International Off-Road Day
October 3
About International Off-Road Day
International Off-Road Day is an annual celebration of off-roading and the people who live for time on the trails. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, 3 October, the first Saturday of the month. Presented by Can-Am Off-Road, the day encourages riders worldwide to head out on ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, 4x4s and other off-highway vehicles, and to share the adventure with their communities.
How to Celebrate International Off-Road Day
The whole point of the day is to get outside and ride, so the best way to mark it is to put the wheels to the dirt. Here are some ideas:
- Plan a trail ride – Map out a route on legal, designated off-highway vehicle trails near you and spend the day exploring. Local riding areas, forest tracks and dedicated OHV parks are good starting points.
- Invite someone new – Bring along a friend or family member who has never been off-roading and introduce them to the hobby. A passenger seat in a side-by-side is an easy, low-pressure way to get newcomers hooked.
- Join a group ride or event – Many clubs, dealerships and brands host organised rides and meet-ups on the day. Check with your local off-road community to find one near you.
- Service your vehicle – If you cannot get out on the trails, spend the day in the garage. Change the oil, check the tyres, clean the air filter and get your machine ready for the season ahead.
- Wear the right gear – Make safety part of the celebration. A helmet, goggles, gloves, long sleeves, long trousers and over-the-ankle boots should be standard kit on every ride.
- Capture and share the day – Take photos and videos of your adventure and post them on social media with the hashtag #InternationalOffRoadDay to connect with riders around the world.
- Practise responsible riding – Stay on designated trails, tread lightly, pack out your rubbish and respect other trail users. Looking after the land keeps it open for everyone.
- Support trail access – Donate to or volunteer with an organisation that maintains trails and protects access for off-highway vehicles, such as a local riding club or conservation group.
What is International Off-Road Day?
International Off-Road Day is a day dedicated to the off-road lifestyle: the places riders go, the work their vehicles help them get done, and the memories made along the way. It is open to anyone who enjoys off-highway recreation, from first-timers to lifelong enthusiasts, and across every type of machine. The day was created by Can-Am Off-Road, a brand owned by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), in partnership with the National Day Calendar, and it has become a focal point for the global off-roading community.
When is International Off-Road Day?
International Off-Road Day takes place on the first Saturday of October each year. In 2026 that is Saturday, 3 October. The date used to be fixed on 8 October, but from 2024 onwards the celebration moved to the first Saturday of the month so that more people could take part over a weekend. Because it is tied to a Saturday rather than a fixed calendar date, the day shifts slightly from year to year.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 3 October |
| 2027 | Saturday, 2 October |
| 2028 | Saturday, 7 October |
| 2029 | Saturday, 6 October |
| 2030 | Saturday, 5 October |
The History of International Off-Road Day
International Off-Road Day was launched in 2021 by Can-Am Off-Road, working alongside the National Day Calendar. The brand saw a surge of interest in off-highway recreation during the pandemic, as people looked for outdoor activities that let them get away from crowds, and wanted a single date to bring the growing community together. The inaugural day was set for 8 October, chosen because early October tends to offer good riding weather across much of the globe.
For its first three years, from 2021 through 2023, the day was observed on 8 October regardless of which weekday it fell on. Riders and organisers fed back that a fixed weekday date was awkward, since most people ride at weekends. In response, the date was moved to the first Saturday of October from 2024 onwards, giving enthusiasts a dependable weekend slot each year.
Off-roading itself has far deeper roots. Purpose-built off-road vehicles trace back to the rugged military machines of the early 20th century, and recreational off-roading grew steadily through the second half of the century as four-wheel drives, all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes became widely available. International Off-Road Day gives this long-standing pastime a dedicated moment in the calendar and a shared identity for riders across different countries and disciplines.
Fun Facts About International Off-Road Day
- The day was first celebrated in 2021 and is presented by Can-Am Off-Road, a brand of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).
- It originally fell on 8 October before moving to the first Saturday of October in 2024.
- The official hashtag is #InternationalOffRoadDay, used by riders worldwide to share trail photos and videos.
- The day covers every kind of off-highway machine, including ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and four-wheel drives.
- Organisations such as the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) promote a responsible-riding ethic around the day, emphasising safety gear and staying on designated trails.
- Because it is pegged to a Saturday, the calendar date changes every year while the spirit of the day stays the same.
Why International Off-Road Day Matters
Beyond the fun, the day champions responsible recreation and the value of access to open trails. It brings together a community that spans hobbyists, families, clubs and conservation groups, and it highlights the importance of looking after riding areas so they remain open for future generations. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, it pairs naturally with National Powersports Month, which celebrates motorised recreation more broadly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Off-Road Day?
International Off-Road Day is an annual celebration of off-roading and off-highway recreation, presented by Can-Am Off-Road. It encourages riders of all kinds to get out on the trails, share their adventures and welcome newcomers to the hobby.
When is International Off-Road Day in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 3 October 2026, the first Saturday of October.
Why did the date change from 8 October?
The day was originally held on 8 October from 2021 to 2023. From 2024 it moved to the first Saturday of October so that more people could take part over a weekend rather than on a fixed weekday.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best trail photos and videos on social media with #InternationalOffRoadDay and #InternationalOffRoadDay2026. Tag your riding buddies and challenge them to get out on the trails!
Related Awareness Days
- National Powersports Month – A month-long celebration of motorised outdoor recreation, from ATVs to personal watercraft.
- Great American Campout – Encourages people to spend a night under the stars and connect with the outdoors.
- National Canoe Day – Another outdoor adventure day, celebrating paddling and time on the water.
Links
- Visit the official International Off-Road Day page from Can-Am
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
