Wednesday
October 21, 2026
21 holidays and observances fall on this day.
International Day of the Nacho
International Day of the Nacho, celebrated annually on October 21st, is a tribute to the snack that has captured the hearts of people worldwide.
Global Dignity Day
Global Dignity Day is an international observance that inspires reflection on human worth and empowers communities to uplift dignity everywhere.
Overseas Chinese (Taiwan) Day
Overseas Chinese Day on October 21 honours diaspora Chinese connected to Taiwan and their cultural heritage.
Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day
Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day on October 21 raises awareness of iodine’s vital role in health and development.
International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week raises awareness about stopping infections. Learn its history, importance, and ways to celebrate in October.
Back to the Future Day
Back to the Future Day celebrates the date when Marty McFly and Doc Brown reach the future, revisiting imagination, tech predictions, and fandom.
National Apple Day
National Apple Day (October 21) is a celebration of apple diversity, orchards, and cultural connection through food.
Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month in October celebrates the history, contributions, and stories of Filipino Americans—from first arrivals to modern day leaders.
National Reptile Day
National Reptile Day on October 21 celebrates and educates about reptiles and their vital role in nature.
National BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day
Learn how National BRA Day (third Wednesday in October) raises awareness of breast reconstruction and supports informed patient choices.
Hagfish Day
Celebrate Hagfish Day, on the third Wednesday in October, by learning, creating, and appreciating these strange but ecologically vital creatures.
Pronouns Day
A friendly guide to Pronouns Day, observed on the 3rd Wednesday of October, promoting respectful use and understanding of personal pronouns.
National Pets for Veterans Day
National Pets for Veterans Day on October 21 honours veterans and the healing power of pets.
Babbling Day
Babbling Day on October 21 celebrates saying, listening and connecting through free‑flowing conversation.
Celebration of the Mind Day
Celebration of the Mind Day on October 21 celebrates playful thinking, puzzles and curiosity.
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day (October 21) celebrates the rich fusion of cheesecake and pumpkin in seasonal dessert form.
National Witch Hazel Day
National Witch Hazel Day on October 21 honours the plant’s role in natural care and invites thoughtful wellness.
Count Your Buttons Day
Count Your Buttons Day on October 21 is a fun reminder to notice and appreciate the tiny things that keep life together.
National Check Your Meds Day
National Check Your Meds Day on October 21 encourages reviewing medications to improve safety and health awareness.
Garbanzo Bean Day
Garbanzo Bean Day on October 21 celebrates the nutritious and versatile garbanzo bean and invites creativity in how we eat and cook it.
Seed Gathering Season
Seed Gathering Season starts September 23, a month to collect seeds from trees and plants for conservation. Learn history, importance, and how to join.
Already under way
Weeks and months that began earlier and are still running today.
National Health Education Week
National Health Education Week is held during the third full week of October, promoting health education, public awareness, and community engagement in wellness.
National Healthcare Quality Week
National Healthcare Quality Week highlights the work of healthcare quality professionals and promotes excellence in patient care and safety improvement.
National Retirement Security Week
National Retirement Security Week encourages individuals and organizations to prioritize retirement planning, boost savings, and increase awareness of retirement readiness.
Pharmacy Week
Pharmacy Week celebrates the contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy teams while promoting safe medication use, public health, and pharmacy services.
National Veterinary Technician Week
National Veterinary Technician Week (third week of October) celebrates the essential role of vet techs in animal care, recognizing their skills, compassion, and dedication to veterinary healthcare.
National Wolf Awareness Week
National Wolf Awareness Week celebrates wolves, raises awareness of their ecological role and threats, and promotes conservation, education, and coexistence efforts.
National Temperature Check Week
National Temperature Check Week encourages regular body temperature monitoring, awareness of health changes, and preventative self‑care practices.
Coming up next
International Stuttering Awareness Day
International Stuttering Awareness Day raises awareness of stuttering, supports those who stutter and promotes inclusive communication.
International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week raises awareness about stopping infections. Learn its history, importance, and ways to celebrate in October.
National Nut Day
National Nut Day (October 22) celebrates the health, flavour and global story of nuts—encouraging smarter snacking and food appreciation.
Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month in October celebrates the history, contributions, and stories of Filipino Americans—from first arrivals to modern day leaders.
National Make a Dog’s Day
National Make a Dog’s Day is all about showing extra love to your dog and supporting shelter dogs still waiting for a home.
Clean Up the Earth Day
Clean Up the Earth Day invites everyone to take action - clean a space, collect litter, and build lasting habits toward a cleaner, healthier environment.
National Health Education Week
National Health Education Week is held during the third full week of October, promoting health education, public awareness, and community engagement in wellness.
National Healthcare Quality Week
National Healthcare Quality Week highlights the work of healthcare quality professionals and promotes excellence in patient care and safety improvement.