World Smile Day 2026

When is World Smile Day?

World Smile Day is observed on the first Friday of October each year. In 2026 it falls on Friday 2 October. In 2027 it falls on Friday 1 October.

How to get involved

1. Share smiles: Start your day with a smile and share it with everyone you meet, from family and friends to strangers.
2. Perform acts of kindness: Give a compliment, help someone out, or do something small to brighten someone’s day.
3. Organise a community activity: Host a workshop, event, or activity that promotes happiness and positivity in your workplace, school, or community.
4. Create smile art: Express your creativity by making artwork, posters, or cards featuring the smiley face and share them with those around you.
5. Support a cause: Consider donating to or volunteering with organisations that provide dental care or support to people who would benefit from access to services that help them smile with confidence.
6. Share your story: Share a moment when a smile made a real difference on social media using #WorldSmileDay.

History of World Smile Day

Harvey Ball created the smiley face in 1963 for an insurance company’s morale campaign. It became one of the most recognised symbols in the world. Ball, troubled by the commercialisation of his design, created World Smile Day in 1999 as a way to return the smiley face to its original purpose: encouraging people to smile and do a kind act. The Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation carries on his work, with proceeds going to children’s charities.