National Bandana Day
October 29
About National Bandana Day
National Bandanna Day is Australia’s flagship fundraising and awareness campaign run by the charity Canteen, supporting young people aged 12 to 25 who are impacted by cancer. People across the country wear and sell colourful bandannas to raise money and show solidarity. Held on the last Thursday of October each year, National Bandanna Day in 2026 takes place on Thursday, 29 October.
What is National Bandanna Day?
National Bandanna Day is the signature fundraising event of Canteen, an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides free, tailored support to young people affected by cancer, whether through their own diagnosis, that of a family member, or bereavement. The bandanna has long been a symbol of support within the Canteen community, and on this day Australians buy and wear bandannas to raise vital funds and stand in solidarity with young people whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer. The money raised pays for counselling, peer-support programmes, and a round-the-clock online service.
When is National Bandanna Day?
National Bandanna Day is held on the last Thursday of October each year. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, 29 October. Because the date is tied to a particular Thursday rather than a fixed calendar date, it changes slightly from year to year, though the wider campaign and bandanna sales run throughout October. The table below shows the dates for the coming years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, 29 October |
| 2027 | Thursday, 28 October |
| 2028 | Thursday, 26 October |
| 2029 | Thursday, 25 October |
| 2030 | Thursday, 31 October |
Why National Bandanna Day Matters
A cancer diagnosis is devastating at any age, but for young people it strikes during the formative years of education, early careers, and growing independence. Canteen exists to help them cope, offering specialist counselling and connecting them with others who understand what they are going through. National Bandanna Day is the charity’s most important fundraiser, and the sums involved are significant. Since the campaign began in 1994, it has raised more than $35 million to support young Australians impacted by cancer.
The day matters because that money translates directly into services: professional counselling, peer-support programmes that reduce isolation, and a 24/7 online platform that young people can turn to at any hour. By wearing a bandanna, supporters not only contribute financially but also help start conversations and reduce the loneliness that so often accompanies a diagnosis. It is a simple, visible act of solidarity that carries real weight.
How to Get Involved in National Bandanna Day
There are plenty of ways to support the campaign and the young people it helps:
- Buy and wear a bandanna – Purchase an official Canteen bandanna and wear it with pride on the day to show your support and spark conversations.
- Register to sell bandannas – Sign up through Canteen to sell bandannas at your workplace, school, or community group and return the proceeds to the charity.
- Host a fundraising event – Organise a morning tea, dress-up day, or sponsored activity with a bandanna theme.
- Donate directly – If you cannot take part in person, a direct donation to Canteen still makes a difference.
- Get your workplace involved – Encourage your employer to back the campaign with a team fundraiser or matched giving.
- Spread the word on social media – Share photos of your bandanna and tag Canteen to widen the campaign’s reach.
- Volunteer your time – Help distribute bandannas or support local fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the day.
History of National Bandanna Day
National Bandanna Day began in 1994, making 2026 the campaign’s 32nd year. From the outset, the bandanna was chosen as a recognisable symbol of support for young people living with cancer, many of whom experienced hair loss during treatment. Over the decades the campaign grew from a modest beginning into Canteen’s flagship national fundraiser.
By its 20th anniversary in 2014, Bandanna Day had raised more than $30 million through the sale of over 5.5 million bandannas and accompanying donations. The total has since climbed past $35 million. Each year the design of the bandanna changes, often created in collaboration with artists or young people supported by the charity, giving supporters a fresh reason to take part.
Canteen itself has provided support to young Australians affected by cancer for four decades, and Bandanna Day remains the centrepiece of its fundraising calendar, sustaining the services that thousands of young people rely on every year.
Noteworthy Facts About National Bandanna Day
- National Bandanna Day began in 1994 and reaches its 32nd year in 2026.
- The campaign has raised more than $35 million to support young people impacted by cancer.
- By its 20th anniversary, over 5.5 million bandannas had been sold.
- Canteen supports young people aged 12 to 25 affected by cancer.
- Funds raised pay for counselling, peer-support programmes, and a 24/7 online support service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Bandanna Day?
National Bandanna Day is Canteen’s flagship Australian fundraising and awareness campaign, in which people buy and wear bandannas to support young people aged 12 to 25 impacted by cancer.
When is National Bandanna Day in 2026?
National Bandanna Day falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026, the last Thursday of the month.
Who organises National Bandanna Day?
The campaign is run by Canteen, an Australian not-for-profit that has supported young people affected by cancer for four decades.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Bandanna Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #BandannaDay and #BandannaDay2026 on social media. Whether you wear a bandanna, sell a few, or simply donate, every bit of support helps young people find life in the face of cancer.
Related Awareness Days
- World Whale Day – Another cause that brings communities together to support a shared goal.
- National Leif Erikson Day – A heritage observance held earlier in October.
- National New Friends Day – Celebrates the connection and solidarity that sit at the heart of community fundraising.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash.
2026 Health Awareness Calendar
Health and wellbeing awareness days throughout the year. Perfect for clinics, HR teams, and schools.
View Calendar →
