October 2026 Holidays Worldwide
Complete list of holidays and observances around the globe
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International Day of Older Persons
UN observance that recognizes the contributions of older persons and raises awareness about issues affecting the elderly. The day is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the issues and challenges of ageing in today's world.
UN observance, not a public holiday
International Day of Non-Violence
UN observance that promotes non-violence through education and public awareness. The day coincides with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
UN observance, not a public holiday
Gandhi Jayanti
National holiday in India commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on October 2, 1869. The day is marked by prayer services, commemorative ceremonies, and cultural activities in schools and government institutions.
National holiday in India
German Unity Day
National holiday in Germany commemorating the anniversary of German reunification in 1990. The day celebrates the reunification of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, which had been divided since 1949.
National holiday in Germany
World Teachers' Day
UNESCO observance that celebrates the role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels. The day aims to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
UNESCO observance, not a public holiday
World Post Day
Celebrates the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874. The day aims to raise awareness about the role of the postal sector in people's and businesses' everyday lives and its contribution to global social and economic development.
Observance, not a public holiday
World Mental Health Day
WHO observance that raises awareness about mental health issues around the world and mobilizes efforts in support of mental health. The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
WHO observance, not a public holiday
International Day of the Girl Child
UN observance that promotes girls' rights and highlights gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys. The day aims to focus attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
UN observance, not a public holiday
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day
Federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. In recent years, many states and cities have chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, which honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.
Federal holiday in the United States
World Arthritis Day
Raises awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The day aims to help people with these conditions to take action to improve their quality of life.
Observance, not a public holiday
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
UN observance that promotes a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. The day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.
UN observance, not a public holiday
World Standards Day
Raises awareness about the importance of standardization to the global economy. The day pays tribute to the collaborative efforts of thousands of experts worldwide who develop voluntary technical agreements that are published as International Standards.
Observance, not a public holiday
Global Handwashing Day
Raises awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.
Observance, not a public holiday
World Food Day
FAO observance that raises awareness about hunger and the need for food security and nutritious diets for all. The day promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.
FAO observance, not a public holiday
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
UN observance that promotes awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. The day presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.
UN observance, not a public holiday
World Statistics Day
UN observance that recognizes the importance of reliable, timely statistics and the work of statisticians. The day aims to show that good data and statistics are indispensable for informed decision-making by all actors in society.
UN observance, not a public holiday
United Nations Day
Commemorates the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. The day has been celebrated since 1948 and marks the official anniversary of the United Nations.
UN observance, not a public holiday
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
UNESCO observance that raises awareness about the importance of audiovisual documents and the need for their preservation. The day provides an opportunity to raise general awareness of the need to take urgent measures and to acknowledge the importance of audiovisual documents.
UNESCO observance, not a public holiday
World Stroke Day
Raises awareness about stroke and stroke prevention. The day provides an opportunity to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors.
Observance, not a public holiday
World Cities Day
UN observance that promotes the international community's interest in global urbanization, pushes forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributes to sustainable urban development around the world.
UN observance, not a public holiday
Halloween
Celebration observed in many countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
Observance, not a public holiday
October Monthly Observances
Month-long awareness campaigns and celebrations
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Raises awareness about breast cancer, promotes mammography as the most effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages, and raises funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and encourages individuals and organizations to take steps to enhance their cybersecurity posture. The month is sponsored by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).
National Bullying Prevention Month
Raises awareness about bullying and encourages communities to work together to prevent bullying. The month was initiated by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Raises awareness about domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The month provides an opportunity to educate the public about domestic violence and the resources available to help victims.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. The month is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15)
Celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation starts on September 15, the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
National Pizza Month
Celebrates one of America's favorite foods. The month was created in 1984 by Gerry Durnell, the publisher of Pizza Today magazine.
National Apple Month
Promotes apples and apple products. The month was established in 1904 as National Apple Week and was expanded to the entire month of October in 1996.
October Weekly Observances
Special weeks celebrated during October
National Fire Prevention Week (Week with October 9)
Raises awareness about fire safety and commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The week includes activities to educate the public about fire prevention and safety.
National School Lunch Week (Second Week)
Celebrates the benefits of the National School Lunch Program, which provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
National Teen Driver Safety Week (Third Week)
Raises awareness about teen driver safety and encourages parents to talk to their teens about safe driving practices. The week was established by Congress in 2007.
National Chemistry Week (Fourth Week)
Encourages chemists and chemistry enthusiasts to build awareness of chemistry at the local level. The week is organized by the American Chemical Society and features educational events and activities for all ages.
October 2026 Calendar Downloads
Free printable October calendars with holidays
October 2026 Calendar with Holidays
Standard monthly calendar with all major holidays and observances marked. Perfect for planning your month.
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October 2026 Printable Calendar with Notes
Monthly calendar with extra space for notes and reminders. Ideal for tracking appointments and tasks.
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October 2026 Calendar Landscape
Horizontal layout calendar with holidays. Great for desk planning or wall display.
DownloadNeed a Custom October Calendar?
Create a personalized October 2026 calendar with your own events, holidays, and design preferences.