarian Week (International)
  54. : World Black Beauty Innovation Week (International)
  55. : Lee National Denim Day (International)
  56. : World Smile Day (International)
  57. : Canine Companion Day (UK)
  58. : Audiophile Day (International)
  59. : Gandhi Jayanti (International)
  60. : Manufacturing Day (US)
  61. : International Day of Non-Violence (International)
  62. : Guinea – Independence Day (International)
  63. : Germany — Day of German Unity (International)
  64. : South Korea — National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) (International)
  65. : National Boyfriend Day (US)
  66. : Iraq – Independence Day (International)
  67. : Mean Girls Day (US)
  68. : British Carrot Day (International)
  69. : National Brunch Weekend (UK)
  70. : Lesotho — Independence Day (International)
  71. : National Vodka Day in the USA (US)
  72. : No Disposable Cup Day (International)
  73. : World Animal Day (Australia)
  74. : National Good Buddy Day (US)
  75. : National Cinnamon Roll Day (US)
  76. : World Space Week (Australia)
  77. : Bullying Prevention Awareness Day USA (International)
  78. : Child Health Day (International)
  79. : International Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) (International)
  80. : World Habitat Day (International)
  81. : World Teachers Day (Australia)
  82. : Global James Bond Day (International)
  83. : Balloons Around the World Day (International)
  84. : Cycle To School Week (International)
  85. : National Work Life Week (International)
  86. : NSPCC’s Kindness Challenge (International)
  87. : Public Health Workforce Week (International)
  88. : International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) (International)
  89. : Backcare Awareness Week (UK)
  90. : Dyslexia Awareness Week (Australia)
  91. : National Curry Week (UK)
  92. : National Hygiene Week (UK)
  93. : National Badger Day (UK)
  94. : National Taco Day (US)
  95. : World Cerebral Palsy Day (Australia)
  96. : National Coaches Day (US)
  97. : World Cotton Day (International)
  98. : Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day USA (US)
  99. : World Financial Planning Day (International)
  100. : National Arthritis Week (UK)
  101. : National Porridge Week (UK)
  102. : World Dyslexia Awareness Day (International)
  103. : World Sight Day (International)
  104. : International Podiatry Day (International)
  105. : Uganda — Independence Day (International)
  106. : World Egg Day (International)
  107. : World Post Day (Australia)
  108. : Harry Potter Book Day (International)
  109. : Early Years SENCO Day (UK)
  110. : Baby Loss Awareness Week (UK)
  111. : Fiji Day (Independence Day) (International)
  112. : World Migratory Bird Day — October (International)
  113. : Animal Road Accident Awareness Day (International)
  114. : World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (Australia)
  115. : World Mental Health Day (International)
  116. : World Porridge Day (Australia)
  117. : Bookshop Day (UK)
  118. : National Hug a Kevin Day (US)
  119. : International Day of the Girl Child (UK)
  120. : National Coming Out Day (International)
  121. : Black Girl Day Off (US)
  122. : Pastor Appreciation Day (US)
  123. : Equatorial Guinea — Independence Day (International)
  124. : Columbus Day in the USA (US)
  125. : World Arthritis Day (Australia)
  126. : Indigenous Peoples Day (US)
  127. : National Day of Spain (International)
  128. : Canadian Thanksgiving (International)
  129. : Lady of Aparecida (International)
  130. : Día de la Raza (International)
  131. : Dyspraxia Awareness Week (UK)
  132. : International Skeptics Day (Australia)
  133. : National No Bra Day (UK)
  134. : Ada Lovelace Day (International)
  135. : Disaster Day (International)
  136. : International Day for Failure (International)
  137. : King Harold Day (UK)
  138. : National Pet Obesity Awareness Day USA (US)
  139. : National Magazine Day (UK)
  140. : National Dessert Day (US)
  141. : Bring Your Teddy Bear To Work & School Day (US)
  142. : International E-Waste Day (International)
  143. : National I Love You Day (US)
  144. : Day of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (International)
  145. : Chocolate Week (UK)
  146. : National Baking Week (International)
  147. : National Braille Week (International)
  148. : International Day of Rural Women (International)
  149. : Conflict Resolution Day (International)
  150. : Global Hand Washing Day (Australia)
  151. : Global Wave Of Light (UK)
  152. : International Credit Union Day (International)
  153. : Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (US)
  154. : White Cane Safety Day (US)
  155. : World Values Day (International)
  156. : Boss’s Day (US)
  157. : Restart A Heart Day (International)
  158. : World Food Day (International)
  159. : National Mammography Day (US)
  160. : Global Cat Day (International)
  161. : International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (UK)
  162. : Sweetest Day (US)
  163. : Adventure Day (International)
  164. : Under The Hard Hat Day (International)
  165. : Azerbaijan Restoration of Independence Day (International)
  166. : Anti Slavery Day (UK)
  167. : World Menopause Awareness Day (International)
  168. : Necktie Day (International)
  169. : International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (International)
  170. : Epilepsy Action tea and cake fundraiser: plan your own event (UK)
  171. : International Gin and Tonic Day (Australia)
  172. : World Sand Dune Day (International)
  173. : National Adoption Week (International)
  174. : World Osteoporosis Day (Australia)
  175. : International Sloth Day (Australia)
  176. : International Chefs Day (International)
  177. : National Day on Writing (US)
  178. : National Sasquatch Awareness Day (US)
  179. : Apple Day (UK)
  180. : Reptile Awareness Day (Australia)
  181. : World Earthworm Day (International)
  182. : National Honey Day (UK)
  183. : International Pronouns Day (International)
  184. : Global Ethics Day (International)
  185. : International Stammering /Stuttering Awareness Day (Australia)
  186. : Post Polio Syndrome Day (UK)
  187. : International Stammering Awareness Day (Australia)
  188. : National Nut Day (US)
  189. : International Wombat Day (Australia)
  190. : Hungary — Hungarian National Day (23 October) (International)
  191. : International Day of the Snow Leopard (International)
  192. : Wear It Pink (International)
  193. : National Croc Day (US)
  194. : Zambia — Independence Day (International)
  195. : World Development Information Day (International)
  196. : Food Day in the USA (US)
  197. : World Polio Day (Australia)
  198. : International Day of Climate Action: 24 October anniversary (International)
  199. : United Nations Day (International)
  200. : Disarmament Week (International)
  201. : Global Media and Information Literacy Week (International)
  202. : International Brain Tumour Awareness Week (Australia)
  203. : Kazakhstan — Republic Day (International)
  204. : National Pension Tracing Day (UK)
  205. : International Artist Day (International)
  206. : Crisp Sandwich Day (UK)
  207. : National Tight Ends Day (US)
  208. : British Summertime Ends (UK)
  209. : Intersex Awareness Day (International)
  210. : Labour Day in New Zealand (International)
  211. : Austrian National Day (International)
  212. : Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — Independence Day (International)
  213. : National Black Cat Day (International)
  214. : National Cheese Toastie Day (UK)
  215. : Navy Day in the United States (International)
  216. : National Mentoring Day (International)
  217. : World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (International)
  218. : National Chocolate Day (US)
  219. : Czech Independence Day (International)
  220. : Ohi Day (International)
  221. : Turkiye — Republic Day (International)
  222. : National Cat Day (US)
  223. : World Psoriasis Day (Australia)
  224. : International Day of Care and Support (International)
  225. : Mischief Night (Australia)
  226. : World Online Networking Day (Australia)
  227. : World Cities Day (International)
  228. : Halloween (Australia)
  229. : World Savings Day (International)
  230. : National Unity Day (International)
  231. : Museums at Night: museum late visits in (UK)
1 Oct1 OctThursdayCountry National DaysInternationalNigeria — Independence DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayCountry National DaysInternationalPalau — Independence DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayCountry National DaysInternationalTuvalu — Independence DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayEnvironmentAustraliaWorld Vegetarian DayAustralia · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayCommunityInternationalInternational Day of Older Persons 2026International · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayOctober Awareness DaysUKNational Poetry Day 2026UK · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayFood & NutritionAustraliaInternational Coffee Day 2026Australia · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayHealth & WellbeingAustraliaNational Longevity DayAustralia · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayFood & NutritionUSNational Pumpkin Spice DayUS · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayFun & QuirkyUSNational Hair DayUS · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayArts & CultureInternationalInternational Music DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayGlobal & NationalInternationalCyprus Independence DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct
1 Oct1 OctThursdayAnimals & WildlifeInternationalInternational Raccoon Appreciation DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayGlobal & NationalInternationalChina, People’s Republic of – National DayInternational · Thu 1 Oct1 Oct1 OctThursdayReligious & FaithUSBring Your Bible to School DayUS · Thu 1 Oct1–7 OctWeek1 Oct to 7 OctWeekOctober Awareness DaysAustraliaInternational Babywearing Week 2026Australia · 1–7 Oct1–7 OctWeek1 Oct to 7 OctWeekFood & NutritionInternationalNational Vegetarian Week 2026International · 1–7 Oct1–7 OctWeek1 Oct to 7 OctWeekArts & CultureInternationalWorld Black Beauty Innovation Week 2026International · 1–7 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayCancerInternationalLee National Denim Day 2026International · Fri 2 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayCommunityInternationalWorld Smile Day 2026International · Fri 2 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayAnimals & WildlifeUKCanine Companion DayUK · Fri 2 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayScience & TechnologyInternationalAudiophile DayInternational · Fri 2 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayGlobal & NationalInternationalGandhi JayantiInternational · Fri 2 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayBusiness & FinanceUSManufacturing DayUS · Fri 2 Oct
2 Oct2 OctFridayGlobal & NationalInternationalInternational Day of Non-ViolenceInternational · Fri 2 Oct2 Oct2 OctFridayGlobal & NationalInternationalGuinea – Independence DayInternational · Fri 2 Oct3 Oct3 OctSaturdayCountry National DaysInternationalGermany — Day of German UnityInternational · Sat 3 Oct3 Oct3 OctSaturdayCountry National DaysInternationalSouth Korea — National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol)International · Sat 3 Oct3 Oct3 OctSaturdayFun & QuirkyUSNational Boyfriend Day 2026US · Sat 3 Oct3 Oct3 OctSaturdayGlobal & NationalInternationalIraq – Independence DayInternational · Sat 3 Oct3 Oct3 OctSaturdayFun & QuirkyUSMean Girls DayUS · Sat 3 Oct3 Oct3 OctSaturdayEnvironmentInternationalBritish Carrot Day 2026International · Sat 3 Oct3–4 Oct3 Oct to 4 OctOctober Awareness DaysUKNational Brunch Weekend 2026UK · 3–4 Oct4 Oct4 OctSundayCountry National DaysInternationalLesotho — Independence DayInternational · Sun 4 Oct4 Oct4 OctSundayOctober Awareness DaysUSNational Vodka Day in the USA 2026US · Sun 4 Oct4 Oct4 OctSundayEnvironmentInternationalNo Disposable Cup Day 2026International · Sun 4 Oct
4 Oct4 OctSundayOctober Awareness DaysAustraliaWorld Animal Day 2026Australia · Sun 4 Oct4 Oct4 OctSundayFun & QuirkyUSNational Good Buddy DayUS · Sun 4 Oct4 Oct4 OctSundayFood & NutritionUSNational Cinnamon Roll DayUS · Sun 4 Oct4–10 OctWeek4 Oct to 10 OctWeekOctober Awareness DaysAustraliaWorld Space Week 2026Australia · 4–10 Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayCommunityInternationalBullying Prevention Awareness Day USA 2026International · Mon 5 Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayHealth & WellbeingInternationalChild Health Day 2026International · Mon 5 Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayDisability AwarenessInternationalInternational Dysgraphia Awareness Day (IDAD) 2026International · Mon 5 Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayEnvironmentInternationalWorld Habitat Day 2026International · Mon 5 Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayOctober Awareness DaysAustraliaWorld Teachers Day 2026Australia · Mon 5 Oct5Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayArts & CultureInternationalGlobal James Bond DayInternational · Mon 5 Oct5 Oct5 OctMondayFun & QuirkyInternationalBalloons Around the World DayInternational · Mon 5 Oct5–9 OctWeek5 Oct to 9 OctWeekEducation & YouthInternationalCycle To School Week 2026International · 5–9 Oct
5–9 OctWeek5 Oct to 9 OctWeekBusiness & FinanceInternationalNational Work Life Week 2026International · 5–9 Oct5–9 OctWeek5 Oct to 9 OctWeekCommunityInternationalNSPCC’s Kindness Challenge 2026International · 5–9 Oct5–9 OctWeek5 Oct to 9 OctWeekHealth & WellbeingInternationalPublic Health Workforce Week 2026International · 5–9 Oct5–9 OctWeek5 Oct to 9 OctWeekHealth & WellbeingInternationalInternational Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) 2026International · 5–9 Oct5–10 OctWeek5 Oct to 10 OctWeekHealth & WellbeingUKBackcare Awareness Week 2026UK · 5–10 Oct5–11 OctWeek5 Oct to 11 OctWeekDisability AwarenessAustraliaDyslexia Awareness Week 2026Australia · 5–11 Oct5–11 OctWeek5 Oct to 11 OctWeekFood & NutritionUKNational Curry Week 2026UK · 5–11 Oct5–11 OctWeek5 Oct to 11 OctWeekHealth & WellbeingUKNational Hygiene WeekUK · 5–11 Oct6 Oct6 OctTuesdayAnimals & WildlifeUKNational Badger Day 2026UK · Tue 6 Oct6 Oct6 OctTuesdayFood & NutritionUSNational Taco Day 2026US · Tue 6 Oct6 Oct6 OctTuesdayDisability AwarenessAustraliaWorld Cerebral Palsy Day 2027Australia · Tue 6 Oct6 Oct6 OctTuesdayEducation & YouthUSNational Coaches DayUS · Tue 6 Oct

Plan your October content

Content planning tools and templates for 2027: editorial calendars, Google Sheets, Excel, calendar feeds and printable calendars. The rest of 2026 is included.

Get the full 2027 calendar, £39/year

Planning content for October? See the key dates on the marketing calendar and the lighter days on the social media holidays list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What national days are in October 2026?+

There are 231 national days, awareness days, and observances in October 2026. This includes 169 single-day events, 26 awareness weeks, and 36 awareness months covering health, community, food, education, and more.

What awareness month is October?+

October 2026 is home to 36 awareness months and month-long campaigns. Browse the full list above to discover all the causes and observances being marked throughout the month.

What holidays and special days are in October?+

October 2026 includes 169 single-day events, 26 awareness weeks, and 36 awareness months. These range from international observances and national days to fun and quirky celebrations.

How many awareness days are in October?+

There are 231 total awareness events in October 2026. This includes national days, international observances, awareness weeks, and month-long campaigns. Awareness Days maintains one of the most comprehensive calendars of these events.

What is October known for?+

October is known for 231 awareness days and national observances. It is a key month for awareness campaigns, with 36 month-long observances and 26 awareness weeks running alongside 169 individual days.